application service provider

(business, networking)

application service provider - (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.