ASP. One little acronym, so much press.

If you keep up with tech news, you've doubtless heard the term application service provider, or ASP. But you probably don't know exactly what it means. Here's some help: an ASP is a service that rents business software, such as antivirus or database programs, to customers over the Internet or a wide area network (WAN).

So, why all the hype? ASPs let businesses--especially small or growing enterprises with limited resources--get high-end software on a per-need basis, without having to plunk down a ton of cash up front. Plus, the ASP usually provides storage space and tech support for the apps it rents out, saving your business even more dough. Use CNET's short list of players in this quickly growing field to learn more about hosted office software, specialized ASPs (for specific business functions), and online business and enterprise apps. If you run a business, you can't afford to miss our guide.

Office Software
Any business, no matter how small, needs office software. We'll tell you which office ASPs and hosted apps are out there now, and what to expect in the future.

Specialized Applications
These services rent software that's fine-tuned to specific business needs, from sales force automation to graphic design work flow management.

Business and Enterprise Software
For a big business, hosted apps mean less money spent on installing and maintaining software. For a small- to medium-sized shop, these hosted apps create the illusion of big-time resources.

Did we leave out a cool new ASP? Let us know, and we'll consider it when we update our guide.

Show me the way to hosted office apps!