The Application Service Provider Market: A Guide for Navy Line Managers

This study explores the use of application service providers ASP as an alternative to the traditional practices of procuring, managing and maintaining software applications and the associated hardware infrastructure. The ASP model is a method of outsourcing that calls for an ASP to manage in one concise service the acquisition, and management of all hardware and software required to meet the end-users needs. This includes all elements of support including configuration management and maintenance. The customer purchases this service on a subscription basis. The findings show that ASPs have the potential to be a viable and financially stable solution in meeting the Navys and the federal governments need of reduce the complexity and cost of delivering software applications. However, a cost and benefit analysis should be performed to verify the final costs prior to any implementation. Further, the enabling thin client and server-based computing technologies all show they can provide benefits for an organization interested in centrally managing and maintaining applications.