Browse Definitions By Topic
- Business software
- Cloud computing
- Computer science
- Data analytics and AI
- Data centers
- IT management
- Networking
- Security
- Software development
Business software
Search or browse for definitions related to the procurement, implementation and management of line of business software applications that are vital to running an enterprise.

- Enterprise resource planning (ERP)
- Human resources management
- Marketing and customer experience
- Microsoft
- Software applications
Recently Published Definitions
- control system
A control system is a set of mechanical or electronic devices that regulates other devices or systems by way of control loops.
- microtrend
A microtrend is a tendency in the direction of some phenomenon that is fairly pervasive within a given sphere of influence and may only last for a ...
Cloud computing
Terms related to cloud computing, including definitions about on-demand, distributed computing and words and phrases about software-as-a-service, infrastructure-as-a-service and storage-as-a-service.

Recently Published Definitions
- hosting (website hosting, web hosting and webhosting)
Web hosting -- also known as website hosting or webhosting -- is the process where a web hosting provider stores and maintains website files and ...
- vCard
A vCard is an electronic business or personal card and also the name of an industry specification for the kind of communication exchange that is done...
Computer science
Definitions about computer science including computing fundamentals vocabulary, protocol and standards terminology, words about microprocessors and terms used in electronics.

Recently Published Definitions
- electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact.
- RISC (reduced instruction set computer)
RISC (reduced instruction set computer) is a microprocessor that is designed to perform a smaller number of computer instruction types, so it can ...
Data analytics and AI
This glossary contains definitions related to customer data analytics, predictive analytics, data visualization and operational business intelligence. Some definitions explain the meaning of words used to Hadoop and other software tools used in big data analytics. Other definitions are related to the strategies that business intelligence professionals, data scientists, statisticians and data analysts use to make data-driven decisions.

Recently Published Definitions
- Asilomar AI Principles
Asilomar AI Principles are 23 guidelines for the research and development of artificial intelligence (AI).
- deepfake
Deepfake AI is a type of artificial intelligence used to create convincing images, audio and video hoaxes.
Data centers
Definitions used in data center management, including hardware, virtualization and cloud computing.

- Data backup and disaster recovery
- Data center management
- Linux
- Operating systems
- Storage administration
- Storage architecture
- Virtualization
Recently Published Definitions
- triage in IT
Triage is a term referring to the assignment of priority levels to tasks or individuals to determine the most effective order in which to deal with ...
- operating system (OS)
An operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a boot program, manages all of the other application ...
IT management
Learn about the core elements of IT management, including operations, tech support and personal computing, as well as terms related to IT careers, certifications and project management.

- Certifications
- IT career paths
- IT operations
- Personal computing
- Project management
- Technical support
Recently Published Definitions
- reliability of computers
Reliability is an attribute of any computer-related component -- software, hardware or a network, for example -- that consistently performs according...
- PC card
A PC card, also known as a PCMCIA card, is a credit card-sized memory or input/output (I/O) device that fits into a PC, usually a laptop.
Networking
Definitions about networking including routing and switching vocabulary, telecom terminology and words about email, messaging and mobile.

- High-speed networks
- Network administration
- Network hardware
- Networking and communications
- Wireless and mobile
Recently Published Definitions
- print server
A print server is a software application, network device or computer that manages print requests and makes printer queue status information available...
- decibels relative to isotropic (dBi)
Decibels relative to isotropic (dBi) is a unit of measurement that describes how much power an antenna transmits in a single direction when compared ...
Security
This cyber security glossary explains the meaning of terms about different types of computer security threats as well as words about application security, access control, network intrusion detection, security awareness training and computer forensics.

- Authentication and access control
- Compliance, risk and governance
- Network security
- Security management
- Threat management
Recently Published Definitions
- ESG
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a framework used to assess an organization's business practices and performance on various ...
- forensic image
A forensic image (forensic copy) is a bit-by-bit, sector-by-sector direct copy of a physical storage device, including all files, folders and ...
Software development
Definitions related to software development, including tech terms about programming and words and phrases about Scrum, Agile and waterfall methodologies.

Recently Published Definitions
- class library (in object-oriented programming)
In object-oriented programming, a class library is a collection of classes and other reusable software components, such as interfaces and value types.
- method (in object-oriented programming)
In object-oriented programming (OOP), a method is a programmed procedure that is defined as part of a class and is available to any object ...
Word of the Day
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network service provider (NSP)
A network service provider (NSP) is a company that owns, operates and sells access to internet backbone infrastructure and ...
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unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is a ubiquitous type of copper cabling used in telephone wiring and local area networks (LANs).
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PCI DSS 12 requirements
The PCI DSS 12 requirements are a set of security controls businesses must implement to protect credit card data and comply with ...
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cardholder data (CD)
Cardholder data (CD) is any personally identifiable information (PII) associated with a person who has a credit or debit card.
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systems thinking
Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system's constituent parts interrelate and how...
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crowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing is the practice of turning to a body of people to obtain needed knowledge, goods or services.
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employee engagement
Employee engagement is the emotional and professional connection an employee feels toward their organization, colleagues and work.
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talent pool
A talent pool is a database of job candidates who have the potential to meet an organization's immediate and long-term needs.
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needs assessment
A needs assessment is a systematic process that examines what criteria must be met in order to reach a desired outcome.
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customer touchpoint
A customer touchpoint is any direct or indirect contact a customer has with a brand.