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Application Service Provider (ASP)

IBM offers the full gamut of ASP solutions

The advent of hosted applications, has brought with it the fact that working in an ASP model means different things to different people. 

For this reason IBM offers full service ASPs like that of the IBM J.D. Edwards ASP or the IBM CRM ASP, which are intended for companies interested in purchasing a specific application functionality managed and hosted from IBM's world class facilities. This type of offer includes a full complement of services such as: 

  • Implementation Services,
  • Hosting,
  • Application Management,
  • and Help Desk.

At the other end of the spectrum IBM has intensive programs to assist software developers, or service providers set up their own ASP services. Further information on this type of offering can be located at www.ibm.com/services/webhosting/asp.html

So what is an ASP, anyways?

According to IDC, ASP are services offered by firms that provide a contractual service offering to deploy, host, manage and enhance what is usually a packaged software application, most commonly from a centrally managed facility. 

Applications are accessed through an Internet browser remotely, over the Internet or leased lines. 

The value of the ASP model is embedded in the ability to leverage the power of the Internet along with applications designed: 

  • to allow customers to take their products and services to market faster;
  • to communicate more quickly with customers and suppliers;
  • and as a result to change the way businesses operate in the network economy. 

ASP Industry Consortium

ASPIBM is a founding member and active member of the ASP Industry Consortium. The ASP Industry Consortium is an international advocacy group formed to promote the application service provider industry by sponsoring research and articulating the strategic and measurable benefits of this evolving delivery model.

The goals of the organization are to: 

  • Educate the marketplace 
  • Develop common definitions for the industry 
  • Serve as a forum for discussion about the industry 
  • Sponsor research in the industry 
  • Foster open standards and guidelines
  • Promote best practices 

The ASP Industry Consortium was formed in May 1999 by 25 leading technology companies. They saw a common need for promoting greater understanding of the fast-emerging application service provider industry and for establishing guidelines for ASP business practices.

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