Technology Glossary
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Technology Terms
Core technology concepts and definitions
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs enable integration between systems and services, allowing developers to access functionality and data from other applications without needing to understand their internal workings.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn. AI includes various subfields such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.
Big Data
Extremely large datasets that may be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations, especially relating to human behavior and interactions. Big data is characterized by the three Vs: volume, velocity, and variety.
Blockchain
A distributed ledger technology that maintains a continuously growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked and secured using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data.
Cloud Computing
The delivery of computing services including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics over the internet. Cloud computing provides on-demand access to computing resources without the need for direct active management by the user.
Containerization
A lightweight form of virtualization that packages an application and its dependencies into a single unit called a container. Containers can run on any system that supports the containerization platform, ensuring consistency across different environments.
DevOps
A set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to shorten the development lifecycle while delivering features, fixes, and updates frequently in close alignment with business objectives.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Integrated management software that organizations use to manage business processes. ERP systems integrate various functions such as finance, HR, manufacturing, supply chain, services, procurement, and others into a single system.
Internet of Things (IoT)
A network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that allow them to connect and exchange data over the internet. IoT devices range from smart home devices to industrial sensors.
Machine Learning
A type of artificial intelligence that enables systems to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning focuses on developing computer programs that can access data and use it to learn for themselves.
Microservices
An architectural approach to building applications where a single application is composed of many independently deployable, smaller services. Each service runs in its own process and communicates with other services through APIs.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
A software distribution model in which a third-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the internet. SaaS is one of three main categories of cloud computing, alongside IaaS and PaaS.
Serverless Computing
A cloud computing execution model where the cloud provider dynamically manages the allocation of machine resources. Pricing is based on the actual amount of resources consumed by an application, rather than on pre-purchased units of capacity.
Virtualization
The creation of a virtual version of something, such as a server, desktop, storage device, or network resources. Virtualization allows multiple operating systems and applications to run on the same physical hardware.
Business Terms
Business and management concepts
Agile Development
An iterative approach to software development that emphasizes collaboration, customer feedback, and rapid, flexible responses to change. Agile development breaks projects into small, manageable units called iterations or sprints.
Business Intelligence (BI)
The strategies and technologies used by enterprises for data analysis and management of business information. BI technologies provide historical, current, and predictive views of business operations.
Change Management
A systematic approach to dealing with the transition or transformation of an organization's goals, processes, or technologies. The purpose of change management is to implement strategies for effecting change, controlling change, and helping people to adapt to change.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Technologies and strategies that companies use to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle, with the goal of improving customer service relationships and assisting in customer retention.
Digital Transformation
The process of using digital technologies to create new or modify existing business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements. This reimagining of business in the digital age is digital transformation.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives. Organizations use KPIs to evaluate their success at reaching targets and to make informed decisions.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
A product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future product development. An MVP helps validate a product idea early in the development process with minimal resources.
Return on Investment (ROI)
A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of several different investments. ROI measures the amount of return on an investment relative to the investment's cost.
Scalability
The ability of a system, network, or process to handle a growing amount of work in a capable manner or its ability to be enlarged to accommodate that growth. Scalability can be measured in terms of performance, capacity, or cost.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
A financial estimate intended to help buyers and owners determine the direct and indirect costs of a product or system. TCO includes the purchase price plus all associated costs over the life of the product.
User Experience (UX)
The overall experience of a person using a product, system, or service. UX includes a person's perceptions of utility, ease of use, and efficiency. Good UX design focuses on creating products that are easy and enjoyable to use.
User Interface (UI)
The means by which the user and a computer system interact, including the use of input devices and software. UI design focuses on the visual elements of a product, including screens, buttons, and icons.
Workflow Automation
The design, execution, and automation of processes based on workflow rules where human tasks, data, or files are routed between people or systems based on pre-defined business rules. Workflow automation improves efficiency and reduces errors.
Security Terms
Information security and cybersecurity concepts
Authentication
The process of verifying the identity of a user, process, or device. Authentication typically involves validating credentials such as usernames and passwords, digital certificates, or biometric data.
Authorization
The process of determining what permissions a user has for accessing resources. Authorization typically follows authentication and involves checking if the authenticated user has the necessary rights to perform a requested action.
Encryption
The process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. Encryption uses algorithms to transform data into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted with the appropriate key.
Firewall
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. A firewall establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user's identity. MFA typically combines something the user knows, has, or is.
Penetration Testing
An authorized simulated cyberattack on a computer system to evaluate its security. Penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a system's security controls.
Phishing
A cybercrime in which targets are contacted by email, telephone, or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data. Phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency to trick victims.
Ransomware
A type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. Ransomware typically encrypts files and demands payment for the decryption key.
Social Engineering
The psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. Social engineering relies on human interaction and often involves tricking people into breaking normal security procedures.
Vulnerability
A weakness in a system that can be exploited by cyber attackers to gain unauthorized access or perform unauthorized actions. Vulnerabilities can be in software, hardware, or organizational processes.
Zero-Day Exploit
A cyber attack that occurs on the same day a weakness is discovered in software. Zero-day exploits are particularly dangerous because there is no time to fix the vulnerability before it can be exploited.
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