A
Appliance
(Context: Hardware, Hosting Options)
Generally, a separate and discrete hardware device with integrated software (firmware), specifically designed to provide a specific computing resource. These are generally "closed and sealed" – not serviceable by the owner. The hardware and software are pre-integrated and pre-configured before delivery to the customer, to provide a "turnkey" solution to a particular problem. Unlike general purpose computers, appliances are generally not designed to allow the customers to change the software (including the underlying operating system), or to flexibly reconfigure the hardware.
Reference:
Computer Appliance (networxsecurity.org)
See Also:
Appliance Server (also Server Appliance)
Physical Appliance (also Hardware Appliance)
Definition of Computing Appliance - Gartner Information Technology Glossary