You typically pay a monthly fee for these services. You then access your data and applications either through an Internet browser or a form of slimmed-down software. In either event, you greatly reduce your hardware requirements and the ASP provides your applications, storage, security and maintenance. The ASP hosts the latest versions of the programs you want without requiring you to maintain, purchase, and operate a complex computer system. ASPs enable firms facing expensive technology upgrades and those behind in technology to vault ahead of other firms.
ASPs are new and unproven, but they have collectively raised truckloads of venture capital funding.
Some firms may hesitate allowing all of their key information to reside outside of their physical offices, but ASPs are aware of these issues and are building security and other forms of protection. ASPs represent an opportunity for lawyers to use technology without having to support technology. Over the next year, expect to see the development of a number of ASPs, including a major initiative from West Group called WestWorks . I became convinced that CaseMap was one of the most important innovations in the practice of law. CaseMap is now in version 3.0, and it continues to improve and still stands out as the most innovative legal software application for lawyers.