ASPs develop and rent specialized software tools that are accessible via the Internet.
Nonprofits of all sizes can now take advantage of high-end software without some of the hassles involved when purchasing and housing software on their own computers. It's a revolution that could literally level the technology playing field for nonprofits. Using an ASP is similar to using voice-mail supplied by the telephone company for use in a home or business. The voice-mail technology itself does not exist in your home or office, but is located at the phone company's offices. Just as renting voice-mail capability allows the consumer to avoid buying, maintaining and replacing an answering machine, subscribing to an ASP allows a nonprofit organization to avoid purchasing, installing, supporting and upgrading expensive software applications.