BUSINESSWEEK ONLINE : DECEMBER 4, 2000 ISSUE
FRONTIER -- DIGITAL MANAGER

Safety First


Before you sign up with an application service provider, be prepared to ask plenty of questions.

MANAGEMENT
What's the track record of the ASP's owner? Who are its partners?

HARDWARE
Is your data stored on a secure, dedicated server, or is it shared by other customers?

SECURITY
How does the ASP ensure the security of your data--both physically and from hackers?

RELIABILITY
What does the ASP do to prevent downtime? Does it use redundant devices and systems?

QUALITY ASSURANCE
Does the ASP test for compatibility and disaster recovery? How often?

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Does the ASP provide continuous training and a high level of technical support?

RESOURCE INVESTMENT
Will the ASP continue to upgrade its systems and its own employee training?

SCALABILITY
Can the ASP keep up as your company grows, by adding new capabilities?




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Cover for Dec. 4, 2000 issue of frontier
Contents for Dec. 4, 2000 issue

RELATED ITEMS
ASPing for Trouble

TABLE: Safety First

ONLINE EXTRA: How to Avoid Being Bitten by an ASP



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