Application Service Provider Business Model

An Application Service Provider (ASP) is a company that offers individuals or enterprises access over the Internet to applications and related services that would otherwise have to be located in their own personal or enterprise computers.

Austin Computing Solutions (ACS) locates its ASP infrastructure within an XO Internet data center facility equipped with the following state-of-the-art features:

• Internet connections via redundant OC-192 lines and XO Tier 1 optical backbone
• Highest standards of reliability through uninterruptible power supplies, diesel generators, redundant temperature controls and fire suppression systems
  
• Physical security features include 24-hour onsite security guard, motion detectors, security cameras, individually keyed cabinets, biometric scanners and card-key access

ACS has developed and

• Lower cost of management and operations. Since the task of managing and running the application on an on-going basis is off-loaded to the ASP provider, the customer does not need to hire and train in-house staff to manage the application.

• Quicker implementation. ASP-delivered enterprise applications can often reduce the complexity of installing a new system. In addition to removing many issues relating to hardware and networking, your system is always at the most current level of software - no more upgrade hassles!

• Focus on business, not technology. Since the ASP will also be providing application management services, the customer gains access to trained personnel right away. This enables the customer to use the in-house IT personnel to solve core IT issues and focus on the strategy of the enterprise.

• Keep current on the latest technology. Customers can automatically leverage the latest technology in their system without incremental upgrade expense or the hassles of upgrading the system themselves.

• Predictability of costs. One of the benefits of the ASP model is that costs are fixed and can be calculated easily throughout the year, which makes it easier to budget accordingly.

• Affordable and available. Applications that have traditionally been reserved for the largest companies in the world are now more affordable and available to companies of all sizes.

• Ongoing service and reliability. Once a web developer is finished with your project, he will be paid for his services and then go on to his next project. The goal of the ASP model is to provide customers with a reliable application through ongoing customer service and support at a fixed monthly cost.

• Security Measures. Security is the primary concern when dealing with private and sensitive information over the Internet. Our approach to security is to "deny all except that which is specifically allowed". This concept is implemented throughout our Security Model, which we consider to be an ongoing process.