Dealers Need to Know

An application service provider (ASP) manages many dealerships' computing operations in an off-site location. Advantages include the ease of hardware and software upgrades, data backups, daily system maintenance and high-speed Internet access.

While ASP appeals to many dealers, the subject of data security is often an area of concern. Dealers are asking about data ownership and data protection at the ASP provider's off-site location. If your dealership is seriously considering moving to ASP, here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.

While terminology differs slightly, the four components that make up a complete ASP solution include Hosting Services, Access Services, Support Services and Network Services.

A comprehensive ASP solution will always include round-the-clock security systems and personnel, fire suppression and environmental control. A world-class data center needs to have a reliable power source with a backup generator and adequate fuel supply. State-of-the-art equipment includes RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), hard-drive backup technology and automated backup processes with robotic tape libraries.

In addition to disaster protection, data confidentiality measures must also be present. Ask your prospective ASP service provider if the DMS server will be shared among other dealer groups and if your data will be intermingled with other dealer groups. To ensure the highest level of performance, each dealer should be provided with a dedicated DMS designed to meet specific needs.

ASP provides the latest technology and services for a monthly fee. There are no up-front costs or ongoing frustrations associated with managing multiple vendors. Your ASP provider should handle everything, from IT infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, business application hosting, high-speed local network installation, total system management and more.

It allows dealers to focus more on their customers instead of the day-to-day system management. Dealerships no longer need to invest in a server, maintain their network infrastructure or worry about equipment becoming obsolete. ASP provides Internet filtering which blocks access to inappropriate Web sites and improves employee productivity.

Key Questions to Ask

Make sure you ask the right questions of a prospective service provider to ensure that you get the service and control and access to your data. Those include:

Michael Jones ([email protected] or (847) 397-1700) is the product manager for ASP Managed Services with ADP's Dealer Services Group.