Technical Vocabulary

Following is a list of vocabulary that is useful for today's business environment.  Please visit whatis.com to read more about these terms.

For a Excel file of the vocab click here  

archive / archiving   An archive is a collection of computer files that have been packaged together for backup, to transport to some other location, for saving away from the computer so that more hard disk storage can be made available, or for some other purpose. An archive can include a simple list of files or files organized under a directory or catalog structure (depending on how a particular program supports archiving).
data dictionary   A data dictionary is a collection of descriptions of the data objects or items in a data model for the benefit of programmers and others who need to refer to them.
data integrity   Integrity, in terms of data and network security, is the assurance that information can only be accessed or modified by those authorized to do so. Measures taken to ensure integrity include controlling the physical environment of networked terminals and servers, restricting access to data, and maintaining rigorous authentication practices.
data mining   Data mining is sorting through data to identify patterns and establish relationships. Data mining parameters include:  1) Association - looking for patterns where one event is connected to another event 2) Sequence or path analysis - looking for patterns where one event leads to another later event 3) Classification - looking for new patterns (May result in a change in the way the data is organized but that's ok) 4) Clustering - finding and visually documenting groups of facts not previously known and 5) Forecasting - discovering patterns in data that can lead to reasonable predictions about the future.
data modeling   Data modeling is the analysis of data objects that are used in a business or other context and the identification of the relationships among these data objects.
data warehouse   A data warehouse is a central repository for all or significant parts of the data that an enterprise's various business systems collect.
database   A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
field   A field is an area in a fixed or known location in a unit of data such as a record, message header, or computer instruction that has a purpose and usually a fixed size. In some contexts, a field can be subdivided into smaller fields.
file   In data processing, using an office metaphor, a file is a related collection of records. For example, you might put the records you have on each of your customers in a file.
knowledge warehouse (data repository)   A knowledge warehouse is the component of an enterprise's knowledge management system where knowledge is developed, stored, organized, processed, and disseminated. (A knowledge warehouse can also be called a data repository.)
object-oriented database management system   An object-oriented database management system (OODBMS), sometimes shortened to ODBMS for object database management system), is a database management system (DBMS) that supports the modeling and creation of data as objects. This includes some kind of support for classes of objects and the inheritance of class properties and methods by subclasses and their objects.
raw data   Raw data (sometimes called source data or atomic data) is data that has not been processed for use. A distinction is sometimes made between data and information to the effect that information is the end product of data processing. Raw data that has undergone processing is sometimes referred to as cooked data.
record   In computer data processing, a record is a collection of data items arranged for processing by a program. Multiple records are contained in a file or data set.
redundancy   Redundant describes 1) computer or network system components, such as fans, hard disk drives, servers, operating systems, switches, and telecommunication links that are installed to back up primary resources in case they fail. A well-known example of a redundant system is the redundant array of independent disks (redundant array of independent disks), 2) unneeded or duplicated information, or 3) extra binary digits that are generated and transferred along with a data transfer to ensure that no bits were lost during the data transfer.
relational database   A relational database is a collection of data items organized as a set of formally-described tables from which data can be accessed or reassembled in many different ways without having to reorganize the database tables.
Structured Query Language (SQL)   SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard interactive and programming language for getting information from and updating a database. Although SQL is both an ANSI and an ISO standard, many database products support SQL with proprietary extensions to the standard language.
"New economy"   The "new economy" refers to the electronic method by which companies conduct business, such as via the internet.
ACH   Automated Clearing House (ACH) is a secure payment transfer system that connects all U.S. financial institutions. The ACH network acts as the central clearing facility for all Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) transactions that occur nationwide, representing a crucial link in the national banking system.
aggregation   An aggregation is an e-business model in which the main value is selection and convenience (e.g. Amazon.com).
Application Service Provider (ASP)   An application service provider (ASP) is a company that offers individuals or enterprises access over the Internet to applications and related services that would otherwise have to be located in their own personal or enterprise computers.
B2B   On the Internet, B2B (business-to-business), also known as e-biz, is the exchange of products, services, or information between businesses rather than between businesses and consumers.
B2C   B2C is short for business-to-consumer, or the retailing part of e-commerce on the Internet. It is often contrasted to B2B or business-to-business.
Banner ad   Depending on how it's used, a banner is either a graphic image that announces the name or identity of a site (and often is spread across the width of the Web page) or is an advertising image. Advertisers sometimes count banner "views," or the number of times a banner graphic image was downloaded over a period of time.
brick and mortar   This phrase refers to the traditional physical location of a business (a store).
C2C   A subset of the B2C category, C2C allows individuals to buy and sell items in the marketplace.
content aggregator   A content aggregator is an individual or organization that gathers Web content (and/or sometimes applications) from different online sources for reuse or resale. There are two kinds of content aggregators: (1) those who simply gather material from various sources for their Web sites, and (2) those who gather and distribute content to suit their customer's needs.
content provider   Any firm that provides information on the web.
cryptography   Cryptography is the science of information security. The word is derived from the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden.
Digital wallet   A wallet is a small software program used for online purchase transactions. Many payment solution companies, such as CyberCase, offer free Wallet software that allows several methods of payment to be defined within the wallet (for example, several different credit cards).
Disruptive technology   In the "new economy" of e-business, a disruptive technology is a technology that arises from innovation and replaces an existing technology by providing a better value to the consumer.
Distributive network   In the context of e-business, a distributive network performs the role of allocating and distributing, rather than producing or consuming goods, services, and information (e.g. UPS).
electronic data interchange (EDI)   Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a standard format for exchanging business data.
electronic funds transfer (EFT)   Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is a system of transferring money from one bank account directly to another without any paper money changing hands. One of the most widely-used EFT programs is Direct Deposit, in which payroll is deposited straight into an employee's bank account, although EFT refers to any transfer of funds initiated through an electronic terminal, including credit card, ATM, Fedwire and point-of-sale (POS) transactions. It is used for both credit transfers, such as payroll payments, and for debit transfers, such as mortgage payments.
Electronic Payment   See Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP)
encryption   Encryption is the conversion of data into a form, called a ciphertext, that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people. Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so it can be understood.
Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP)   ERP (Enterprise resource planning) is an industry term for the broad set of activities supported by multi-module application software that helps a manufacturer or other business manage the important parts of its business, including product planning, parts purchasing, maintaining inventories, interacting with suppliers, providing customer service, and tracking orders.
Hosting (web hosting / web site hosting)   Web hosting (also known as Webhosting, Web site hosting, and hosting) is the business of housing, serving, and maintaining files for one or more web sites.
infomediary   An infomediary is a website that provides specialized information on behalf of producers of goods and services and their potential customers. The term is a composite of information and intermediary.
intermediary   In general, an intermediary is a person or service that is involved as a third party between two or more end points in a communication or transaction.  On the World Wide Web, the role of an intermediary is sometimes said to be no longer necessary.
internet commerce provider (ICP)   An ICP (Internet commerce provider) is a company that sells software and services that enable a merchant with a Web site to build an online store on the merchant's own site or on the provider's site.
micropayment   On the Web, micropayment is a business concept whose goal is to generate revenue by offering pay-per-view Web pages, Web links, or Web services for small amounts of money called "microcents". Since it is not practical for individual users to charge small amounts of money (such as a penny or a fraction of a penny) to a major charge card, a different method of payment is needed for sites that wish to go "micro".
mobile commerce (m-commerce)   M-commerce (mobile commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services through wireless handheld devices such as cellular telephone and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Known as next-generation e-commerce, m-commerce enables users to access the Internet without needing to find a place to plug in.
Network effect   A network effect (or positive network effect) refers to a condition in which a technology increases in value as more people use it (e.g. e-mail).
Pop-up ad   A pop-up ad is a pop-up window used for advertising. When the program is initiated by some user action, such as a mouse click or a mouseover, a window containing an offer for some product or service appears in the foreground of the visual interface.
portal   Portal is a term, generally synonymous with gateway, for a World Wide Web site that is or proposes to be a major starting site for users when they get connected to the Web or that users tend to visit as an anchor site. There are general portals and specialized or niche portals. Some major general portals include Yahoo, Excite, Netscape, Lycos, CNET, Microsoft Network, and America Online's AOL.com.
private key   In cryptography, a private or secret key is an encryption/decryption key known only to the party or parties that exchange secret messages.
public key   In cryptography, a public key is a value provided by some designated authority as an encryption key that, combined with a private key derived from the public key, can be used to effectively encrypt messages and digital signatures.
pure play   An internet pure play is a company whose business model is designed to generate all customer transactions online (no physical presence).
Smart card   A smart card is a plastic card about the size of a credit card, with an embedded microchip that can be loaded with data, used for telephone calling, electronic cash payments, and other applications, and then periodically refreshed for additional use.
storefront   A storefront refers to the appearance of the home page of a business on its web site.
Sustaining technology   In the "new economy" of e-business, a sustaining technology is a technology that enhances an existing technology by providing improved features.
Value chain   A value chain is an e-business model that is characterized by vertically integrated processes that add significant value to raw material inputs (e.g. Dell Computers).
value-added network   A value-added network (VAN) is a private network provider (sometimes called a turnkey communications line) that is hired by a company to facilitate electronic data interchange (EDI) or provide other network services. Before the arrival of the World Wide Web, some companies hired value-added networks to move data from their company to other companies. With the arrival of the World Wide Web, many companies found it more cost-efficient to move their data over the Internet instead of paying the minimum monthly fees and per-character charges found in typical VAN contracts.
Virtual hosting   On the Internet, virtual hosting is the provision of Web server hosting services so that a company (or individual) doesn't have to purchase and maintain its own Web server and connections to the Internet. A virtual hosting provider is sometimes called a Web or Internet "space provider."
virtual private network (VPN)   A virtual private network (VPN) is a way to use a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organization's network. A virtual private network can be contrasted with an expensive system of owned or leased lines that can only be used by one organization. The goal of a VPN is to provide the organization with the same capabilities, but at a much lower cost.
aggregator   an aggregator is any device that serves multiple other devices or users either with its own capabilities or by forwarding transmissions in a more concentrated and economical way. A remote access hub is sometimes referred to as an aggregator.
authentication   Authentication is the process of determining whether someone or something is, in fact, who or what it is declared to be. In private and public computer networks (including the Internet), authentication is commonly done through the use of logon passwords.
bit   A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of data in a computer.
bitmap   A bit map (often spelled "bitmap") defines a display space and the color for each pixel or "bit" in the display space. A Graphics Interchange Format and a JPEG are examples of graphic image file types that contain bit maps.
byte   In most computer systems, a byte is a unit of data that is eight binary digits long. A byte is the unit most computers use to represent a character such as a letter, number, or typographic symbol (for example, "g", "5", or "?").
CPU   CPU (central processing unit) is an older term for processor and microprocessor, the central unit in a computer containing the logic circuitry that performs the instructions of a computer's programs.
download   Downloading is the transmission of a file from one computer system to another, usually smaller computer system. From the Internet user's point-of-view, to download a file is to request it from another computer (or from a Web page on another computer) and to receive it.
downtime   Downtime is a computer industry term for the time during which a computer is not operational.
dynamic   In computer terminology, dynamic usually means capable of action and/or change.  This term can be applied to a number of different types of things, such as programming languages (or components of programming languages), Web pages, and application programs.
End user   In information technology, the term end user is used to distinguish the person for whom a hardware or software product is designed from the developers, installers, and servicers of the product.
flat file   A flat file is a file containing records that have no structured interrelationship. The term is frequently used to describe a textual document from which all word processing or other structure characters or markup have been removed.
graphical user interface   A GUI (usually pronounced GOO-ee) is a graphical (rather than purely textual) user interface to a computer.  As you look at your computer screen, you see the GUI of your particular web browser.
groupware   Groupware refers to programs that help people work together collectively while located remotely from each other. Groupware services can include the sharing of calendars, collective writing, e-mail handling, shared database access, electronic meetings with each person able to see and display information to others, and other activities.  Some product examples of groupware include Lotus Notes and Microsoft Exchange.
information technology   On the Web or other hypertext systems, hyperlink is a synonym for both link and hypertext link.
interface   As a noun, an interface is either: 1) A user interface, consisting of the set of dials, knobs, operating system commands, graphical display formats, and other devices provided by a computer or a program to allow the user to communicate and use the computer or program, 2) A programming interface, consisting of the set of statements, functions, options, and other ways of expressing program instructions and data provided by a program or language for a programmer to use, or 3) the physical and logical arrangement supporting the attachment of any device to a connector or to another device.  As a verb, to interface means to communicate with another person or object. With hardware equipment, to interface means making an appropriate physical connection so that two pieces of equipment can communicate or work together effectively.
legacy application   In information technology, legacy applications and data are those that have been inherited from languages, platforms, and techniques earlier than current technology.
machine code   Machine code is the elemental language of computers, consisting of a stream of 0's and 1's. Ultimately, the output of any programming language analysis and processing is machine code.
migration   In information technology, migration is the process of moving from the use of one operating environment to another operating environment that is, in most cases, is thought to be a better one. For example, moving from Windows NT Server to Windows 2000 Server would usually be considered a migration because it involves making sure that new features are exploited, old settings do not require changing, and taking steps to ensure that current applications continue to work in the new environment.
object code   Source code and object code refer to the "before" and "after" versions of a computer program that is compiled (see compiler) before it is ready to run in a computer.
queue   In general, a queue is a line of people or things waiting to be handled, usually in sequential order starting at the beginning or top of the line or sequence. In computer technology, a queue is a sequence of work objects that are waiting to be processed. 
RAM   RAM (random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor. RAM is much faster to read from and write to than the other kinds of storage in a computer, the hard disk, floppy disk, and CD-ROM. However, the data in RAM stays there only as long as your computer is running. When you turn the computer off, RAM loses its data. When you turn your computer on again, your operating system and other files are once again loaded into RAM, usually from your hard disk.
real-time   Real time is a level of computer responsiveness that a user senses as sufficiently immediate or that enables the computer to keep up with some external process (for example, to present visualizations of the weather as it constantly changes). Real-time is an adjective pertaining to computers or processes that operate in real time. Real time describes a human rather than a machine sense of time.
ROM   ROM (read-only memory) is "built-in" computer memory containing data that normally can only be read, not written to. ROM contains the programming that allows your computer to be "booted up" or regenerated each time you turn it on.
source code   Source code and object code refer to the "before" and "after" versions of a computer program that is compiled (see compiler) before it is ready to run in a computer.
static   In computer terminology, static means fixed.  This term can be applied to a number of different types of things, such as programming languages (or components of programming languages), Web pages, and application programs.
storage   Computer storage is the holding of data in an electromagnetic form for access by a computer processor. Primary storage is data in random access memory (RAM) and other "built-in" devices. Secondary storage is data on hard disks, tapes, and other external devices.
upload   Uploading is the transmission of a file from one computer system to another, usually larger computer system. From the Internet user's point-of-view, to upload a file is to send it to another computer.
user interface   In information technology, the user interface (UI) is everything designed into an information device with which a human being may interact -- including display screen, keyboard, mouse, light pen, the appearance of a desktop, illuminated characters, help messages, and how an application program or a Web site invites interaction and responds to it.
virus   A virus is a piece of programming code usually disguised as something else that causes some unexpected and usually undesirable event. A virus is often designed so that it is automatically spread to other computer users. Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to an e-mail note, as downloads, or be present on a diskette or CD.
application server   An application server is a server program in a computer in a distributed network that provides the business logic for an application program.
black box   A black box is any device, sometimes highly important, whose workings are not understood by or accessible to its user.
Bridge   In telecommunication networks, a bridge is a product that connects a local area network (LAN) to another local area network that uses the same protocol (for example, Ethernet or Token Ring).