ASP: a model for the provision of ERP education

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) producers are currently embracing new business opportunities arising from the expansion of the Application Service Provision (ASP) market. Many organisations are developing a renewed interest in outsourcing Information Technology infrastructure and the benefits that can be obtained. Nevertheless, companies must ensure they are fully aware of the processes and issues involved in selecting an ASP, as well as the possible consequences that may arise as a result of outsourcing to an ASP. ERP companies, such as SAP, are attempting to develop alternative models of application service provision in an effort to encourage organisations, irrespective of size, the opportunity to reap the benefits of Application Service Provision. A web-enabled ASP model has been extended into education delivery. The model has been successfully used in Australia to deliver ERP applications and curriculum to educational institutions offshore. Such delivery offers significant efficiency advantages to participating institutions in terms of monetary outlays, infrastructure support, staff training and curriculum development