What is the primary role of an Application Service Provider (ASP)?

The primary role of an Application Service Provider (ASP) is to provide ancillary computing services, which typically includes delivering software applications over the internet to clients. ASPs host software and provide users with access to this software via a web interface, enabling organizations to utilize applications without the need for extensive in-house infrastructure or management.

By utilizing an ASP, companies can benefit from reduced IT costs and complexity because the ASP handles the maintenance, updates, and security of the software. This model allows businesses to focus on their core activities rather than spending resources on managing technology. Therefore, the correct answer accurately captures the essential function of an ASP in the context of providing access to software and related services, rather than developing software in-house or directly processing applications for financial services.