Instead of buying your software right off the shelf from your local Office Max or Staples, you can get the applications you need directly from the Web since they are hosted on centralized servers. You access software and do your work via your Web browser, rather than having programs and files live on your already overloaded hard drive. All of the software you use is updated as soon as a new version becomes available. You don't have to worry about conflicts with other programs, if they'll run on your operating system, or if you'll have problems due to bugs. The high cost of building and maintaining the necessary IT infrastructure to support the software.
ASPs offer either free or monthly fees, depending on the type of software being provided.
Application Service Providers are at the forefront of today's technology, making software more accessible than ever before. Depending on your needs, there are many services currently available and a Web search will provide you with a good idea of what's out there. For a list of sample websites, take a look at the list provided by Dmoz.org . If you're looking for a solution to the expensive software question without the hassles surrounding them, then ASPs could be an answer.