Choosing An ASP? Industry Association Offers Free Guide

Compiled ByDeborah Austin A free guide, available online from the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), offers decision-making help for companies considering Application Service Providers (ASPs). It outlines three steps to choosing an ASP:

• Determine which applications you want ASP-hosted.
• Assess your internal information-technology capabilities. (For example, if you can answer application questions or provide integration services, an ASP's technical services might prove to be a low priority.)
• Evaluate ASPs. If your leased application is industry-specific, you might choose an ASP specializing in your industry. If your application serves a specific enterprise function (e.g., accounting), you might choose one with that expertise.

Also included are guides to ASP services' place in the value chain; application types; assessing internal information-technology capabilities; and service level agreements. CompTIA, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., is a not-for-profit trade association.