The term represents a configuration strategy where a single, powerful computing resource is logically divided into smaller, isolated environments. Each of these environments, like slices of a pie, functions independently, offering dedicated resources and configurations for distinct applications or services. For example, a high-performance machine hosting virtual machines, each running a specific application, can be conceptualized as this architecture.
The adoption of this organizational method offers numerous advantages, including optimized resource allocation, enhanced security through isolation, and simplified management. Historically, this concept emerged from the need to efficiently utilize increasingly powerful hardware and improve application deployment strategies. Its flexibility allows for scaling individual components based on demand, leading to cost savings and improved responsiveness.