Definitions & Glossary
What is an OEM?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. IHV stands for Indpendent Hardware Vendor. An IHV/OEM partner takes an original Novell product and integrates (bundles, preloads) it with his own product/solution.
The IHV/OEM partner therefore takes the product responsibility for the original Novell product. That means, he covers the sales cost, as well as the marketing cost. He provides support and takes the sales risk. The IHV/OEM partner is not entitled to sell the original product unbundled from his own product/solution. For all of his efforts, the IHV/OEM partner usually purchases the original Novell product from Novell or one of Novell's authorized OEM distribution partners under very attractive conditions.
"Integration" in the context of an appliance OEM business
The original Novell product needs to be integrated with the partner's own product or solution in order to build an appliance. Integration means that the original Novell product must be packaged and run as an embedded part of the appliance.
"Embedded" in the context of an OEM business
Embedded means that the end-customer, using the bundled product, is neither enabled nor entitled to alter the integrated original Novell product. The integrated original Novell product might even be hidden to the end-customer. Usually the term embedded is used together with appliances, but it also might be used in the context of solution stacks.
"Preload" in the context of an OEM business
Novell's Linux offerings need to be installed or configured prior to end-customer shipment (pre-load), or be seamlessly installed and configured as an integrated part of an software appliance installation routine.
Software Appliance
A software appliance Is a piece of software which runs on top of a modified or unmodified Novell software product and which is integrated with it. It is enterprise ready in terms of maintainability and supported by the Software Appliance Vendor.
Hardware Appliance
A hardware appliance is a "ready-to-go" piece of physical hardware bundled with a software appliance. Potentially the integrated SLE is specifically tuned to the purpose of the appliance and the size of it's workload.
Virtual Appliance
A virtual appliance is a hardware appliance with the unique qualification that it runs on a virtual host operating system – that means that the hardware in this case is a virtual environment.
Appliance
An umbrella term for a software, hardware or virtual appliance.
Solution Stack
Any appliance can be referred to as a solution stack. Typically appliances refer to a clearly defined workload, whereas a general solution stack might also target multiple workloads.
Direct OEM Partner
A direct OEM Partner has entered a direct contractual relationship with Novell. The requirement for this is a minimum of $50.000,- USD OEM revenue commitment to Novell. Direct OEM partners are entitled to directly order from the OEM (NOB) pricel ist at Novell. Usually a direct OEM partner, especially if his OEM revenue contribution to Novell is high, has a dedicated partner manager at Novell, who is his personal contact.
System Builder Partner
A System Builder is an IHV building computer systems under his own brand or as whitebox systems. System Builder Partners purchase Novell OEM products through an authorized OEM Distributor of Novell. Usually System Builder Partners are regional oriented midsize companies. There is no minimum revenue commitment required to become a System Builder Partner of Novell.
If you have another term you would like to see in this section, please let us know. Our team is happy to provide you with an answer and update this section. Just send an email to oem-feedback@novell.com.