IT operations

Terms related to the processes and services implemented and managed by an organization’s information technology (IT) department. Topics covered include systems management, configuration management, API management and DevOps, as well as real-time performance monitoring and management.

memorandum of understanding (MOU) - A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a formal agreement that outlines plans for a common line of action between two or more parties.
memristor - A memristor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in a circuit and remembers the amount of charge that has previously flowed through it.
metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) - The metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET, pronounced MAWS-feht) is the most common type of field-effect transistor (FET).
Microsoft Azure monitoring tools - Azure monitoring tools are software meant to assist in the different aspects of cloud infrastructure management and monitoring, centering around Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, Azure.
Microsoft Cloud Witness - Microsoft Cloud Witness is a quorum witness for Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) that uses Microsoft Azure as the arbitration point.
Microsoft Hybrid Configuration Wizard - The Microsoft Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW) is a tool provided by Microsoft to help organizations set up and configure a hybrid deployment between their on-premises Exchange Server and Exchange Online, which is part of Microsoft 365.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Access (Microsoft RD Web Access) - Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Access (Microsoft RD Web Access) is a Remote Desktop Services role in some versions of the Windows Server OS.
Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager) - Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager) is a set of tools for infrastructure monitoring and application performance management.
Microsoft System Center - Microsoft System Center is a suite of software products designed to simplify the deployment, configuration and management of IT infrastructure and virtualized software-defined data centers.
Microsoft Windows PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) - The Windows PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) is a graphical user interface and front-end hosting application for Windows PowerShell.
million instructions per second (MIPS) - Million instructions per second (MIPS) is a measure of a processor's speed, providing a standard for representing the number of instructions that a CPU can process in 1 second.
Mini-ITX - Mini-ITX is a compact motherboard configuration designed to support relatively low-cost computers in small spaces such as in automobiles, set-top boxes and network devices.
monthly recurring revenue (MRR) - Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) is income a company can reliably anticipate every 30 days and one of the key metrics for channel partner companies.
motherboard - A motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer.
moves, adds and changes (MAC) - Moves, adds and changes (MAC) refers to a set of tasks that IT teams regularly perform to keep computing equipment up to date and aligned with user and business requirements.
MPP (massively parallel processing) - MPP (massively parallel processing) is the coordinated processing of a program by multiple processors that work on different parts of the program, with each processor using its own operating system and memory.
MTBF (mean time between failures) - MTBF (mean time between failures) is a measure of how reliable a hardware product or component is.
multiprogramming - Multiprogramming is a rudimentary form of parallel processing in which several programs run at the same time on a uniprocessor system.
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.
Nagios - Nagios is an open source IT system monitoring tool.
nearshore outsourcing - Nearshore outsourcing is the practice of getting work done or services performed by people in neighboring countries rather than an organization's country.
net price - The net price is the value at which a product or service is sold after all taxes and other costs are added and all discounts subtracted.
network automation - Network automation is a methodology in which software automatically configures, provisions, manages and tests network devices.
non-uniform memory access (NUMA) - Non-uniform memory access, or NUMA, is a method of configuring a cluster of microprocessors in a multiprocessing system so they can share memory locally.
non-volatile memory (NVM) - Non-volatile memory (NVM) is a type of computer storage medium that retains data even in the absence of a power supply.
nonrepudiation - Nonrepudiation ensures that no party can deny that it sent or received a message via encryption and/or digital signatures or approved some information.
NRZ (non-return-to-zero) - NRZ (non-return-to-zero) refers to a form of digital data transmission in which the binary low and high states, represented by numerals 0 and 1, are transmitted by specific and constant DC (direct-current) voltage s.
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) - OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, is a broad term that describes a web of relationships among IT hardware vendors, hardware component makers, software vendors and channel partners such as resellers and distributors.
on-demand computing (ODC) - On-demand computing (ODC) is a delivery model in which computing resources are made available to the user as needed.
OODA loop - The OODA loop -- Observe, Orient, Decide, Act -- is a four-step approach to decision-making that focuses on filtering available information, putting it in context and quickly making the most appropriate decision, while also understanding that changes can be made as more data becomes available.
Open Container Initiative - The Open Container Initiative (OCI) is a collaborative project hosted under the Linux Foundation that is designed to establish common standards for container formats and runtimes.
operational efficiency - Operational efficiency refers to an organization's ability to reduce waste of time, effort and material while still producing a high-quality service or product.
operational technology (OT) - Operational technology (OT) is a category of hardware and software that monitors and controls how physical devices perform.
operational-level agreement (OLA) - An operational-level agreement (OLA) is a contract that defines how various IT groups within a company plan to deliver a service or set of services.
optical computer (photonic computer) - An optical computer (also called a photonic computer) is a device that uses the photons in visible light or infrared (IR) beams,rather than electric current, to perform digital computations.
organizational unit (OU) - An organizational unit (OU) can refer to different things depending on the context, such as an organizational group within a company that is intended to accomplish a specific business function.
pagefile - In storage, a pagefile is a reserved portion of a hard disk that is used as an extension of random access memory (RAM) for data in RAM that hasn't been used recently.
paravirtualization - Paravirtualization is a type of hardware virtualization that enables the guest operating system (OS) in a virtual machine (VM) to access the hypervisor directly, rather than indirectly through a complex abstraction layer, as is the case with conventional full virtualization.
performance and accountability reporting (PAR) - Performance and accountability reporting (PAR) is the process of compiling and documenting factors that quantify an organization's achievements, efficiency and adherence to budget, comparing actual results against previously articulated goals.
permittivity (electric permittivity) - Permittivity (electric permittivity) is defined as the ratio of electric displacement to the electric field intensity.
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.
pipelining - Pipelining is the process of storing and prioritizing computer instructions that the processor executes.
platform economy - Platform economy is the tendency for commerce to increasingly move toward and favor digital platform business models.
policy engine - A policy engine is a software component that allows an organization to create, monitor and enforce rules about how network resources and the organization's data can be accessed.
power distribution unit (PDU) - A power distribution unit (PDU) is a device for controlling electrical power in a data center.
power factor correction (PFC) - Power factor correction (PFC) is the set of mechanisms built into a power supply circuit to raise the power factor (PF).
Power over Ethernet (PoE) - Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for implementing wired Ethernet local area networks (LANs) that enables the electrical current necessary for operating each device to be carried by Ethernet data cables instead of standard electrical power cords and wiring.
printer - A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper, usually to standard-size, 8.
process innovation - Process innovation refers to a change in an existing operation or product that creates significant value for an organization.
processor (CPU) - A processor is the logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer.
procure to pay (P2P) - Procure to pay is the process of requisitioning, purchasing, receiving, paying for and accounting for goods and services.
Prometheus - Prometheus is an open source monitoring and alerting toolkit for microservices and containers that provides flexible queries and real-time notifications.
propagation delay - Propagation delay is the amount of time required for a signal to be received after it has been sent; it is caused by the time it takes for the signal to travel through a medium.
proportional control - Proportional control is a control system technology in which the response (output) is proportional to the difference between a setpoint value and the current value of a process variable.
prototyping model - The prototyping model is a systems development method in which a prototype is built, tested and then reworked as necessary until an acceptable outcome is achieved from which the complete system or product can be developed.
QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) - QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is a method of combining two amplitude modulation (AM) signals into a single channel.
rack - A rack, in an IT (information technology) context, is a supporting framework that holds hardware modules.
rack server (rack-mounted server) - A rack server, also called a rack-mounted server, is a computer dedicated to use as a server and designed to be installed in a framework called a rack.
rack unit - A rack unit (abbreviated as U, less commonly seen as RU) is a unit of measurement (1.
radiology information system (RIS) - A radiology information system (RIS) is a networked software system for managing medical imagery and associated data.
Raspberry Pi ($35 computer) - Raspberry Pi is a small, single-board computer that costs $35.
real user monitoring (RUM) - Real user monitoring (RUM) is a technology used by developers and network operators to gain real-world observability into web performance and service availability.
real-time monitoring - Real-time monitoring is the delivery of continuously updated data about systems, processes or events.
reliability of computers - Reliability is an attribute of any computer-related component -- software, hardware or a network, for example -- that consistently performs according to its specifications.
reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) - Reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) is a set of related attributes that must be considered when designing, manufacturing, purchasing and using a computer product or component.
Request for Offer (RFO) - A Request for Offer (RFO) is a document an organization issues to solicit bids or proposals from potential suppliers for goods or services.
request for proposal (RFP) - A request for proposal (RFP) is a document that an organization, often a government agency or large enterprise, posts to elicit a response -- a formal bid -- from potential vendors for a desired IT solution.
requisition - A requisition, in procurement, is a request for goods or services made by an employee to the person or department in a company that is responsible for purchasing.
Resilient File System (ReFS) - A Resilient File System (ReFS) is a file system that Microsoft developed for use on a Windows operating system (OS) and is designed to overcome some of the limitations in the New Technology File System (NTFS).
Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) - Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) refers to all the group policies applied to a user and computer.
revenue cycle management (RCM) - Revenue cycle management (RCM) is the financial process, utilizing medical billing software, that healthcare facilities use to track patient care episodes from registration and appointment scheduling to the final payment of a balance to ensure proper identification, collection and management of revenues from patient services.
RFI (request for information) - An RFI (request for information) is a formal process for gathering information from potential suppliers of a good or service.
RFx - RFx (request for x) encompasses the entire formal request process and can include request for bid (RFB), request for information (RFI), request for proposal (RFP), request for quotation (RFQ) and request for tender (RFT).
risk-based patch management (RBPM) - Risk-based patch management (RBPM) is an approach to implementing patches to fix software code that prioritizes patches that address security issues posing the highest risk to the organization.
rolling deployment - A rolling deployment is the installation of software updates on one server or server subset at a time, rather than updating all servers or server subsets at the same time.
RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools) - RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools) refers to a set of tools from Microsoft that enable IT administrators to remotely manage roles and features in Windows Server from a computer that is running Windows 11, Windows 10 or Windows 7 Service Pack 1.
runlevel - A runlevel is an operating state on a Unix and Unix-based operating system that is preset on the Linux-based system.
SaltStack - SaltStack, often referred to as simply "Salt," is an open source configuration management and orchestration tool for automating repeated system administrative and code deployment tasks.
SAP Business One - SAP Business One is an ERP software platform specifically intended for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
SAP Planned Delivery Time - SAP Planned Delivery Time (PDT) is a tool within the SAP ERP software used to update manufacturing planning data, namely the scheduled delivery of procured goods and materials so that production plans reflect the most current data.
secondary storage - Secondary storage is persistent storage for noncritical data that doesn't need to be accessed as frequently as data in primary storage or that doesn't have the same performance or availability requirements.
Seebeck effect - The Seebeck effect is a phenomenon in which a temperature difference between two dissimilar electrical conductors or semiconductors produces a voltage difference between the two substances.
serial communications interface (SCI) - A serial communications interface (SCI) is a device that enables the serial exchange of data -- that is, one bit at a time -- between a microprocessor and peripherals, such as printers, external drives, scanners and mice.
serial peripheral interface (SPI) - A serial peripheral interface (SPI) is an interface commonly used in computers and embedded systems to facilitate short-distance communication between a microcontroller and one or more peripheral integrated circuits (ICs).
server hardware degradation - Server hardware degradation is the gradual breakdown of the physical parts of a server.
service assurance (SA) - Service assurance (SA) is a procedure or set of procedures intended to optimize performance and provide management guidance in communications networks, media services and end-user applications.
service level indicator - A service level indicator (SLI) is a metric that indicates what measure of performance a customer is receiving at a given time.
service virtualization - Service virtualization is the process of creating replicas of systems that new applications depend on to test how well the application and systems integrate.
service-level agreement (SLA) - A service-level agreement (SLA) is a contract between a service provider and its customers that documents what services the provider will furnish and defines the service standards the provider is obligated to meet.
ServiceNow - ServiceNow is a software company that provides a cloud-based, AI-driven platform for automating multiple management workflows in enterprises.
seven wastes - The seven wastes are categories of unproductive manufacturing practices identified by Taiichi Ohno, the father of the Toyota Production System (TPS).
shared services - Shared services is a delivery model organizations use to consolidate similar business functions into a single unit that supports the entire organization.
shift-left testing - Shift-left testing is a software testing approach in which the code is tested in the earlier stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
sidecar proxy - A sidecar proxy is an application design pattern which abstracts certain features, such as inter-service communications, monitoring and security, away from the main architecture to ease the tracking and maintenance of an application.
SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram - A SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram is a visual tool for documenting a business process from beginning to end prior to implementation.
site reliability engineer - Site reliability engineer is a job title for a specialist who works with software developers to ensure that an organization's computing systems are scalable, stable and predictable.
SMB (small and medium-sized business or small and midsize business) - SMB is an abbreviation for a small and medium-sized business, sometimes called a small and midsize business.
sound card - A sound card is a computer component responsible for generating and recording audio.
standard operating procedure (SOP) - A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions for performing a routine activity.
standardization - Standardization is the process of developing, promoting and possibly mandating standards-based and compatible technologies and processes within an industry.