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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
star network - A star network is a local area network (LAN) topology in which all nodes -- personal computers (PCs), workstations or other devices -- are directly connected to a common central computer that is often referred to as a hub.
statement of work (SOW) - A statement of work (SOW), in project management, is a document in which a contracting officer or chief procurement officer (CPO) specifies the objectives and deliverables for a particular project or service contract.
STONITH (Shoot The Other Node In The Head) - STONITH (Shoot The Other Node In The Head) is a Linux service for maintaining the integrity of nodes in a high-availability (HA) cluster.
strategic management - Strategic management is the ongoing planning, monitoring, analysis and assessment of all necessities an organization needs to meet its goals and objectives.
strategic planning - Strategic planning is a process in which an organization's leaders define their vision for the future and identify their organization's goals and objectives.
super app - A super app is a mobile or web application that combines multiple services into one platform.
supplier relationship management (SRM) - Supplier relationship management (SRM) is a systematic approach to evaluating and partnering with vendors that supply goods, materials and services to an organization, determining each supplier's contribution to success, and developing strategies to improve their performance.
supply chain - A supply chain is the network of all the individuals, organizations, resources, activities and technology involved in the creation and sale of a product.
supply chain management (SCM) - Supply chain management (SCM) is the optimization of a product's creation and flow from raw material sourcing to production, logistics and delivery to the final customer.
supply chain risk management (SCRM) - Supply chain risk management (SCRM) is the coordinated efforts of an organization to help identify, monitor, detect and mitigate threats to supply chain continuity and profitability.
supply chain visibility (SCV) - Supply chain visibility (SCV) is the ability of parts, components or products in transit to be tracked from manufacturer to final destination.
Sysprep (System Preparation Tool) - Sysprep is Microsoft's System Preparation tool intended to duplicate, test and deliver new installations for the Windows operating system based on an established installation.
System Restore (Windows) - System Restore is a Microsoft Windows utility designed to protect and revert the operating system (OS) to a previous state.
systems operator (sysop) - In IT, a systems operator (sysop) is a person who runs computer servers and other devices on a daily basis in a data center.
TCO (total cost of ownership) - Total cost of ownership (TCO) is an estimation of the expenses associated with purchasing, deploying, using and retiring a product or piece of equipment.
TCPView - TCPView is a Windows network monitoring utility that shows a graphical representation of all currently active TCP and UDP endpoints on a system.
technical debt - Technical debt -- or tech debt -- is the implied cost incurred when businesses do not fix problems that will affect them in the future.
template - A template is a form, mold or pattern used as a guide to make something.
Terraform - HashiCorp Terraform is an infrastructure as code (IaC) software tool that allows DevOps teams to automate infrastructure provisioning using reusable, shareable, human-readable configuration files.
thyristor - A thyristor is a four-layer semiconductor device, consisting of alternating P-type and N-type materials (PNPN).
tier 1 vendor - A tier 1 vendor is one of the largest and most well known in its field -- often enjoying national or international recognition and acceptance.
touch screen - A touch screen is an electronic display screen that is also an input device.
transaction - In computing, a transaction is a set of related tasks treated as a single action.
trusted execution environment (TEE) - A trusted execution environment (TEE) is an area on the main processor of a device that is separated from the system's main operating system (OS).
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) - A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a specialized chip on a device designed to secure hardware with cryptographic keys.
turbine - A turbine is a machine that plays a key role in transforming fluid or air energy into usable work or electricity.
Universal Naming Convention (UNC) - The Universal Naming Convention (UNC) is a standard for naming resources -- such as files and devices -- that are shared by computers on a network.
value chain - A value chain is a concept describing the full chain of a business's activities in creating a product or service -- from initial receipt of materials through its delivery to market.
value proposition - A value proposition is a statement that clearly identifies the benefits a company's products and services will deliver to its customers.
value-added reseller (VAR) - A value-added reseller (VAR) is a company that resells software, hardware, and other products and services that provide value beyond the original order fulfillment.
Vblock (VCE Vblock) - Vblock (VCE Vblock) is a family of converged infrastructure (CI) systems from Dell EMC that integrate advanced compute, network and storage technologies from three industry leaders: VMware, Cisco and Dell EMC.
vendor management system (VMS) - A vendor management system (VMS) is an enterprise software platform that helps companies control the process of procuring and managing a flexible workforce.
vendor-managed inventory (VMI) - Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is an inventory management technique in which the supplier of goods, usually the manufacturer, is responsible for optimizing the inventory a distributor holds.
virtual CPU (vCPU) - A virtual CPU (vCPU) is the processor of a virtual machine (VM).
Virtual Machine Disk format (VMDK) - VMware Virtual Machine Disk format (VMDK) is a format specification for virtual machine (VM) disk image files.
VRAM (video RAM) - VRAM (video RAM) refers to any type of random access memory (RAM) specifically used to store image data for a computer display.
VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) - VUCA is an acronym that stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity -- qualities that make a situation or condition difficult to analyze, respond to or plan for.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive - The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is a legislative act that the European Union adopted to address the growing amounts of e-waste that come from electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) at the end of its life.
What are COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS? - COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS are abbreviations that describe prepackaged software or -- less commonly -- hardware purchase alternatives.