Security is perhaps one of the most critical areas to both ASPs and their customers. A company needs to ensure that their data is stored properly and that provisions are in place to prevent loss or unauthorized access to that data. If a customer lacks specific hardware or software, the ASP will usually provide it. A company should also ask about backups and data storage in the event that a disaster occurs that deletes or destroys data or there is an unexpected loss of service. Provisions should be in place to regularly back up the data that is stored on the ASP servers.
Minimal downtime is a critical factor to be considered.
For third party software or applications sold by the ASP, the ASP will often refer the problem to the appropriate partner or vendor. Identify your technology experience and that of your business management team. Copyright 2001 INT Media Group, Incorporated All Rights Reserved.