Apps, Infrastructure and Operations Definitions

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  • A

    Adobe Flash Player

    Adobe Flash Player is software used to stream and view video, audio, multimedia and Rich Internet Applications on a computer or supported mobile device.

  • Agile Manifesto

    The Agile Manifesto is a document that identifies four key values and 12 principles that its authors believe software developers should use to guide their work.

  • Agile project management (APM)

    Agile project management (APM) is an iterative approach to planning and guiding project processes.

  • artificial neuron

    An artificial neuron is a connection point in an artificial neural network.

  • B

    B2B (business to business)

    B2B (business-to-business) is a type of commerce involving the exchange of products, services or information between businesses, rather than from business to consumer (B2C).

  • big data as a service (BDaaS)

    Big data as a service (BDaS) is the delivery of data platforms and tools by a cloud provider to help organizations process, manage and analyze large data sets so they can generate insights to improve business operations and gain a competitive advantage.

  • blockchain decentralization

    Decentralization is the distribution of functions, control and information instead of being centralized in a single entity.

  • business process automation (BPA)

    Business process automation (BPA) is the use of advanced technology to complete business processes with minimal human intervention.

  • business process improvement (BPI)

    Business process improvement (BPI) is a practice in which enterprise leaders analyze their business processes to identify areas where they can improve accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency and then make changes within the processes to realize these improvements.

  • business process management software (BPMS)

    Business process management software (BPMS) helps companies design, model, execute, automate and improve a set of activities and tasks that, when completed, achieve an organizational goal.

  • Business Process Model Notation (BPMN)

    Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN), also called Business Process Model and Notation, is an open standard to diagram a business process.

  • business process outsourcing (BPO)

    Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a business practice in which an organization contracts with an external service provider to perform an essential business function or task.

  • business services

    Business services refer to all services that support a company.

  • What is business process management? A guide to BPM

    Business process management (BPM) is a structured approach to improving the processes organizations use to get work done, serve their customers and generate business value.

  • What is business transformation?

    Business transformation refers to fundamental changes in an organization’s operations, strategy or structure to improve efficiency, competitiveness and financial performance.

  • C

    change management

    Change management is a systematic approach to dealing with the transition or transformation of an organization's goals, processes and technologies.

  • chief data officer (CDO)

    A chief data officer (CDO) in many organizations is a C-level executive whose position has evolved into a range of strategic data management responsibilities related to the business to derive maximum value from the data available to the enterprise.

  • chief financial officer (CFO)

    A chief financial officer (CFO) is the corporate title for the person responsible for managing a company's financial operations and strategy.

  • chief operating officer (COO)

    A chief operating officer (COO) is the corporate executive who oversees ongoing business operations within the company.

  • chief procurement officer (CPO)

    The chief procurement officer, or CPO, leads an organization's procurement department and oversees the acquisitions of goods and services made by the organization.

  • conflict-free replicated data type (CRDT)

    A conflict-free replicated data type (CRDT) is a data structure that lets multiple people or applications make changes to the same piece of data.

  • corportal (corporate portal)

    Corportals, short for corporate portals, are sometimes referred to as enterprise information portals and are used by corporations to build their internal web presence by leveraging a company's information resources.

  • cross-functional team

    A cross-functional team is a workgroup made up of employees from different functional areas within an organization who collaborate to reach a stated objective.

  • What is a CEO (chief executive officer)?

    A chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking position in an organization and responsible for implementing plans and policies related to a company's financial strength, operational efficiency and strategic management.

  • What is a chief technology officer (CTO)?

    A chief technology officer (CTO) is a high-level executive who is responsible for overseeing an organization's strategic use of IT.

  • What is a CVO (chief visionary officer)?

    The CVO (chief visionary officer) is a newer C-suite title where the holder is expected to have a broad and comprehensive knowledge of all matters related to the business of the organization, as well as the vision required to steer its course into the future.

  • What is cognitive automation?

    Cognitive automation describes diverse ways of combining artificial intelligence (AI) and process automation capabilities to improve business outcomes.

  • D

    data collection

    Data collection is the process of gathering data for use in business decision-making, strategic planning, research and other purposes.

  • data latency

    Data latency is the time it takes for data packets to be stored or retrieved. In business intelligence (BI), data latency is how long it takes for a business user to retrieve source data from a data warehouse or BI dashboard.

  • decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)

    A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) is a management structure that uses blockchain technology to automate some aspects of voting and transaction processing.

  • deputy CIO (deputy chief information officer)

    Deputy CIO (chief information officer) is a role within some organizations that generally has responsibility for overseeing day-to-day information technology (IT) operations.

  • device ID (device identification)

    A device ID (device identification) is an anonymous string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.

  • digital process automation

    Digital process automation (DPA) uses low-code development tools to automate processes that can span multiple applications.

  • digital strategy (digital media strategy)

    A digital strategy, sometimes called a digital media strategy, is a plan for maximizing the business benefits of data assets and technology-focused initiatives.

  • distributed ledger technology (DLT)

    Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the transactions and their details are recorded in multiple places at the same time.

  • What is a decision support system (DSS)?

    A decision support system (DSS) is a computer program used to improve a company's decision-making capabilities.

  • What is data storytelling?

    Data storytelling is the process of translating complex data analyses into understandable terms to inform a business decision or action.

  • What is demand shaping?

    Demand shaping is an operational supply chain management (SCM) strategy where a company uses tactics such as price incentives, cost modifications and product substitutions to entice customers to purchase specific items.

  • What is digital labor?

    Digital labor is work that's performed by robotic process automation (RPA) systems and interactive applications, including chatbots and digital assistants.

  • E

    e-commerce

    E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of funds or data, over an electronic network, primarily the internet.

  • e-procurement (supplier exchange)

    Electronic procurement, also known as e-procurement or supplier exchange, is the process of requisitioning, ordering and purchasing goods and services online.

  • Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM)

    The Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) is a conceptual framework that outlines activities for the recovery and discovery of digital data.

  • enterprise architecture (EA)

    An enterprise architecture (EA) is a conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of organizations.

  • enterprise IT (enterprise-class IT)

    Enterprise-class IT (also known as enterprise-grade, or enterprise IT) is hardware, software and other IT services designed to meet the demands of a large organization.

  • enterprise project management (EPM)

    Enterprise project management (EPM) represents the professional practices, processes and tools involved in managing multiple projects taking place simultaneously across the enterprise.

  • enterprise risk management (ERM)

    Enterprise risk management (ERM) is the process of planning, organizing, directing and controlling the activities of an organization to minimize the harmful effects of risk on its capital and earnings.

  • ephemeral messaging

    Ephemeral messaging is the mobile-to-mobile transmission of multimedia messages that automatically disappear from the recipient's screen after the message has been viewed.

  • executive dashboard

    An executive dashboard is a computer interface that displays the key performance indicators (KPIs) that corporate officers need to effectively run an enterprise.

  • What is an entrepreneur (entrepreneurship)?

    An entrepreneur is an individual who identifies a need in the marketplace and works to fulfill it.

  • What is e-business?

    E-business (electronic business) is the conduct of online business processes on the web, internet, extranet or a combination thereof.

  • F

    FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)

    FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) is a step-by-step approach for collecting knowledge about possible points of failure in a design, manufacturing process, product or service.

  • FQA (frequently questioned answers)

    FQA (frequently questioned answers) are conventions or mandates scrutinized by individuals or groups who doubt their validity.

  • G

    Gaussian splatting

    Gaussian splatting renders extremely high-quality images -- using numerous scans of an object -- that can then be viewed from any angle and explored in real time.

  • Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles (the Principles)

    Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles is a framework for managing records in a way that supports an organization's immediate and future regulatory, legal, risk mitigation, environmental and operational requirements.

  • globalization

    Globalization is the process by which ideas, knowledge, information, goods and services spread around the world.

  • green IT (green information technology)

    Green IT (green information technology) is the practice of creating and using environmentally sustainable computing resources.

  • H

    hackathon

    A hackathon, also known as a codefest, is a social coding event that brings computer programmers and other interested people together to improve upon or build a new software program.

  • hard skills

    Hard skills are specific abilities, capabilities and skill sets that an individual can possess and demonstrate in a measured way.

  • hyperautomation

    Hyperautomation is a framework and a set of advanced technologies for scaling automation in the enterprise. The ultimate goal of hyperautomation is to develop a process for automating enterprise automation.

  • I

    Information and Content Exchange (ICE)

    Information and Content Exchange (ICE) is an XML-based standard protocol for electronic business-to-business (B2B) asset management.

  • information technology (IT) director

    An information technology (IT) director is the person in charge of technology within an organization. IT directors manage technology resources and employees to ensure that IT operations run smoothly.

  • integration server

    An integration server is a type of computer server that facilitates the interaction between different operating systems (OSes), services and applications across an enterprise IT environment.

  • ISACA

    ISACA is an independent, nonprofit, global association that engages in the development, adoption and use of globally accepted information system (IS) knowledge and practices.

  • IT asset management (ITAM)

    IT asset management (ITAM) is a set of business practices that combines financial, inventory and contractual functions to optimize spending and support lifecycle management and strategic decision-making within the IT environment.

  • IT audit (information technology audit)

    An IT audit is the examination and evaluation of an organization's information technology, operations and controls.

  • IT controls

    An IT control is a procedure or policy that provides a reasonable assurance that the information technology (IT) used by an organization operates as intended, that data is reliable and that the organization is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • IT cost structure

    IT cost structure refers to the relationship between different types of expenditures within a larger IT budget.

  • IT organization (information technology organization)

    An IT organization (information technology organization) is the department within a company that's charged with establishing, monitoring and maintaining information technology systems and services.

  • IT project management

    IT project management is the process of planning, organizing and delineating responsibility for the completion of an organizations' specific information technology (IT) goals.

  • ITIL V3

    ITIL V3 is the third version of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a globally recognized collection of best practices for managing IT and for implementing IT service management (ITSM) practices.

  • What is an IT project manager?

    An IT project manager is a professional charged with overseeing the process of planning, executing and delegating responsibilities around an organization's information technology (IT) pursuits and goals.

  • What is an IT service catalog?

    An IT service catalog is a list of information technology resources and offerings available from the IT service provider within an organization.

  • What is ICT (information and communications technology)?

    ICT (information and communications technology) is the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing.

  • What is incremental innovation?

    Incremental innovation is a series of small improvements or upgrades made to a company's existing products, services, processes or methods.

  • K

    What are knowledge-based systems (KBSes)?

    Knowledge-based systems (KBSes) are computer programs that use a centralized repository of data known as a knowledge base to provide problem-solving.

  • L

    Lean Six Sigma

    Lean Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to improving efficiency, customer satisfaction and profits.

  • Lean startup

    Lean startup is an approach to building new businesses based on the belief that entrepreneurs must investigate, experiment, test and iterate as they develop products.

  • ledger database

    A ledger database is somewhat modern and commonly refers to a type of database that uses cryptographic techniques, including blockchain, to secure data and enable an immutable ledger.

  • LOB (line of business)

    An LOB (line-of-business) application is one of the set of critical computer applications that are vital to running an enterprise, such as accounting, supply chain management, and resource planning applications.

  • localization

    Localization is the process of adapting and customizing a product to meet the needs of a specific market, as identified by its language, culture, expectations, local standards and legal requirements.

  • What is a learning management system (LMS)?

    A learning management system (LMS) is a software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement and assess a specific learning process.

  • What is labor arbitrage?

    Labor arbitrage is the practice of searching for and then using the lowest-cost workforce to produce products or goods.

  • What is Lean management?

    Lean management is an approach to managing an organization that supports the concept of continuous improvement, a long-term approach to work that systematically seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes to improve efficiency and quality.

  • M

    microtargeting

    Microtargeting (also called micro-niche targeting) is a marketing strategy that uses consumer data and demographics to identify the interests and preferences of specific individuals or small groups to send targeted advertisements that align with their interests.

  • model-based systems engineering (MBSE)

    Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) uses models to share information across collaborators in the design, development, test and operation of complex systems.

  • multisig (multisignature)

    Multisig, also called multisignature, is the requirement for a transaction to have two or more signatures before it can be executed.

  • multisourcing (multi-sourcing)

    Multisourcing (multi-sourcing) is an approach to outsourcing in which IT operations and technology infrastructure are contracted to a number of vendors, usually in combination with some internally provided elements of information technology.

  • What are metered services and how do they work?

    Metered services (also called pay-per-use and consumption-based pricing) are any type of payment structure in which a customer has access to potentially unlimited resources but only pays for what they use.

  • N

    Nvidia Omniverse

    Nvidia Omniverse is a computing platform built to enhance digital design and development by integrating 3D design, spatial computing and physics-based workflows across Nvidia tools, third-party apps and AI services.

  • What is nearshore outsourcing and how does it work?

    Nearshore outsourcing is the practice of getting work done or services performed by people in neighboring countries rather than an organization's own country.

  • O

    organizational change management (OCM)

    Organizational change management (OCM) is a type of change management framework for managing the effect of new business processes, changes in organizational structure, or cultural changes within an enterprise.

  • What is outsourcing?

    Outsourcing is a business practice in which a company hires a third party to perform tasks, handle operations or provide services for the company.

  • P

    PICK chart (Possible, Implement, Challenge and Kill chart)

    A PICK chart (Possible, Implement, Challenge and Kill chart) is a visual tool for organizing ideas. The purpose of a PICK chart is to identify which ideas can be implemented easily and have a high payoff.

  • pilot program (pilot study)

    A pilot program, also called a feasibility study or experimental trial, is a small-scale, short-term experiment that helps an organization learn how a large-scale project might work in practice.

  • prescriptive analytics

    Prescriptive analytics is a type of data analytics that provides guidance on what should happen next.

  • product development (new product development)

    Product development -- also called new product management -- is a series of steps that includes the conceptualization, design, development and marketing of newly created or rebranded goods and services.

  • project management

    Project management is the discipline of using established principles, procedures and policies to guide a project from conception through completion.

  • Project portfolio management: A beginner's guide

    Project portfolio management is a formal approach used by organizations to identify, prioritize, coordinate and monitor projects that align with their strategy and goals.

  • project post-mortem

    A project post-mortem is a business process that lets the project team, project management, and other stakeholders review and evaluate the results at the end of a project or after the resolution of an incident.

  • project scope

    Project scope is the part of project planning that involves determining and documenting a list of specific project goals, deliverables, tasks, costs and deadlines.