And consumer-oriented ASPs, while still rare, are not unheard of. Even industries once thought of as beyond the pale of high technology are cashing in on e-commerce, getting a significant push along the way from ASPs. Auto dealers in Florida, for example, now are able to power the auto parts section of their individual Websites by using a software product known as TradeMotion. Staff writer Beth O'Connell notes from Florida how XML seamlessly speeds the exchange of data between users. AgentGo of Austin, as staff writer Marla Dial reports, recently added an ASP component to its services in an effort to build on its original consumer-oriented mission.
Retailers already are able to order from suppliers using handheld devices .
Portland reporter Jo McIntyre notes that car buyers can access specification and pricing tools. Other consumer tools are likely to follow. The ability to deliver a range of software products to Internet users is prompting investors to fork over the dough needed for product development and expansion. The demand for ASP service also has created an industry subset. ASP aggregators make it possible for some companies to free themselves forever from running their own computer applications.