To provide an optimal service matched with requests from users of a MFP connected with a network. A method for providing a service by a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 10 includes the steps of: receiving a request for the service; receiving information 90 required for executing the service from an external device 30 capable of communicating with the MFP; judging, based on the received information 90, whether the MFP 10 itself executes processing for providing the service or the external device 30 executes the processing (50); and if the MFP itself executes the processing and if the MFP does not have an application required for the execution, downloading the application 100 from the external device.