A
Appliance
Definition
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 "turn-key" 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.
See Also:
Appliance Server (also Server Appliance)