The rising popularity of the appliance model over the past few years is a direct reflection of an organizations’ desire to remove complexity from the software purchasing and deployment process. A custom appliance can put the focus back where it belongs – on using the application to gain business value.

An appliance is really just another means to deliver an application to the user. But rather than sending CDs or requiring users to download software from a Web site and then having them load the software onto their servers, an appliance arrives with its software pre-loaded onto its own dedicated hardware, which runs on its own hardened operating system. This delivery method provides several advantages over the traditional software/server model:

• Easy installation

  Users typically remove the appliance from the shipping carton, install it in the rack, connect power and network cable(s), assign an IP address, and turn the appliance on. At that point it configures itself to run on the network. The entire process takes less than an hour versus as much as a week to load and configure conventional software.

• Guaranteed compatibility

  It doesn’t matter what hardware or OS the enterprise is using, because an appliance operates completely separate from both. This method removes any concern about hardware-software conflicts and simplifies development on your end since you only have to develop to the platform you select.

• No more finger-pointing

  If there is a problem, either with installation or operation, there aren't any delays in fixing it while trying to determine if it’s due to the hardware or software. You take responsibility for both, allowing you to greatly improve customer service.

• Better brand identity

  Software loaded on a server generally sits in the background unless there is a problem. But an appliance is very visible to all who pass the rack. It is a great way to keep your brand identity front and center with the key decision-makers.

• Higher perceived value

  Most enterprise software is expensive. Yet delivery on CDs, or worse as a download, tends to lessen the perceived value because of their form factor. Having an appliance gives end users something substantive they can hold in their hands. It just “feels” like more of a complete product.

• Eases logistical considerations

  Users don’t have to clear room on an existing server or try to time the purchase of a new server to load the software. It’s all right there when they take it out of the box.

These are just a few of the advantages software developers and their customers will realize by moving to the appliance model. For more information, download this article by MBX CEO Tom Crowley, or talk to your MBX account representative.

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