Short for
Simple Protocol for Independent Computing Environment, SPICE is a hosted
virtual desktop protocol and a key part of Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization for Desktops. The SPICE protocol is designed to optimize performance by automatically adapting to the graphics and communications environment that it is running in. SPICE was initially developed by Qumranet; however, in 2008 Red Hat purchased Qumranet and in 2009 Red Hat announced it would open source SPICE.
See also “Red Hat open sources SPICE for desktop virtualization” on InternetNews.com.