ASP~

ASP (or Application Service Provider): A third-party company that manages, delivers and remotely hosts software that customers access via the Internet. The ASP generally handles maintenance, upgrades and security issues. This allows the customer (the physician) to use sophisticated software without the need for expensive computer hardware or highly skilled IT employees. Most ASPs charge a monthly fee instead of an upfront fee.

glossary from http://electronic-medical-record.blogspot.com/2007/06/common-emr-medical-software-terms.html