Imagine being able to access your business computer desktop from anywhere in the world ?

As a certified ASP (Application Service Provider) Appiam can provide all of your programs, files and settings to you wherever you are in the world.

As access to the Internet becomes more widespread with faster, more reliable and 'always on' connections becoming the norm the growth of applications using the hosted application model continues to expand.

Although hosted applications will not suit every situation, or every customer, they offer many individuals and organizations, as well as the application manufacturers' themselves, considerable benefits over the locally installed application.

A hosted application, also known as Internet-based application, web-based application, online application and Application Service Providers (ASPs) are software applications where the software resides on servers that are accessed through the Internet instead of the more traditional software that is installed on either a local server or on individual PCs.

The thin client concept is nothing new but advances in Internet connectivity have allowed the application to move from a local server to a server on the Internet.

What Are The Benefits?
Reduced costs, instant deployment, easier to maintain and reduced administration are among some of the main benefits.
Low Maintenance
With hosted applications the hardware and software is the responsibility of Appiam with the client only having to maintain access to the Internet. As there is no software to download a hosted application can be made instantly available across an entire organization even where the organization has multiple regional and international offices.

Reduced Cost
The need to license software is reduced through a 'per user' basis. Instead of having to purchase one-off expensive licenses Microsoft have allowed Appiam to report usage back at the end of each month and to pay greatly reduced licensing costs each month. Neither is there a minimum term so if the customer decides after 1 month the solution is not for them, a cancellation can be made.

This hosted application model also allows the smaller organization and sole trader access to applications written using advanced software development tools and that utilize sophisticated database technology and high-end servers. The capital investment of the hardware and software as well as the security, backup and server maintenance cost are all the responsibility of Appiam and not the client.

Minimal Risk
Many hosted applications require no long term commitment from customers. New customers can often test hosted applications either through a free introduction offer or with minimal risk using a Pay-As-You-Go model. If after trialling the hosted application the customer finds it unsuitable then they can simply stop using the service.

Access
Because the application software and the data is stored on the Internet server the application and data is available to the authorized client once they have logged on from anywhere there is Internet access. The customer can now work anywhere in the office environment, from remote offices or from their home or hotel without the need to download their work or synchronize with portable devices.

Integration
For organizations that have legacy systems from different suppliers running different operating systems the hosted application will provide an integrated solution to any system that supports a standard Internet browser including Windows, Unix and Macs.

Support
Luckily, Appiam benefit by not having to maintain multiple version numbers or individual maintenance and licensing agreements. New updates are installed centrally negating the need for expensive roll outs. For many applications the need for version numbers is eliminated as updates are made incrementally bringing the benefits to the customer without having to bundle new features up into a new periodic version release. In some cases a user can request a new feature in the morning that can be developed, tested and deployed globally by the afternoon.

Security
Generally, hosted data may prove to be more secure than it would be on a private network with less sophisticated security measures or in an environment where there is a risk from within.

The Concerns
Internet access
New communication technology is able to bring high speed Internet connectivity to more and more remote places but there are still some regions where internet access is limited or not available.

In some cases such as mobile workers although high speed Internet connectivity is available the cost both in terms of connectivity charges and equipment may, at least in the short term, prove to be prohibitive.

In Summary

Benefits

No vendor installation or upgrades required
Low start-up costs
Minimal Risk, no long term commitment
Backups and viruses responsibility of Appiam
Hardware and software server maintenance vendor\s responsibility
Investment in local hardware & software reduced
No need to synchronized data with multiple devices
Access to data available globally through any internet connection
Reduced software licensing costs

Concerns
Lack of Internet availability

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