A few selected software vendors have offered library applications (cataloging, serials, etc.) using the ASP (application service provider) model for several years now, but the idea is apparently gaining in popularity. I can understand why. Configuring and maintaining cataloging software is no trivial task, and in most law firms, it's not exactly a high priority for IT. Companies that offer hosted cataloging solutions maintain the software on their own servers, eliminating the need for technical support for the catalog within your own organization.
Cassidy Cataloging is one of the few vendors that have offered cataloging services over the web for some time. They've just announced the selection of Cuadra STAR for CassidyCat Online so they will now be able to provide a complete, integrated system including cataloging, serials and acquisitions.
Cybertools for Libraries also offers an ASP option. As they point out on their web site, "ASP's are an increasingly popular and cost-effective way for organizations to outsource their technology needs. ASP Web Hosting means that a library does not need to purchase, install, maintain, secure, and update their own computer servers: this is done for the library by CyberTools, for an all-inclusive, modest fee. The library simply accesses all library software over the Web, for both OPAC and library staff functions."
If you're interested in the advantages of web-based applications, you might want to attend an upcoming webinar offered by Eos International to highlight their new EOS.Web™ product. According to a press release distributed at AALL, Morrison & Foerster, Schiff Hardin LLP and Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP and to name a few, have subscribed.
Are there any readers who have hosted library applications. Any success or failure stories concerning library services via an ASP to share??
Hi Cindie: I read with interest your post on library applications via application service providers and are happy to report successful installation of a customized solution for Akin Gump's New York library using Intuit's Quickbase as well as five other law firms in New York who have subscribed to our own software H.O.L.M.E.S. powered by Quickbase. One of the partners at a firm we recently designed a custom solution for e-mailed us immediately after receiving an automatic report of library expenditures generated by the software thanking us for developing such an easy and cost effective solution! So far the librarians, administrators, attorneys and managing partners love the solution. Regards, Marge Jassin
We moved our EOS system, Q Series, from in-house to ASP in April. One reason is that EOS made it economically advantageous, but the other is that the box is right there when they need to check on something. When the system was here, we had to schedule WebEx sessions for them to take an inside look. Also, they install automatically the quarterly upgrades, often a few days prior to the official release date. We've had no access issues at all.