(ASP) A service (usually a business) thAT provides remote access to an applicATion program across a networkprotocol, typically HTTP. A common example is a website thAT other websites use for accepting payment by credit card as part of their online ordering systems. As this term is complex-sounding but vague, it is widely used by marketroids who want to avoid being specific and clear AT all costs. (2001-03-26)