|
|
FORESITE In-House
(or any in-house system)
System |
FORESITE Remote
Uses an ASP* |
|
FORESITE Software |
All features and capabilities |
All features and capabilities |
|
FORESITE Server |
Supplied by Key Data |
Not needed |
|
Internet Gateway (PC with serial ports) |
Not needed |
Needed |
|
Foresite Application Package |
Lease or paid-in-full at purchase |
Paid Monthly |
|
Foresite Maintenance |
Monthly |
Monthly |
|
Data Redundancy |
No |
Yes |
|
Installation |
One time charge |
One time charge |
|
Data Conversion |
One time charge |
One time charge |
|
Hardware Maintenance |
Yes |
Not needed |
|
Telephone Line charges |
Expensive ($1,500 to $4,000 per month) |
Inexpensive ($200.00 to $400.00 per month) |
|
Communications Hardware |
Expensive Modems and Multiplexors |
Inexpensive DSL** Router |
|
DSL |
Not needed |
Supplied by Customer |
|
Security |
Password + Permissions |
Password + Permissions + Encryption |
|
Obsolescence |
Eventually new server needed |
Never |
|
Foresite Updates |
Semi-automatic |
Automatic |
|
Look and feel |
Character or Browser |
Character or Browser |
|
Daily Backups |
Done by Customer |
Done by ASP |
* ASP - Application Service Providers. They are third-party entities that
manage and distribute software-based services and solutions to customers across
a wide area network from a central data center. In essence, ASPs are a way for
companies to outsource some or almost all aspects of their information
technology needs. ASPs are broken down into five subcategories:
1. Enterprise ASPs; deliver high-end business applications.
2. Local/Regional ASPs; supply wide variety of application services for smaller
businesses in a local area.
3. Specialist ASPs; provide applications for a specific need, such as Web site
services or human resources.
4. Vertical Market ASPs; provide support to a specific industry such as
healthcare.
5. Volume Business ASPs; supply general small/medium-sized businesses with
pre-packaged application services in volume.
ASPs may be commercial ventures that cater to customers, or not-for-profit or
government organizations, providing service and support to end users.
FORESITE REMOTE uses type #1.
** DSL - An acronym for Digital Subscriber Line. A method of connecting full
time to the Internet at speeds approaching and sometimes beyond T1 but without
the full bandwidth. In most locations, the cost is a small fraction of the cost
of T1 or T3. The service runs on one pair and sometimes two pair wires and
allows voice on the same line. Digital Subscriber Line service is a high-speed
data service that works over copper telephone lines and is typically offered by
telephone companies. The real beauty of DSL technology is that it works on
existing POTS lines (Plain Old Telephone Service) which allows the phone
companies to provide this service without costly installation of higher-grade
cable.
