With multiple hosting centers, the ASP can make applications available on geographically dispersed servers. Generally, the closer the hosting center is to the client, the more rapidly users can access applications and content. If a hosting center goes down, the ASP can shift traffic to a replicated site automatically so that service is not interrupted. Many ASPs, including some that offer multiple hosting centers, do not support replication. ASPs also cite synchronization difficulties and the scarcity of technical talent required for supporting mirrored sites.
ASPs also differ in hardware and systems software.
Before choosing an ASP, you need to consider what impact the ASP's limitations on back-end runtime architectures might have on performance, ongoing support, and overall costs. This is obviously a key consideration. ASPs offer a variety of network options for accessing the hosted applications. Internet-based access is particularly sticky. Public peering points are subject to high volumes of traffic that can severely reduce access times.