application service provider
<business, networking> (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 {website} that other websites 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.
(2001-03-26)