In this format I will update you on additions to The Nonprofit Software Index, as well as, briefly discuss trends in nonprofit software. Expect a monthly update. This month I thought I'd give you a note on a growing trend in nonprofit software, the Application Services Provider. The Internet and World Wide Web provide a pathway to powerful servers and data storage. There are many benefits to this arrangement.
Users never have to worry about purchasing or maintaining software.
You rent the software, paying a fee for its use. Upgrades are the responsibility of the ASP not the user. No more tracking what individual vendors are changing in the software waiting to download the changes. If you have staff on the road, out of the office this type of system may be of great benefit to you by enhancing your communication and your knowledge management capabilities. There are issues users have to consider when deciding if an ASP application is right for them.