Choosing an Application Service Provider: Ensuring the Best Fit
Gayle Humphrey
Program Track:
The Game Plan
Program Duration:
46 Minutes
Roles:
Primary:
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Secondary:
Application Maintenance
Tertiary:
Strategy
Value Category:
Efficient operations
Key Issues:
What types of applications can be rented from an application service provider?
Which applications should my business retain in-house, and which should I outsource?
How do I perform due diligence on an application service provider?
How do I evaluate core competencies of an application service provider's personnel?
How do I negotiate a service level agreement with an application service provider?
- high - medium - low
Architecture and Infrastructure
Business Applications
Data Management
IT Management
Security and Privacy
Sourcing
For many organizations, outsourcing applications through an ASP makes a lot of sense. ASPs can be a solution to limited IT resources, including budget, personnel, and application expertise. However, selecting the right provider requires consideration of many factors, including the provider's experience with the desired applications, knowledge of the organization's industry, IT staff availability, and security provisions. This program outlines the key issues that need to be addressed when evaluating potential ASPs. Industry experts Dan Taylor, partner and director of consulting for Giotto Perspectives, Boston, MA, and Kevin Flood, chief technology officer for Tolly Research, Phoenixville, Pa, explain how using an ASP can contribute to business success, how to decide which applications to outsource, and what options are available for customizing an ASP's offerings to your organization's needs. Taylor and Flood detail the sometimes tricky process of performing due diligence on a potential ASP partner. In addition, the program provides an ASP due diligence game plan that will successfully guide you through the task of ASP selection and help you avoid the pitfalls common to the process. By watching this program, you will learn how to evaluate potential ASPs effectively and choose the right partner for your business.
Viewers of the CD, intranet and Internet versions receive more than 35 Web links, featuring articles such as "Application Service Providers and E-Business," "Choosing an ASP: Look for Total Integration," "The Hot Hand in the ASP Game," and "Outsourcing With ASPs in the Internet Age." In addition, there are white papers such as "Seven Steps to ASP Selection," "Security for Application Service Providers," and "CRM Application Service Providers."
PROGRAM TOPICS:
INTRODUCTION
AGENDA
EXPERT INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND ON ASPs
The Growth of Outsourcing ASPs
Market Enablers Contribute to Growth
Dan Taylor: The Importance of ASPs
ASP Offerings
Dan Taylor: ASP Offerings
ASPs: Outsourced or In-house?
Kevin Flood: Outsourcing ASPs
ASP Application Offerings
Closing the Loop
Dan Taylor: ASP Customization
Different Types of Companies Benefit from ASP Services
Kevin Flood: Considering the Use of ASPs
Kevin Flood: Perform Due Diligence
ASP DUE DILIGENCE GAME PLAN
Locate Target ASPs
Dan Taylor: Locate Target ASPs
Ensure Long-Term Fulfillment of the ASP Contract
Kevin Flood: Consider Worst-Case Scenario
Kevin Flood: Assess Viability
Check Into ASPs Competencies or Qualifications
Core Competencies of an ASP's Personnel
Kevin Flood: Core Competencies of an ASP's Personnel
Allocate Responsibilities
Dan Taylor: The Question of Demarcation Between IT and the ASP
Understand the Technology Platform
Kevin Flood: Understand the Technology Platform
ASPs Use Different Computing Architectures
Kevin Flood: ASPs Use Different Computing Architectures
Investigate Security
Kevin Flood: Investigate Security
Some Proprietary Technologies Differentiate ASPs
Kevin Flood: Some Proprietary Technologies Differentiate ASPs
- high
- medium
- low
