We believe that relationships with providers whose ASP offerings represent all the value chain s services bear the most satisfactory results. It is important to understand that ASP encompasses much more than simply installing software on a server and hanging out a for-rent sign. There are, of course, the obvious implementation and operation services. Scalability the capability to quickly increase or decrease a solution s capacity is prerequisite, and you should demand it. The solution to your applications-management challenge must not become a constraint that prevents you from taking decisive actions that require the support of scalable ASP solutions.
Global reach is equally critical.
If your company already operates around the world, or if you are just thinking about going global, your ASP provider must be able to support your worldwide operations without missing a beat. Look for providers who can extend your applications as easily to the Punjab as they can to Paris and Peoria. The larger context in which we view the ASP phenomenon is the future of work. To be prepared, you must ask what it will mean to work, where work will get done, and what tools knowledge workers will rely on during the next four to 10 years. To help clients prepare, we re encouraging them to think about ASP solutions in the broader context of the future of work, not just in today s and tomorrow s tactical decisions.