Legal Definitions - application service provider

An application service provider (ASP) is a business that hosts software on its computers and provides access to subscribers as needed. This means that the subscriber does not need to purchase a license to use the software before the provider sends it to the subscriber's computer, usually over the Internet or a private electronic network.

• Google Docs is an example of an ASP. Users can access Google's software for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without having to purchase a license.
• Salesforce is another example of an ASP. Businesses can use Salesforce's software for customer relationship management without having to install the software on their own servers.

These examples illustrate how ASPs provide access to software without requiring users to purchase a license. This can be beneficial for businesses that want to use software without the upfront costs of purchasing licenses or installing the software on their own servers.