Network Service Providers
Although they do play an xSP role, network service providers are, of course, established traditional players not unique to the ASP industry. Nonetheless, they provide an indispensable service to ASPs and other xSPs by providing broadband network connectivity for a manageable leasing fee. ASPs, infrastructure service providers, and others team with these players because the network is the most complex component of the ASP solution, so it makes sense to outsource it to a proven provider. Obviously, leasing a VPN or private WAN or leased lines is much faster and cheaper than building them. And guaranteeing aspects of network performance such as availability, throughput, and delay is best left to an expert.