Application Service Provider (ASP)
Newest Trend in Agency Automation
Presented by Mark Parrish www.ajasent.com mparrish@ajasent.com 318-397-2527
What is ASP?
An ASP is a company that hosts applications on centralized servers. Simply, ASPs are companies that remotely host, manage and deliver computer applications from an offsite location. ASPs exist to reduce or replace the ever-growing IT infrastructure that has taken up substantial resources at larger companies and has created a gulf between them and smaller companies that don't have the same resources.
Types of ASP
Application Service Provider Vertical Service Provider (VSP) Hosted Infrastructure Co-Location
History of ASP
70’s - ARC Banks 1995 Agena FAI \ Applied Vendor data centers
Typical Network Setup
Existing Model - Functions
File Server Upgrades PC Upgrades Software Updates Technical Problem Resolution Backup Interface Issues In-Office Access Only Technology Management Manage Security Issues Data Input\Customer Service
New Model
New Technology - Functions
Data Input \ Customer Service
ASP Contractual Issues
Service Level Agreements Description of Deliverables Proper Performance Pricing Maintenance and Support Security Data Ownership \ Availability Termination and Penalties
ASP Functional Issues
Printing! Speed Imaging Faxing Integration
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Email Office Third Party
Knowledge of insurance applications Interface
Cost to run a local network
File Server * Workstations * Technical staff – full or part time * Outside technical support * Connectivity Software purchase * Training Vendor Support Downtime * Productivity * Software implementation *
What does ASP cost?
Components
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Citrix MS Terminal Services SQL MS Office Hardware Connectivity Technical Staff Support
What does ASP cost?
Setup costs - ASP Software costs - Vendor Monthly user fees – ASP/Vendor
Advantages of ASP
Rapidly deploy applications Provide Application access to all users, regardless of location or form of network connectivity Leverages all existing investment in hardware, software and network infrastructure Requires no changes to applications or client hardware Eliminates capital costs of upgrading PC’s every two or three years Reduces bandwidth requirements to a fraction of what would normally be required Reduces cost associated with local technical support
Advantages of ASP
Provides “best of class” solutions Increases “uptime” Improves productivity Eliminates frustrations normally associated with technology Eliminates “hostage” situation Returns focus to your core business
What to look for with provider
Insurance background Redundancy Functionality Speed Flexibility Trust Security Financially Stable References
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