Special: ASPs in Australia Part 2

Management Information Systems

ASPs that provide management information systems (MIS) offer a huge number of sophisticated applications formerly available only in highly customised networked environments at the corporations with the deepest pockets. Among the applications: enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply-chain and inventory management, sales and marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), help desks, sales force automation (SFA), and human resources.

What MIS ASPs offer

Traditional ERP relied on client/server architecture and tended to produce a rigid finished product, not easily altered to fit the changing needs of a growing company. Because the ASP model ERP is Web-based, it offers a more scalable and flexible architecture that can easily be adapted as a business plan or size shifts.

Companies that want to use CRM applications for sales force automation--an approach that lets them track all interactions with all their customers in one centralised location--also have good options among ASPs.

Companies that want to use an ASP for help-desk needs should expect to pay on a sliding scale. ASPs often charge a flat fee for a basic level of service, based on how many help-desk calls will be expected per month. Smaller companies often outsource some aspect of their accounting procedures--usually payroll--but not through an ASP. Businesses may also find this service available from some payroll centres via the Internet.

Many companies opt for such services, because that allows for quick and easy access by remotely located payroll departments (allowing several branches to be managed by the same staff). It's simple to provide data to third-party accountants as well; all a company need do is give them the password.

MIS ASP tip

When negotiating, remember that the amount you pay often depends on usage. Additional activity will greatly increase the price of the service. The best idea is to be liberal in gauging your anticipated usage--and your growth potential--so that you don't incur unexpected and much higher ASP expenses later on. The up-front bulk cost is always less expensive than the succeeding cost for increased activity.

--JP Vellotti

Contents

1.   Intro      2.   Network & Telco ASPs      3.   Collaboration ASPs      4.   Packaged applications ASPs      5.   MIS ASPs      6.   Data Management ASPs      7.   Looking forward

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