FINANCIALjobs.com presents:
FINANCIAL WEB
By Dana Petri
As
Easy as ASP....
The new buzzword in the business world is ASP, or to those of you still in the prehistoric
age--Application Service Providers. What is it and how will it affect you? Here’s a
quick rundown:
ASPs are revolutionizing the corporate world by delivering a new computing model to businesses. Specifically, they allow companies to increase productivity in a cost-effective way by providing the latest applications to employees through a web browser. ASPs allow co-workers to collaborate and share files and knowledge from just about anywhere that has a web browser. Workers love the accessibility and companies love the cost effectiveness. The ASPs offer the latest versions of software for rent, and they provide the server, which is accessed only by authenticated users via the Internet. Companies no longer have to buy licenses for new software or worry about backing up data—this is the job of the ASP.
Most ASPs provide the implementation, operational and support services necessary to gain a competitive advantage in terms of each company’s goals. Usually, there is a one-time activation fee and either a monthly corporate account maintenance fee or a per user monthly fee. These fees allow the ASPs to provide the services and software vital to a company’s success.
How big is the ASP revolution? According to technology analysts from International Data Corp. (IDC), "By 2004, spending on ASP services worldwide will skyrocket to $7.7 billion, up from about $296 million spent in 1999." So, jump on the bandwagon and take a look at these sites for more info:
www.aspindustry.org – presents industry news, events, community, and morewww.webharbor.com – provides corporate and individual users with tons of information on the ASP marketplace www.aspstreet.com – focuses on news, events, publications, and other information about the ASP industry.
Dana Petri, MBA, is a
cost/financial analyst with a major Aircraft Corporation. Although she specializes in the
manufacturing field, Dana has several years of experience in the public, private and
government/nonprofit accounting sectors. She is an active member of
the IMA and AICPA and volunteers in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
program. In her spare time, she does consulting work and will begin teaching
business courses in the Spring.. Write her with
questions, comments, or requests for research on your own favorite topics in the Financial
Web: dpetri@fjadnet.com