Software appliance

A software appliance is a software application combined with just enough operating system (JeOS) for it to run optimally on industry standard hardware (typically a server) or in a virtual machine. Software appliances simplify server applications by minimizing the tasks typically associated with installation, configuration and maintenance.

The customer receives all service and maintenance from the application vendor, eliminating the requirement to manage multiple maintenance streams, licenses, and service contracts. The software appliance is typically sold as a subscription service (pay-as-you-go) and is an alternative approach to Software as a Service.

Hardware appliance

In some cases, the application vendor may install the software appliance on a piece of hardware prior to delivery to the customer, thereby creating a hardware appliance solution. In both cases, the primary value to the customer remains the simplicity of purchase, deployment, and maintenance.

Virtual appliance

A software appliance can be packaged in a virtual machine format as a virtual appliance, allowing it to be run within a virtual machine container.

See also

• Virtualization
• Software as a Service
• Virtual appliance
• Computer appliance
• JeOS
• rPath, a commercial software appliance platform vendor
• Nixu Software, a commercial DNS and IP addressing software appliance vendor
• Akonix Systems, a commercial provider of software and hardware appliances for the instant messaging market