What is an Application Service Provider (ASP) software model?

The Application Service Provider (ASP) model is a software-based solution where the application and processing services are managed by the technology provider. Unlike the traditional client-server model, the application is not installed on office based hardware but instead, it is remotely hosted and managed at a secure data centre.

With an ASP setup, the user will access the application through a secure link via the Internet. The user can therefore enjoy an efficient and reliable system economically, without having to install, configure and maintain the application on local computers or servers. There is also no need for costly investment or upgrades of office based hardware. Accordingly, the ASP setup allows the practice to benefit from advanced technology but without the need to have high level in-house technical competence.

Our data center is equipped with high-end equipment that combine processing capability with data security to provide our customers with effective and efficient services, while ensuring the confidentiality and security of our customers’ data.

The ASP model been widely used in Australia and the USA for over twenty years and it as become increasingly popular in many other countries.

What do the customers need to use the ASP services?

The customer will need typical mid-range PCs (personal computers or workstations), printers and a connection to the Internet.

The application is hosted at our data center using advanced high-end computers, along with sophisticated software and specialized telecommunications equipment that include protective firewalls. All processing and storage of data are performed at our data center. Customers will simply have to connect to the center through the Internet and logon to use the services.

What about the reliability of the ASP?

Customers using ASP services rely on the stability of the operations and equipment of the ASP, as well as on the stability of the Internet connections. The economic environment is increasingly Internet-based and nowadays, high-speed connections (such as broadband) have been consistently stable. In the unlikely event the primary connections fail, dial-up phone connections can also be used to connect to the data center.

At the data center, system availability and stability are managed by redundant servers and hard drives. In case of system failure, the data center has on-site technical personnel who can resolve systems problems promptly.

How are data security concerns addressed by the ASP?

The following security measures are taken to ensure the security and privacy of practice data:

Proven industry security standards and practices, such as firewalls and encryption, have been used for the appropriate host and application controls and configurations.

• Encryption of data exchanged
All data and information transmitted to and from our website are fully encrypted.

• Combination of unique User ID and Password authentication
System access is protected by a dual login authentication system of user id and password (alphanumeric and case-sensitive).

• RSA SecurID® Two-Factor Authentication - "zero footprint" solution
In addition to the unique User ID and Password, a customer needs a second factor which is in his or her physical possession for additional identity verification. This second factor should be difficult to be stolen together with the customer's User ID and Password by fraudsters over the Internet.

• Firewalls & Intrusion detection applications
A series of firewalls and intrusion detection applications have been integrated into the system to continuously monitor, detect and prevent unauthorized intrusions and activities.

• Server vulnerabilities assessment and certification
A remote audit in security vulnerabilities on daily basis is being conducted under Comodo Hacker Guardian TrustLogo program. The logo uses groundbreaking Comodo Content Verification Technology to verify it as an authentic HackerGuardian, and cannot be spoofed or faked for fraudulent use.

What are the advantages of the ASP when comparing with the traditional client-server applications?

The client pays a fixed monthly fee to use the ASP services, offering greater flexibility than a traditional client-server purchase, replacement or upgrade. The investment costs for the initial ASP setup and the longer term capital commitments are also significantly lower.

The specific needs of individual practices can be fulfilled with the choices of solutions offered. Modification of selected components and configurations can be rapid, making the operation extremely flexible.

The ASP setup requires minimal configuration of hardware and software at the customer’s site. There is no need to install complicated technological infrastructure and as such, system implementation is quick and simple. PCs, printers and an Internet connection are the basic requirements. In terms of networking, only a simple network is needed to link the PCs and printers together, if this is not already available at the practice.

With an ASP setup, most of the routine tasks that support complex mission-critical applications are outsourced to the data center, hence, relieving the burden on internal information systems resources. However, the practice is required to provide a minimum commitment to properly support and maintain the hardware and software that are located at the practice (for example, PC maintenance and upgrades of operating systems or browser software).

What about the ownership of data?

Our ASP clients have complete ownership of their data. Data and documents may be downloaded and stored locally. Alternatively, we can send hard copy of data to clients on a monthly basis as back up.

Clients will also be able to retrieve their data upon termination of their subscriptions.

Easy to Do Business With

From start to finish there's one thing you'll notice about working with us. We're easy to do business with. And it's not just us saying that. Ask any of our client-partners!

We can get your database/program up and running quickly. Many of the system features are totally customized to your exact needs, and modifications can be handled quickly and easily.

Most importantly, you'll get your own dedicated Account Supervisor that becomes your single point-of-contact and will handle all of the necessary details, making it easy for you to focus on your business instead of administering the computer system.