Specialized computer systems that are referred to as Appliances appeared on the horizon a few years ago, but have continued to evolve as a result of the shift in the demand from general-purpose servers to more application-specific computing devices.

Server appliances are hardware platforms bundled with application software developed by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) or Solutions-oriented Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These appliances are tasked with providing specific types of functionality such as network scanning, firewalls, intrusion prevention/detection systems (IDS/IPS), virtual private networks (VPN), and many other custom applications that require a computing engine to function. Increasingly, appliances are being utilized as Network Attached Storage (NAS), data compression engines, network event monitoring, disk-based back-up (tape replacement), IP television receivers and other home entertainment devices, and many other “non-traditional” applications.

There are many advantages to an appliance model, just a few being:

• “Plug and play” nature - simply unbox and plug them in versus sourcing a server, installing software, and hoping for compatibility
• Increased brand recognition - appliances typically stand out in a server room due to custom branding
• Compatibility assurance of the application on the hardware platform.
• Reduced support costs associated with a finite “sandbox” of hardware configurations

ISVs & OEMs have realized the importance of developing, branding, and selling their software on an appliance platform; however the complexity of bringing such solutions to market is frequently underestimated. NCS addresses this new paradigm by offering to our ISV partners a quick and cost-effective way to bring their products to market with minimal changes to existing business models.