application service provider

business, networking (ASP) A service (usually a business)

that provides remote access to an application program across

a network protocol, typically HTTP. A common example is

a web site that other web sites use for accepting payment by

credit card as part of their online ordering systems.

As this term is complex-sounding but vague, it is widely used

by marketroids who want to avoid being specific and clear at

all costs.

(2001-03-26)