Editing Computer program (section)

====Application service provider====
One approach to economically obtaining a customized enterprise application is through an [[application service provider]].<ref name="pis-ch4-p149">{{cite book
  | last = Stair
  | first = Ralph M.
  | title = Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition
  | publisher = Thomson
  | year = 2003
  | page = 149
  | isbn = 0-619-06489-7
}}</ref> Specialty companies provide hardware, custom software, and end-user support. They may speed the development of new applications because they possess skilled information system staff. The biggest advantage is it frees in-house resources from staffing and managing complex computer projects.<ref name="pis-ch4-p149"/> Many application service providers target small, fast-growing companies with limited information system resources.<ref name="pis-ch4-p149"/> On the other hand, larger companies with major systems will likely have their technical infrastructure in place. One risk is having to trust an external organization with sensitive information. Another risk is having to trust the provider's infrastructure reliability.<ref name="pis-ch4-p149"/>