ESoft launches ASP service for ISVs

ESoft Global has delivered on its promise to be the first application service provider to target independent software vendors, following the launch of its Applications2GO (A2GO) programme.

ESoft Global has delivered on its promise to be the first application service provider to target independent software vendors, following the launch of its Applications2GO (A2GO) programme.

In a first-to-market alliance with Microsoft and Compaq, ESoft claims A2GO will be the catalyst for migrating ISVs to the software rental model.

Aimed at ISV's in the mid-market sector, ESoft also claims A2GO will offer ISVs a minimal-risk opportunity. It proposes to hand-hold partners through the 'proof of concept' phase, to the development of a business plan and field trials with potential customers, and ending will full ASP deployment.

Pricing models vary from payment per transaction or per document, to fixed contracts on a standard or floating set of applications. Microsoft and Compaq will provide the software and hardware platforms respectively for A2GO.

David Sidwell, business development director at ESoft, claimed A2GO would provide a changing but positive opportunity for the channel, but allowing resellers to provide consultancy and on-site technical services.

"The biggest problem you can present your channel is through disenfranchising it. The A2GO programme recognises that, while the ISV retains a thought-leadership role, the channel retains the ESoft plans to have about 300 European ISVs involved in the proof of concept phase by the end of the year. Foundation Systems, a time-recording and client-billing software vendor, and one of Systems Union's largest UK resellers, has already completed proof of concept and is conducting field trials.

Len Palmer, managing director of Foundation Systems, told Computer Reseller News that A2GO would enable it to reach small users and rapidly growing companies, because of the scalability of the ASP model. A2GO would also allow it to establish its own reseller channel, claimed Palmer.

Richard Wendland, an ASP analyst at research company Durlacher, said: "A lot of companies are chasing fools' gold in the ASP market at the moment, but A2GO is a very strong message from three important players. You don't need to drill down too far to understand how it works and how it benefits ISVs."