MBA Dissertation - where can I get resource material on the key
criteria to consider when considering whether to make my software
product available via a hosted solution?

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Clarification of Question by imelrautenbach-ga on 06 Sep 2004 06:29 PDT

My dissertation topic is:
"Assessing the suitability of supplying one's solution through an ASP
hosting model"
I am searching for referencable academic material that cover the main
aspects, including:
product differentiation from client server to hosted
company organisational changes required
creating and maintaining the competative advantage
etc

Imelrautenbach --

I worked for a startup with a client server solution for Professional
Service Automation (PSA) in the 2000-2002 timeframe.  Customers
continually asked if it was available as a hosted solution; even more
importantly they sought a solution where inputs could be done via a
web browser.  Some sought output from the database via a browser but
for security reasons that was much less in demand.

You're going to have to cast a broad search net here with terms for
"client server" and "hosted solutions" and "ASP".  However, I'm not
sure that you're going to find much product differentiation at the
benefit or function level (looking at features-functions-benefits). 
Rather, you'll be looking at service delivery in the two models,
particularly in up-time and security.

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA