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I recently came across a commentary on technology appliances in the data center where the author was asking a large number of rhetorical questions. Underlying his questions was a premise that companies (except for the top .001%) can solve all their business problems with  general purpose computing devices. Perhaps it’s time to throw out those Cisco routers, those Juniper firewalls, those IBM intrusion detection systems? Perhaps not.

 

Appliances, like other products, evolve through a lifecycle influenced by data conditions, operational economics, technology maturation and market acceptance. Early adopters of appliances are often large firms, but over time smaller firms and consumers dominate in broader, deeper markets. Importantly, though, what is an “appliance”? My internet access device at home now consists of a router, a switch, a firewall, a wireless access point and an intrusion detection system – and it’s the size of book. In time, I expect my next one to have server capabilities, audio and video storage, etc.

 

The point is: appliances should (and do) evolve. Some thoughts on the maturation process:

 

• Level 1 – Economics. Yes, you can exceed Moore’s Law. Adding more general-purpose computing elements may not be economically or physically viable.  Enter the appliance.
• Level 2 – Integration. As the appliance model solidifies, adjacent capabilities are added, yielding a more holistic solution.
• Cycle 3 – Simplicity. Unified configuration and management drive the user experience. Automation also begins to take hold.
• Cycle 4 – Defacto.  Changes to form factor continue. Integration into broader offerings and services become the norm.
  

Regards,
=rob.ciampa