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Internet (ASP) vs Enterprise Workforce Solution
Index
- Definition of ASP's
- Benefits of the ASP Model
- Benefits of the Enterprise Model
- Hybrid Applications - Combining the Benefits
- Comparing the True Cost of Ownership
Definition of ASP's
The ASP (Applications Service Provider) is a relatively new software architecture, having become viable only since the late eighties, with the widespread availability of high speed internet access. An ASP is a third party entity that deploys, hosts and manages access to a packaged application and delivers software-based services and solutions to customers across a wide area network from a central data center.
Applications are delivered over networks on a subscription or rental basis. In essence, ASPs are a way for companies to outsource some or almost all aspects of their information technology needs. ASPnews.com breaks the industry into five subcategories:
| Enterprise ASPs |
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Deliver high-end business applications, such as turnkey CRM applications. |
| Local/Regional ASPs |
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Supply wide variety of application services for smaller businesses in a local area. |
| Specialist ASPs |
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Provide applications for a specific need, such as Web site services, wireless communications or human resources. |
| Vertical Market ASPs |
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Provide support to a specific industry such as healthcare, transportation, etc. |
| Volume Business ASPs |
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Supply general small/medium-sized businesses with prepackaged application services in volume. |
Perhaps one of the best and most easily understood comparisons between an ASP and an installed Desktop application would be readily available virus scanning software, now running on most everyone's PC.
Only 2 or 3 years ago, the only choice for PC virus protection came in the form of a disk or CD that each user would purchase outright, then load onto his or her computer. Whether being installed as a Desktop Application on a single PC for home use or as an Enterprise Application for use on multiple PC's on a business PC network, the end user was primarily responsible for installing, maintaining and upgrading the software.
Today, there is another choice that is becoming rapidly popular, whereby an individual or business can purchase virus scanning software in an ASP format. In this case, the application is not purchased outright, but "rented" on a subscription basis for a period of time. By providing a centrally hosted internet application, the service provider takes primary responsibility for managing the software application on their centralized infrastructure, using the internet as the conduit between each customer and the primary software application. The ASP instructs each customer's PC when an upgrade is required, simplifying and automating maintenance of the software for the customer.
Located in Sunnyvale, CA, McAfee.com is the world's leading security Application Service Provider (ASP), with over 1.5 million paid subscribers from over 200 countries worldwide. By hosting Web-based applications for PC users, the company has virtually eliminated the need to install, configure and manage security technology on a local PC or network.
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