In the past several years, application service providers (ASPs) and external service providers (XSPs) have become increasingly common for hosted applications, storage, security, performance monitoring, and other activities.

Although application service providers (ASPs) and Web service providers may compete on certain fronts, they will more often cooperate in providing customer solutions. The accompanying Executive Report defines ASPs and Web services, categorizes the different types of each, outlines their inherent benefits, and suggests how each will best be used and deployed in hybrid solutions.

Security

Is IT considered to be of strategic importance in your organization? Here are a few signs to look for:

In a keynote at the Java One conference, Hasso Plattner, co-chairman of SAP, argued for common standards. Specifically, Plattner said:

I recently had a phone conversation with a reader whose company is considering the use of a business intelligence (BI) application service provider (ASP) to outsource several of its BI functions. We discussed a number of issues to consider when contemplating the use of an analytical ASP. As a result, I've decided to make this the focus of this week's Advisor.

I recently had a phone conversation with a reader whose company is considering the use of a business intelligence (BI) application service provider (ASP) to outsource several of its BI functions. We discussed a number of issues to consider when contemplating the use of an analytical ASP. As a result, I've decided to make this the focus of this week's Advisor.

Recent revelations of abuse by supposedly world-class practitioners on Wall Street and at companies like Enron underscore the importance of a realistic approach to risk management.

Recent revelations of abuse by supposedly world-class practitioners on Wall Street and at companies like Enron underscore the importance of a realistic approach to risk management.

Recent revelations of abuse by supposedly world-class practitioners on Wall Street and at companies like Enron underscore the importance of a realistic approach to risk management.