Actify
Actify brings 3D file collaboration tools to the ASP model, and what a job it does. These tools run the gambit. Beyond their 3D view "core" (which includes IGES, STL, VDA-FS, VRML 1.0/2.0, 3DStudio and ISO G-Code), Actify let's the subscriber view, share, manipulate files between many formats and environments (Pro/E, CATIA, Unigraphics, I-DEAS, Mechanical Desktop, DWG, DXF, SAT, Parasolid, STEP, SolidWorks, SolidEdge). Actify represents more in the "Look Where We're Going, Look What We Can Do Now, Wow!" category of focused ASP applications. You should get acquainted with this model today. It is how you will do business with many partners tomorrow.

CADCAM-E.COM
CADCAM-E.COM provides translators—loads of 'em—in an ASP model. Register on this site, pay up (with a credit card, thank you very much), download their connectivity software, and you're playing quarterback in the Translator Bowl. There are several combinations of translators across numerous 3D CAD systems, including CATIA, Pro/Engineer, MasterCAM, Unigraphics, Solid Edge, and others. These folks have really pressed the "agility" button hard with this site; by offering more translators and more mature rental menu (i.e., hourly, daily, weekly, etc.), this site just might give shops a glimpse of what will become commonplace sooner—rather than later. this is a great example of how ASPs can effectively address a shop's needs at very granular levels. Simple to use and understand.

CADopener
Like most ASP models, the jury is still out on CADopener. But the idea is worthy of our collective attention. CADopener is a translator of sorts that allows for the sharing of CAD files without owning the parent software the file was created or resides in. Downloading their SolidView software (evidently SolidView was acquired by CADopener either by license or direct purchase) is required to "share" CAD files within this system. CADopener may offer useful RFQ-enabling, marketing capabilities for shops looking for such support. Again, a young but promising model you'll want to watch.

CyberCut
Heck, I'm not even sure where to put this link ;O)

CyberCut is based on the idea of "concepts to parts," and using the Internet to streamline the processes that surround and support that endeavor. Funded and developed by the Integrated Manufacturing Lab at the University of Berkeley and The National Science Foundation, CyberCut has to be visited to be fully appreciated. Simply put, CyberCut and its ancillary services and utilities review data, recommend processes, and develop prototypes and parts "to order."

This is a truly rockin' use of the Internet, and one that is tailor-made for our universe. If you're a machine shop professional or manufacturer, then you should take special note, and say "howdy" to the embryo that will grow into your future.

Now, even though the site is no longer "maintained," the efforts that remain ought to still inspiere any shop or manufacturer with an online strategy.

e-Vis
e-Vis represents another ASP application for collaborative tools, but with expanded services beyond the core 3d file sharing capability. Project management tools, electronic whiteboard (mark-up and collaborative apps that include text and drawings), forums and interactive conferences seek to mimic and energize the collaborations that take place around a creative manufacturing process or project. e-Vis offer a free 30-day trial to check out their services online; all they ask is that you register. These guys are truly high-end but within the ASP model, many of their features may appeal to small- to mid-sized facilities.

emachineshop
OK, so emachineshop suffers from the "all small letters and an 'e' in front of it" syndrome. Do not let that prejudice prevent you from using this site as inspiration for your business' Web strategy.

emachineshop doesn't so much create a virtual machine shop (would they create virtual parts, or accept virtual payment?) as it lubricates the communications between the shop and prospective customers in realistic ways. By combining Web functionality with software and "actual" manufacturing methods, their goal is to streamline the design/model, collaboration and bidding/award processes for discrete parts manufacturing. To do this, emachineshop is attempting to redefine the online shop communications interface as a sort of Applications Service Provider (an online, software-driven, automated customer service platform).

The goals and aspirations of emachineshop are lofty; there's no telling if they'll succeed long-term. Their software must be downloaded by customers and is proprietary. There are huge education and acceptance curves to be overcome.

But if you don't take inspiration from this model and recognize the potential in this pioneer's efforts, then you might consider not having a Web site for your business at all.

Job Shop PowerSites
Job Shop PowerSites is a website development company, started by actual job shop owners, and designed to serve the contract manufacturing industry. Using a template-based system, they custom-design your website to be an effective online sales tool for your company. Customers can send RFQ’s, Purchase Orders and CAD Drawings right through your website.

M2Mexpress
OK, now here's proof-positive that ASPs will not only become stand-alone entities, but that existing software developers and suppliers will utilize the ASP model successfully, too. Made2Manage Systems, a Shop Control (quoting, estimating, scheduling, accounting, inventory, etc.) solutions provider, has jumped on the ASP bandwagon in a BIG way. This is their own site for delivering their own products in their own ASP-ness. This is one big Enterprise Resource Planning Daddy-O, looking to grow more focused solutions for shop-level applications from this model. Watch for this approach to be adopted by more and more "traditional" software providers.