BT to execute next stage of ASP plans as Office trials end

BT is to target its application service provider platform at Microsoft solution providers who want to offer their applications on a rental basis.

BT is to target its application service provider (ASP) platform at Microsoft solution providers who want to offer their applications on a rental basis.

Last week BT announced it had completed internal trials hosting Microsoft Office 2000 and was moving on to testing applications from the Windows DNA platform. The move to recruit solution providers came after BT satisfied itself it could deliver hosted Microsoft-based applications.

But BT's ASP operations have become part of direct-selling Ignite Application Services, a new business unit which includes Syncordia and Syntegra.

Angus Fox, product director at Ignite Application Services, said trials have not yet involved third-party resellers.

Fox said he has seen the indirect models of rival ASPs such as NetStore and Futurelink, and believes resellers can add value through consulting and configuration.

"BT has great reach in this market. Our trials have shown that a propensity to adopt technology and an awareness of total-cost-of-ownership issues is more important than company size," he said.