ASPs are drawing more users, say Zona Research, IDC, and Cahners In-Stat Group, which all track the use of ASPs. The selection of ASPs is on the rise as well. After Sun made its push for Web-based applications, more companies started jumping on board. The company, or ASP, that hosts the application on its servers offers it to you on a rental or subscription basis. Because the application actually runs on the ASP's servers instead of residing on your hard drive or on your company's network, you have fewer maintenance worries.
Upgrades are seamless.
The ASP acquires and installs the new version, and you simply begin using the update without doing any work to get it. These benefits have boosted ASP usage, all the researchers have found. But usage is not ready to skyrocket, most experts say. Even the early adopters acknowledge some concerns. Top among them are skepticism about performance and caution regarding security.