Research On ASP Service Cost Evaluation Based On ClickStream Analysis

Since ASP (Application Service Provider) was brought forward in 1999, it has improved with the development of IT and needs in the market. More and more software enterprises involve in the field, the competition is very fierce. Both ASP providers and implement enterprises pay more attention to the price of ASP service. Now, most of the ASP providers have to price the service by their experience. Aiming at this problem, this thesis focuses on the cost evaluation method for ASP service by employing clickstream technology and activity-based costing (ABC). Main researches are shown as follows:1. A frame of ASP cost accounting based on clickstream data analysis technology and ABC is constructed based on the analysis of characteristics of ASP.2. A data structure by extending the ECLF log file of WEB server is proposed in order to obtain the users' activities in ASP system, which is so-called clickstream data. And then a precondition algorithm to filter and concentrate the clickstream data is given.3. An ABC cost accounting model is built by classifying the activity cost and accumulating the activity cost based on ASP system business flow and clickstream analysis.4. Finally, the proposed method is validated based on an ASP system in a Guangdong cluster enterprises. Using clickstream analysis and ABC can segment the ASP service cost effectively and support decision of the ASP service price for different customers.Summarily, this model is benefit to the ASP cost controlling, designing of ASP system, improvement of ASP service, and improving the rivalrousness of ASP provider. It is meaning for both ASP providers and implement enterprises.