What is ASP?

ASP is short for Application Service Provision. Its essence is that clients may use the provided software via a communication link for a monthly fee.

Can ASP be compared to other services?

Yes. In terms of its nature it is like utilities, electricity, water, phone or gas. The service provider provides all the necessary conditions for use. The software is readily available for use, there is no need for costly investments or maintenance.

I understand the definition of ASP. But why is it necessary?

Techwave Hungary systems are capable of serving several clients, consequently clients do not need to run oversized systems and carry all their burdens. Through optimal sizing, the ASP model becomes economical for both parties.

What does it mean that ASP is more than just software?

In ASP, information technology is the value added service. Clients receive not only software licenses but also a complete live system. Clients can use the pre-configured system running on the service provider’s computers under continuous supervision.

Is it necessary to install software at the clients?

No. To be able to use the ASP service, all clients need is a browser to display the application provided.

What do we need to be able to use it?

All clients need is a local area network with terminals capable of running a browser. If these are available, applications running off site can be used without difficulties.

Through what channel can ASP be used?

There must be a communicational link for the period of use between the client and the provider. This can be Internet based (leased line, dial-up, ISDN, ADSL) or via a direct leased line.

Is an Internet connection secure?

Yes. In case of an Internet connectivity, a so-called VPN (Virtual Private Network) is established between the client and the provider, which practically means a secret tunnel. All communication, taking place in this channel, can only be deciphered between the client and Techwave Hungary.

What service elements are included in Techwave Hungary’s ASP services?

The service (and its monthly fee) include the following elements:

- Software licenses
- Legal software license user rights
- Hardwarer
- The highly sophisticated environment at Techwave Hungary that runs the system provided
- Data Center
- The location for each hardware element
- Connectivity
- Techwave Hungary ensures optimal use
- Implementation
- Individually tailored system to suit clients’ needs
- Business know-how
- Sharing decades of experience with clients
- System supervision
- Continuous Techwave Hungary maintenance and application support
- Training
- User training to operate the system

Is it possible to use individual elements alone?

With the exception of software licenses, all elements can be taken advantage of independently as a part of Techwave Hungary services.

How long does ASP implementation take?

ASP, by virtue of its nature, significantly shortens the time needed for implementation. Even in the case of such a complex system as SAP, 6-8 weeks of introductory phase is feasible.

For what kind of enterprise is ASP worth using?

For all those who operate all non-core IT with difficulties or at a high price, who would like to receive software for a monthly fee, who have no true IT professionals yet need IT for their operations, who want to take advantage of a sophisticated system but lack the resources to build it themselves or those who want their corporate IT in the hands of professionals.

How can Techwave Hungary guarantee the security of my data?

As important business data are of a confidential nature, Techwave Hungary provides several levels of security. Among others, there are application and network level security elements, such as limited authorized access rights, secure placement of data storage equipment or back-up copies. In legal terms, the SLA provides guarantees.

What is SLA?

SLA is short for Service Level Agreement The service has several levels to best meet clients requirements. Service users enter a Service Level Agreement that provides them with obliging legal guarantees to receive a service of the agreed level and quality.

How is ASP different from Outsourcing?

Outsourcing means the reallocation of clients’ equipment. ASP means the use of the provider’s equipment. The license right of the provided software are the ASP providers property, client merely use them.

What are the advantages of ASP?

The most important advantages of ASP:

- The enterprise can focus on its core activity
- Pre-calculated monthly expenses instead of investment
- Implementation is complete within a few weeks
- Optimal sizing to meet needs
- It can be accessed from virtually anywhere
- Secure
- Platform-independent

What if I already have a valid software license?

Software licenses can be traded in the service. The price of the license is deducted from the price of the service. Software license rights remain the property of the client.

Where are the servers located?

The necessary hardware elements, application and database servers are placed in the data center of elender. The premises, which are guarded by armed patrol officers, provide all conditions for secure operation, including an independent generator for the case of longer power-cuts.

What software can Techwave Hungary offer?

Two of the most important products offered by Techwave Hungary are SmartEnterprise™ and SmartOffice. Our product range covers the entire IT scale necessary in a company, from office applications to corporate management software.

Can I print to local printers?

Yes. Although software is not locally run, only display interfaces appear for the clients, all printing is done to clients’ printers.

What happens if the connection is interrupted?

When connection is re-established, the application awaits the user in the state it was left before the interruption. So the momentary interruption of the connection does not cause the application to shut down.

What hardware does Techwave Hungary use?

Techwave Hungary, according to its contractual partnership, uses highly reliable IBM equipment.

What is the monthly fee based on?

For the services already rendered, client pay the following calendar month. The monthly fee depends on the number of users. The number of users may be altered monthly.

Why are large software manufacturers more and more attracted towards the ASP market?

For software manufacturers, ASP means a new market segment. Based on the principle of optimal sizing, their products have the opportunity to reach areas that would have been impossible within the traditional framework. The Application Service Provider, as an expert service provider audited by the software manufacturers can guarantee the professional operation of highly sophisticated software systems, and can increase customer satisfaction.

I would like to use my present applications in an ASP framework. Is it possible?

No. The existence of the ASP model does not necessarily mean that all software can become a service element. This has both technological and business reasons. But clients using Techwave Hungary products may be able to use other software applications as part of the service, laid out in an individual agreement.

I would like to merchandise ASP licenses as a retailer. Is it possible?

Techwave Hungary services may be resold under conditions defined in an individually negotiated agreement.

What bandwidth is necessary for the service?

To be able to receive the service at the expected level, there is a need for a dedicated bandwidth between the client and Techwave Hungary. This depends on the applications, the number of users and business practices. Techwave Hungary uses quantifiable methods to exactly determine the necessary bandwidth.

Can the provided software be downloaded to users’ terminals?

No. The provided software can only be used through the Application Service Provider.

What support do I get in daily use?

As part of the service, Techwave Hungary provides client with the complete support of the level detailed in the SLA. This means application assistance for both the system and the pre-trained users. Creating back-up copies, virus scans, conversions and reloading back-ups if needed are all parts of the service.

What is the future of ASP?

According to unequivocal forecasts, an increasing number of market answers will take the opportunity to exploit the advantages if this simple and cost effective IT solution model.

Where can ASP services be accessed from?

Due to the widespread use of the Internet, clients’ office or business software applications can be securely accessed from any corner of the world.

I have special business needs. How can they be met in ASP?

Special requests – individual business process arrangements – can be realised in the implementation phase of the system. There is a possibility to modify predefined templates by approximately 20 percent as part of the implementation. Further requests and needs can be answered within separate agreements.

What is Smart Enterprise™?

Smart Enterprise™ is an SAP based solution offered by Techwave Hungary. The solution is based on the ready-to-run SAP template, enabling small and mid-sized companies to use SAP that has been tested under corporation level conditions. Smart Enterprise™ incorporates the best practices and several years of development of SAP and Techwave Hungary. You can choose Techwave Hungary's ASP service model as an excellent way for easy operation of Smart Enterprise™. 

What are the advantages of Smart Enterprise™?

Smart Enterprise™ can be implemented speedily and with high efficiency owing to the available templates. Moreover, its operation is cost-efficient within the ASP model as an option. Within the Smart Enterprise™ Hungarian, English or German companies are equally easy to establish. In Smart Enterprise™, object-level production management and project planning are also included.