What is an ASP?

An ASP, or application service provider, is a third-party service firm, which deploys, manages and remotely hosts a pre-packaged software application through centrally located servers in a "rental" or lease arrangement. In exchange for accessing the application, the client renders rental-like payments.

The ASP Consortium offers this definition: "An ASP manages and delivers application capabilities to multiple entities from a data center across a wide area network."

What is the history of ASP?

In the early days of mainframes and data processing, time-sharing of mainframe systems was common. Instead of owning a computer, a business rented time and access to applications running on a centralized mainframe. Concerns about service and maintenance were virtually nonexistent. There were no worries about supporting problems with desktop applications, configuring servers or managing installations and upgrades.

Once again, a business may rent access to applications, paying for time and resources using the same centralized computing model by working with an ASP. Rather than setting up software and equipment, a business can simply rent access to the application and the infrastructure from an ASP and let them take care of the technology. Just log on and run the applications.

Is hosting software more or less expensive than local installation?

Hosting from ScionASP costs the same or even less than a traditional installation. Hosting eliminates the need for expensive IT resources.

Is it true that only newly licensed software can be hosted?

No. Existing and new licenses can be hosted.

Do applications run slower when hosted?

No. Application execution is comparable to or better than traditionally installed software, with properly provisioned connectivity.

Does an ASP approach allow for email integration?

Yes. Whether you use MAPI or POP mail, ScionASP can integrate your email.