Catalogue solutions come in a number of different formats, namely: ASP, Software, Open Source and Free.

Despite these different formats, there is little difference in functionality other than the quality of solution that has been developed by the solution vendor, i.e. an ASP solution is just as likely to offer customer discount voucher features as a software solution (the only exception to this can be free solutions). Let’s quickly review what these differences mean:

Application Server Provider (ASP)
These are server-based solutions that you control through your web browser. You are given a user account and password that give you access to configure your site online. The main benefits are that you do not need separate hosting for your site, you can access and update your site from any PC in the world and you do not have to worry about upgrades and security as it is all taken care of for you.

Software
The traditional model where you get a disk and load the software on to your own machine and configure it from there. Once you have configured your shop, you load it on to your own web space. Sometimes you need special web space that allows you to run the software but this is a fairly routine requirement these days and there is more on this in the hosting section.

Open Source
This is software that professional developers have built to help people trade online without the costs of commercial software. Open Source can almost be viewed like a cooperative where people work together to benefit each other. Open Source is growing in popularity mainly because the software is free but this does not mean there are not hosting and development costs associated with it.

Free Products
There are some totally free catalogues available but for many the term free only refers to access to the software. Once you have begun selling through your site, you will often be charged a transaction cost on each sale. Another free model is to give you access to a basic package and then charge you for any further bits of functionality you need. It is possible to make use of these free solutions but be aware that they may restrict your site development.