What Does Application Service Provider (ASP) Mean?
An application service provider (ASP) is a vendor that provides individual users – or an entire enterprise – with software applications over a network, usually a local area network (LAN) or an LAN with internet access. The provided software may be referred to as software as a service, apps on tap, or on-demand software. One of the most basic forms of ASP is a vendor that provides access to a particular application software using HTTP protocol.
Techopedia Explains Application Service Provider (ASP)
An ASP is an alternative to the repetitive and costly process of installing the same software application on many individual computers or network stations, and using local hard drive space to install those applications. An additional benefit is that software upgrades are often automatic, and the ASP often agrees to provide technical support and security for its software. With an adequately fast network connection, an ASP can support business continuity and flexible working hours.