In addition, collaborative applications top the list of preferred applications for ASP delivery among current and potential ASP users. These developments and the need to incorporate the contribution of remotely sited workers are combining to drive business opportunity for ASPs offering collaborative software solutions.
Broadband access is already a feature of the corporate workspace.
What is changing for corporations and the world of work in general is the dimension of the workspace. The number of telecommuters and home office workers will grow steadily over the next several years. Telecommuters alone will increase from 8.7 million in 1999 to 11.4 million by 2004. Home broadband connections will need to benefit from technologies like virtual private networks. Voice and video for conferencing and virtual workplaces will also be among the most desirable features of collaborative solutions as broadband enhances their quality.