Application Service Providers

We have had limited experience with ASPs, but regarding our single ASP:

- the cost seems much higher than the value we're getting
- the product did not fit our business model well, and so we have to spend extra effort putting less-than-important (or even redundant) information into the tool
- the ASP product was new, and the user interface was pretty terrible.
- using a browser limits you to the current screen or back. The multiple concurrent window thing that you are used to is gone.
- in general, the UI is primitive.
- the service is unavailable more often than our internal systems.
- the setup time was not quick because we had to figure out how to use it, then pilot it, then come up with standards for use, etc. This took a couple of months.

There really aren't any positives except for the fact that it was probably quicker to adopt the ASP than to develop a system from scratch, although some people felt that we could have modified an existing system just as quick.

The bad:
- Poor or difficult user interface (although this is highly subjective)
- Web browsers crash a lot, quite annoying but not the ASP fault
- Slow network days can be terrible if trying to present something from the ASP during a meeting

The Good:
- Information is often extremely valuable and fast (real-time monitoring and updates are great)
- User interface is often very customizable and for a little cash you can get it changed to your way, or if you are on the other end change itquickly for a client
- Clears my schedule. Anytime you can outsource something the better. ASP's are often a faster solution.
- Accessibility is quite nice for me when I travel and for certain work-aholics in our company who have been known to work on vacation while their wife is napping.
- Sometimes cost. I put it in good because often I just need the tool for a short period of time and "renting" it is way cheaper than buying or writing it.