Service integrators are the providers that end-user businesses recognise as ASPs. They bring together services for delivery as complete, managed solutions. They range in sophistication from enterprise ASPs to Internet portals. Application providers create the software and applications from which solutions are assembled. The segment also includes providers who host and deliver their own applications as online services.
Access providers take care of the 'last mile' connection that allows users to access the network.
This category includes telecoms providers and Internet service providers, many of whom bundle access along with a basic suite of hosted applications. It also includes wireless ASPs, who deliver Web content and applications to mobile telecoms users. Infrastructure operators look after the physical backend elements of the network. They include the telecoms providers who act as Internet backbone carriers, as well as colocation and hosting providers, who manage Internet data centre facilities. Infrastructure service providers make up the software and services layer of the Internet computing infrastructure.