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Ad-Hoc Query
Any spontaneous or unplanned question or query. It is a query that consists of dynamically constructed SQL, which is usually constructed by desktop-resident query tools.
Algorithm
A defined, finite sets of steps, operations, or procedures that will produce a particular outcome (e.g. computer programs, mathematical formulas, and recipes).
Anonymous FTP
This is a method of using FTP without a password. Anyone who wishes to make files publicly available
can allow users to use FTP by specifying anonymous for the user name, and their emailaddress for the password.
Apache
is an open source web server produced by the Apache Software Foundation.
It is the most commonly used web server on the Internet, and is available on many platforms, including Windows, Unix/Linux and Mac OS X.
Applet
Quite simply, is a small application. For example, each of the windows that appear when you double-click
on an icon in Control Panel are considered Applets, because while they are small applications by themselves, they require a larger
application to operate them.
Application
A program or group of programs designed for end users. Software can be divided into two general
classes: systems software and applications software. Systems software consists of low-level programs that interact with the
computer at a very basic level. This includes operating systems, compilers, and utilities for managing computer resources.
In contrast, applications software (also called end-user programs) includes database programs, word processors, and spreadsheets.
Figuratively speaking, applications software sits on top of systems software because it is unable to run without
the operating system and system utilities.
Application Hosting
A service in which a vendor will house shared or dedicated servers and applications for an enterprise at the provider's controlled facilities. The vendor is responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance of the application. Application hosting is typically based on service arrangements in which vendors provide the hardware, software and networking infrastructure that enables enterprises to run applications externally by connecting electronically using a browser. A vendor may offer the services directly or, more commonly, through an arrangement with an application service provider (ASP).
Application Integration
The process of enabling independently designed applications to work together. This can range from simple approaches - such as providing users with access to data and functionality from multiple applications through a single user interface - to more sophisticated approaches involving integration brokers or middleware. See integration broker and middleware.
Application Server
1. A hardware server designated to run applications (but not a database).
2. System software used to host the business logic tier of applications. In three-tier applications, the application server manages business logic and enables it to be accessed from the user interface tier. In a service-oriented architecture (SOA), an application server hosts the application services and also plays the role of a fundamental enabling technology.
Application Service Provider (ASP)
Refers to companies that will "rent out" or host applications to customers that do not want to purchase, develop or manage the software themselves. Also referred to as outsourcing or hosting.
Application Sharing
The ability of two or more network-connected participants to have simultaneous control over the content of a document running in an application (such as a word-processing or spreadsheet application). A component of data conferencing, application sharing enables users in different locations to collaborate on creating or editing documents.
Architecture
1. The overall design of a hardware, software or network system and the logical and physical relationships among its components. The architecture specifies the hardware, software, access methods and protocols used throughout the system.
2. A set of principles, guidelines and rules used by an enterprise to direct the process of acquiring, building, modifying and interfacing IT resources throughout the enterprise. These resources can include equipment, software, communications, development methodologies, modeling tools and organizational structures.
ASP (Active Server Pages)
A technology introduced by the Mesa Group in1997 and now owned by Microsoft (which acquired Mesa Group in 1998). ASP automatically senses whether the user's browser supports ActiveX. If it does, an applet is downloaded; if not, ASP runs the applet on the server and broadcasts the result to the client.
Authentication
The use of passwords, tokens (such as smart cards), digital certificates or biometrics to verify the identity of users before granting them access to a system, or entry into a facility.
B2B (Business-to-Business)
A form of e-commerce conducted among businesses.
B2C (Business-to-Consumer)
A form of e-commerce conducted between businesses and consumers.
Backbone
A high-speed line or series of lines that forms the fastest (measured in bandwidth) path through a network.
Back-end
and Front-end are terms used to characterize program interfaces and services relative to the initial
user of these interfaces and services. A "front-end" application is one that application users interact with directly.
A "back-end" application or program serves indirectly in support of the front-end services.
Back Office Solution
Software applications designed to assist organizations with the management of "behind the scene" tasks and processes related to accounting, human resources, distribution and manufacturing. These processes do not usually have direct interaction with customers, however when integrated to a front office application such as CRM, they increase the benefits of your back office and CRM solution.
Balanced Scorecard
A measurement-based strategic management system - originated by Robert Kaplan and David Norton - that aligns business activities and strategy, and monitors performance in meeting strategic goals over time. Many enterprises use the balanced-scorecard approach to manage enterprise performance.
Bandwidth
The range of frequencies that can pass over a given transmission channel. The bandwidth determines the rate at which information can be transmitted through the circuit: the greater the bandwidth, the more information that can be sent in a given amount of time. Bandwidth is typically measured in bits per second. Increasing bandwidth potential has become a high priority for network planners due to the growth of multimedia, including videoconferencing, and the increased use of the Internet.
Batch Processing
The processing of application programs and their data individually, with one batch being completed before the next is started. It is a planned processing procedure typically used for purposes such as preparing payrolls and maintaining inventory records.
Benchmark
A metric used to quantify performance for comparative purposes. See benchmarking.
Benchmarking
1. Measuring the performance of hardware components or systems (such as processors or servers) using standard benchmarks maintained by an independent organization, such as the Transaction Processing Performance Council (see TPC).
2. Measuring performance qualities (such as efficiency or spending) of enterprise organizations or processes (such IS) against comparative benchmarks. Such benchmarks can be external (for example, averages of industry peer performance) or internal (for example, measurements of an organization's performance in different time periods, or comparison to other organizations in the same enterprise).
Best Practice
A group of tasks that optimizes the efficiency or effectiveness of the business discipline or process to which it contributes. Best practices are generally adaptable and replicable across similar organizations or enterprises - and sometimes across different functions or industries.
Binary Code
Code that uses combinations of two base values (generally represented using the digits "0" and "1") to represent information. For example, the number 17 is represented as "1001" in binary notation.
Bit
The minimum unit of binary information stored in a computer system. A bit can have only two states, on or off, which are commonly represented as ones and zeros. A string of eight bits forms the information unit known as a "byte."
Blog, or weblog
is an online journal, diary, or serial published by a person or group of people.
Boolean search
A search formed by joining simple terms with AND, OR and NOT for the purpose of limiting or qualifying the search. If you search information on salmon fishing in Alaska, and your search also brings back information on trout fishing and diving in Alaska, the Boolean search "salmon AND fishing AND Alaska NOT diving" can narrow your search focus.
Brick and Mortar
A term used differentiate a traditional company from an e-business. Specifically, a brick-and-mortar company has a physical (rather than virtual) presence and uses non-Web channels as the sales outlet for its products or services.
Browser
A software program (also known as a "Web browser") used to locate and display information on the Internet or an intranet. Examples include Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Netscape Communications' Navigator. Most browsers can display graphics, photographs and text; multimedia information (such as sound and video) may require additional software, known as "plug-ins."
Bug
An unexpected problem with software or hardware. Typical problems are often the result of external interference with the program's performance that was not anticipated by the developer. Minor bugs can cause small problems like frozen screens or unexplained error messages that do not significantly effect usage. Major bugs, however, may not only affect software and hardware, but could also have unintended effects on connected devices or integrated software and may damage data files.
Business Intelligence (BI)
An interactive process of exploring and analyzing customer data in order to discern trends or patterns resulting in gains such as identifying new sales opportunities and employee commitment.
Business Process
Business Process Means a sequence of defined steps necessary to achieve a business objective. Business objectives can include any business operation, including product design, marketing, sales, finance, accounting, manufacturing, logistics, supply chain management, customer relationship management and other special business relationships.
Business Process Automation (BPA)
The automation of complex business processes and functions beyond conventional data manipulation and record-keeping activities, usually through the use of advanced technologies. It focuses on "run the business" as opposed to "count the business" types of automation efforts and often deals with event-driven, mission-critical, core processes. BPA usually supports an enterprise's knowledge workers in satisfying the needs of its many constituencies.
Business Process Modeling (BPM)
A process that links business strategy to IT system development to ensure business value. It combines workflow, functional, organizational and data/resource views with underlying metrics such as costs, cycle times and responsibilities to provide a foundation for analyzing value chains, activity-based costs, bottlenecks, critical paths and inefficiencies.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) occurs when an organization turns over the management and optimization of a business function to a third party that conducts the activity based on a set of predetermined performance metrics. A BPO vendor manages people and processes, while traditional outsourcers focus on life cycle management and hardware uptime.
Business Process Re-engineering or Redesign (BPR)
This strategy combines process and system change to achieve company goals. Through a fundamental analysis and the redesign of business processes and management systems, companies can often make large gains in productivity and performance.
Business Intelligence (BI)
An interactive process of exploring and analyzing customer data in order to discern trends or patterns resulting in gains such as identifying new sales opportunities and employee commitment.
Business Rule Engine (BRE)
A software tool used to record, track, manage and revise enterprise business processes. Rules are set to stipulate and outline processes, and the BRE "externalizes" these rules for quick and easy modification. BREs (also known simply as "rule engines") can be used independently or in conjunction with other technology - such as business process management (BPM) and business activity monitoring (BAM) tools - to help achieve business goals and enable organizational change. The use of BREs can support business process re-engineering (BPR) and help an enterprise meet operational objectives, such as reducing maintenance costs, facilitating straight-through processing (STP) and enabling exception-based processing.
Cache
The use of part of your computer's memory to improve the performance of a specific component, such as your hard
disk, CD-ROM drive, or even your processor. By storing recently accessed information in a disk cache, for example,
your computer can respond faster because it is accessing memory, instead of the slower hard disk. (pronounced "cash")
CGI (Common Gateway Interface)
is a specification for server-side communication scripts designed to transfer information between a Web server and a web-client (browser).
Click through
User action that requires clicking on a link in a search engine results page to visit an indexed site. Also refers to clicking on a Web page, banner ad, or email message link.
Client
When a computer interacts with a network (e.g., logging on to the Internet) it becomes the "client" of the "server" computer hosting the files on that network.
Component
Technically, a dynamically bindable package of functionality that is managed as a unit and accessed through documented interfaces that can be discovered at runtime. Pragmatically, components tend to fall into two major groups: technical components, which perform a technology-specific task that is application-independent (e.g., a graphical user interface control), and business components, which encapsulate a piece of business functionality.
Content Management System, or CMS
is software for facilitating the maintenance of content on a web site.
Cookies
A message given to a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message in a text file. The message is then
sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. The main purpose of cookies is to
identify users and possibly prepare customized Web pages for them.
Critical Success Factors
Key areas of business activity in which favorable results are necessary for a company to reach its goals.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
An enterprise-wide strategy and solution that impacts customer-facing departments and processes in a company. It is designed to improve customer service, loyalty and retention, optimize profitability and help companies better manage communication and interaction between their employees and their customers, partners and suppliers. A standard CRM solution includes three modules, Sales Force Automation (SFA), Marketing Automation and Customer Service.
CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets
is an open standards programming language for specifying how a web page is presented. It allows web site designers
to create formatting and layout for a web site independently of its content.
Database
is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
Databases are sometimes classified according to their organizational approach: Relational Database, Object Oriented Programming Database.
Data Conversion
The process of changing data from one form of representation to another.
Data Integration
is the process of consolidating and managing customer information from all available sources.
Data Marts
is a repository of data gathered from operational data and other sources that is designed to serve a particular community
of knowledge workers. The emphasis of a data mart is on meeting the specific demands of a particular group of knowledge
users in terms of analysis, content, presentation, and ease-of-use
Data Migration
Also referred to as Data Conversion or Data Import. This process involves moving data from an old system into the new CRM system. Existing data from the old system will be cleansed and mapped to the new CRM system prior to starting this process.
Data Mining
is sorting through data to identify patterns and establish relationships.
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 modeling is a first step in doing object oriented programming.
Data Store
is a type of database often used as an interim area for a data warehouse. An ODS is designed to quickly perform
relatively simple queries on small amounts of data, rather than the complex queries on large amounts of data typical of the data warehouse
Data Synchronization
A form of embedded middleware that allows applications to update data on two systems so that the data sets are identical. These services can run via a variety of different transports but typically require some application-specific knowledge of the context and notion of the data being synchronized.
Data Transfer
Data transfer is defined as any item (graphic, sound, html, file or database file)
that is delivered from your account on the IT Dimensions Web Hosting web server to
a visitor through your web pages. If size of your web page is 10Kb, each time this
page is downloaded by a web browser, 10K of the data transfer quota is used. If
this were an account, with a quota of 5 GB of data transfer, this page would have
to be called from the web 500,000 times in the month to reach its quota.
Data Visualization
This term refers to presenting data and summary information using graphics, animation, 3-D displays, and other multimedia tools.
Data Warehouse
Central repository for all or significant parts of the data that an enterprise's various business systems collect.
Data from various online transaction processing applications and other sources is selectively extracted and organized
on the data warehouse database for use by analytical applications and user queries.
Database Management System
A program that lets one or more computer users create and access data in a database.
Decision Systems
Computer based programs and technologies intended to make routine decisions, monitor and control processes, and aid or assist decision makers in semi-structured and/or non-routine decision situations.
Decision Support Systems (DSS)
Interactive computer-based systems intended to help decision makers utilize data and models to identify and solve problems and make decisions.
Dedicated Servers
With a dedicated server your site doesn't share the server's resources with any
other site. This can be used to host one or more of your websites. You have
increased control over what software will be installed on the machine. You can
even specify the set up. The major benefit is that this allows increased traffic
to your sites. You could alternatively co-locate your own server at the host's
data center who can look after it for you.
Detailed Usage Statistic
IT Dimensions gives you detailed graphical and tabular usage statistics for your
website grouped by weeks, days, and hours. Using this information, you can track
how many hits you are getting, where those hits are coming from, which page is
the most popular, how much data transfer is occurring, and more.
Directory
A server or a collection of servers dedicated to indexing Internet Web pages, returning lists of pages matching user queries. Directories use human editors to review and categorize sites for acceptance and are compiled manually by user submission (examples: Yahoo!, LookSmart).
Disk Space
The disk space that your web site uses consists of the sum of the file sizes that
make up your web site. Everything related to your website is stored on disk: your
regular html files, images, multimedia files, ftp files, POP mail messages and so
on.
Domain
A sub-set of Internet addresses. Domains are hierarchical, lower-level domains often refer to specific Web sites within a top-level domain. The distinguishing part of the address appears at the end. Example of top-level domains: .com, .edu, .gov, .org (subdividing addresses into areas of use). There are also numerous geographic top-level domains: .ar, .ca, .fr, .ro (referring to specific countries).
Domain Alias
Allows additional domain names to point to a common website. This feature is
useful when you want users to be able to access the same web site through a
number of different addresses. An example: XYZ Corporation registers two domain
names, A and B. It places its web site at A, and makes B a domain alias of A.
Whenever someone types in the address of domain B, they are automatically
redirected to domain A.
Domain Expert
A person who has expertise in the domain in which a specific expert system is being developed. A domain expert works closely with a developer (known as a knowledge engineer) to capture the expert's knowledge (especially rule and relationship information) in a computer readable representation often called a knowledge base.
Drill Down/Up
An analytical technique that lets a user navigate among levels of data ranging from the most summarized (up) to the most detailed (down).
Dynamic content
Web page content that changes or is changed automatically based on database content or user information. You can usually spot dynamic sites when the URL ends with .asp, .cfm, .cgi or .shtml, but it's also possible to serve dynamic content with standard static pages (.htm or .html). Many search engines index dynamic content, but some don't if there's a "?" character in the URL.
EJB - Enterprise JavaBeans
EJB is a powerful component model for server-based applications as defined by
Sun's reference. This framework provides the basis for component based, multi-tier
applications that benefit from the "Write Once, Run Anywhere"tm capability inherent
in all Java-based programs. EJBs provide server-side functionality while separating
the presentation layer from the business layer, simplifying application development,
and speeding deployment.
End User
An individual who uses a computer to perform a business or personal activity. Technical personnel are generally not considered end users when they are programming or operating the computer for technical purposes, though they are when they perform other tasks.
Enterprise Application
A software product designed to integrate computer systems that run all phases of an enterprise's operations to facilitate cooperation and coordination of work across the enterprise. The intent is to integrate core business processes (such as sales, accounting, finance, human resources, inventory and manufacturing). The ideal enterprise system could control all major business processes in real time via a single software architecture. Enterprise software is expanding its scope to link the enterprise with suppliers, business partners and customers.
ERM (Enterprise Relationship Management)
An enterprise-wide strategy and solution that impacts a company's "back office". It is designed to improve the management and flow of these operations by integrating and automating back office departments and processes.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Equivalent to ERM, although it refers more specifically to operational planning and resource optimization.
ETL (extraction, transformation and loading)
Tools for extracting data and its metadata from one data store, transforming the record structure and content of this data, and loading the transformed data to another data store. These tools are sometimes referred to as extraction/transformation/transport or ETT technology.
Exception Reporting
A reporting philosophy and approach that supports Management by Exception. Reports should be designed to display significant exceptions in results and data. The idea is to "flag" important information and bring it quickly to the attention of managerial users of the report.
Extranet
A collaborative, Internet-based network that facilitates intercompany relationships by linking an enterprise with its suppliers, customers or other external business partners. Extranets use Internet-derived applications and technology to provide secured extensions of internal business processes to external business partners.
Firewall
A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network.
Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of
both.
Front Office Solution
Software applications designed to assist organizations with the management of tasks and processes related to customer-facing departments. This is usually a CRM solution, but may include any other applications used in the customer lifecycle.
FTP
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. A very common method of moving files
between two Internet sites. FTP is a special way to login to another Internet
site for the purposes of retrieving and/or sending files. See our tutorial on
how to set up FTP account.
FTP Access
Used to upload and download your website between your own computer and IT
Dimensions' servers. You have unlimited FTP access to your account 24 hours a
day 365 days a year, allowing you to set up, change, or maintain your web site
at any time.
FTP client
is a program which can download files from, or upload files to, an FTP server.
Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS)
An interactive, computer-based system that facilitates solution of unstructured problems by a set of decision-makers working together as a group. It aids groups, especially groups of managers, in analyzing problem situations and in performing group decision making tasks.
Groupware
Is software designed to support more than one person working on a shared task. Groupware is an evolving concept that is more than multi-user software which allows access to the same data. Groupware provides a mechanism that helps users coordinate and keep track of on-going projects. It allows people to work together through computer-supported communication, collaboration, and coordination.
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
a type of user interface that uses graphics (such as icons and windows) to control the computer. Windows uses a GUI.
Hosting provider
is a company or organization which provides infrastructure for making information accessible via the web.
Hosted applications vendor
distributes and manages software-based services and solutions from a central data center. Customers need only
a web browser to connect to a virtual location to gain access to their specific application or software needs.
The customer pays a set fee, often on a monthly subscription basis, for access to the service. Other hosted applications
vendors may charge on a fixed per-user rental basis or a per-transaction fee. The vendor is responsible for software
and hardware upgrades, maintenance, and integration of multiple applications into a common set of user-friendly interfaces.
HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language
is a standard language with which web pages are built.
Index
The component of a search engine or directory used for data storage, update and retrieval (i.e., the database).
Indexing
The process of converting a collection of data into a database suitable for easy search and retrieval.
Information
Data that has been processed to add or create meaning and hopefully knowledge for the person who receives it. Information is the output of information systems.
Information Retrieval
The study of systems for indexing, searching, and recalling data, particularly text or other unstructured forms.
Information Systems Architecture
A formal definition of the business processes and rules, systems structure, technical framework, and product technologies for business information systems. An information systems architecture consists of four layers: business process architecture, systems architecture, technical architecture, and product delivery architecture.
Intranet
An internal organizational network with at least one web server that is only accessible by an organization's members or others who have specific authorization. A firewall and password protection limit access to the network. The intranet is used to share corporate information.
Interface
The method by which you control anything. The screen is the interface to your computer, just as a dashboard is the
interface to your car, just as a doorknob is the interface to a door.
IP address
is a unique number (e.g. 70.84.29.148) assigned to a computer (or other internet-capable information appliance,
such as a network printer) to enable it to communicate with other devices using the Internet Protocol.
It is a computer's identity on the Internet.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
a company that provides access to the Internet. For a monthly fee, the service provider gives you a software package, username,
password and access phone number. Equipped with a modem, you can then log on to the Internet.
Java
An object-oriented programming language for portable interpretive code that supports interaction among remote objects. The Java language was developed and specified by Sun Microsystems, Incorporated.
JavaScript
is a client-side programming or scripting language. It's used to create interactive and dynamic effects on a web page,
as well as handle and manipulate form data. JavaScript is a separate language from Java.
JBoss
Basically, JBoss is an application server written in Java that can host business
components developed in Java. The interface and architecture of the JBoss
application server, the Java business components that can be hosted inside JBoss
and various protocols by which a client application (or other business components)
can interact with the business components is defined by the Enterprise JavaBeans
specification.
JVM - Java Virtual Machine
JVM is an abstract computing machine, or virtual machine. JVM is a platform-independent
programming language that converts Java bytecode into machine language and executes it.
Using a JVM, you can run Java code on any number of different computer platforms,
including Macintosh, Windows 95, and Unix. JVMs read and execute Java statements
one at a time.
JSP (Java Server Page)
A server-side technology, JSPs are an extension to the Java servlet technology. JSPs have dynamic
scripting capability that works in tandem with HTML code, separating the page logic from the static elements
-- the actual design and display of the page -- to help make the HTML more functional(i.e. dynamic database queries).
A JSP is translated into Java servlet before being run, and it processes HTTP requests and generates responses like any servlet.
However, JSP technology provides a more convenient way to code a servlet. Translation occurs the first time the application is run.
A JSP translator is triggered by the .jsp file name extension in a URL. JSPs are fully interoperable with servlets.
Keyword search
A search for documents containing one or more words specified by a user in a search engine text box.
Knowledge Base
A collection of facts, rules, and procedures organized into schemas. The assembly of all the information and knowledge of a specific field of interest.
Knowledge Management
The formal strategy and software designed to manage and leverage a company's intellectual assets. This strategy promotes a collaborative and integrative approach to the creation, capture, organization, access and use of information assets. In CRM systems, a product information Knowledge Base is used by customer service or by customers directly in a self-service model.
Legacy Applications
and data are those that have been inherited from languages, platforms, and techniques earlier than current technology.
Currently, many companies are migrating their legacy applications to new programming languages and operating systems
that follow open or standard programming interfaces. This will make it easier in the future to update applications
without having to rewrite them entirely and will allow a company to use its applications on any operating system.
Linux
is an open source computer operating system, similar in style to Unix. It is popular in web server other high-performance
computing environments, and has recently begun to gain popularity in workstation environments as well.
Load Balancing
Load balancing is the act of distributing the load of a single web site or other
service to multiple physical servers. It offers lower cost, higher performance
and reliability than having one large enterprise-scale server. A load-balanced
server set provides redundancy and practically infinite scalability. If one
server goes down, there is no noticeable effect on end users and no downtime.
A load-balanced set can consist of as little as two servers, or of thousands
of servers. The term load balancing refers to front-end (i.e. incoming traffic)
distribution only; load balancing does not include back-end functionality such
as data replication or mirroring; that further service is known as clustering.
Log File
A file maintained on a server showing where all files accessed are stored. Log file analysis reveals the visitors to your site, where they came from, and which queries were used to access your site. WebTrends is an example of log file analysis software.
Metadata or Meta Data
Data about the data in a data warehouse. Metadata provides a directory to help to locate the contents of the data warehouse; it is a guide to mapping data as it is transformed from the operational environment to the data warehouse environment; and it serves as a guide to the algorithms used for summarization of current detailed data. Metadata is semantic information associated with a given variable. Metadata must include business definitions of the data and clear, accurate descriptions of data types, potential values, original source system, data formats, and other characteristics. Metadata defines and describes business data. Examples of metadata include data element descriptions, data type descriptions, attribute/property descriptions, range/domain descriptions, and process/method descriptions. The repository environment encompasses all corporate metadata resources: database catalogs, data dictionaries, and navigation services. Metadata includes things like the name, length, valid values, and description of a data element. Metadata is stored in a data dictionary and repository. It insulates the data warehouse from changes in the schema of operational systems.
Methodology
A system of principles, practices, and procedures applied to a specific branch of knowledge.
Metrics
A set of traditional and non-traditional business measurements such as rating customer satisfaction and order throughput time. A critical aspect of a CRM strategy and solution is the definition, tracking and reporting of a company's metrics.
Middleware
A communications layer that allows applications to interact across hardware and network environments.
Model Base
A collection of preprogrammed quantitative models (e.g., statistical, financial, optimization) organized as a single unit.
Modeling Tools
Software programs that help developers/users build mathematical models quickly. Spreadsheets and planning languages like IFPS are modeling tools.
MySQL
is a popular open source SQL (Structured Query Language) database implementation, available for many platforms,
including Windows, Unix/Linux and Mac OS X..
Multidimensional database (MDB)
is a type of database that is optimized for data warehouse and OLAP applications. Conceptually, a multidimensional
database uses the idea of a data cube to represent the dimensions of data available to a user. For example, "sales"
could be viewed in the dimensions of product model, geography, time, or some additional dimension.
Object Oriented Programming
is a programming language model organized around "objects" (name, address, invoice, etc.) rather than "actions" and data rather than logic.
Object Oriented Programming Database
is one that is congruent with the data defined in object classes and subclasses.
Object-oriented Database Management System (ODBMS)
is a database management system that supports modeling and creation of data as objects.
OLAP (OnLine Analytical Processing)
is computer processing that enables a user to easily and selectively extract and view data from different points-of-view.
Open source
is simply programming code that can be read, viewed, modified, and distributed, by anyone who desires.
Optimize
The decision strategy of choosing the alternative that gives the best or optimal overall value.
Perl
is an acronym for Practical Extraction and Report Language. It's a very popular and powerful scripting
language used for web applications. One of its strengths lies in its speedy and effective use of regular expressions
PHP
PHP is a high-level scripting language you can embed in your HTML pages to create
dynamic web pages. Using PHP, you can perform database lookups, generate personalized
pages, create on-the-fly graphics and more.
Pilot Conversion
The new system is installed for a few users, who evaluate it and help decide weather it is suitable for the rest of the system to join suit. This method is handy for new products, as it ensure functionality is at a level that can perform in real operation.
POP3 Email Accounts
These are your email mail boxes in our server that can be accessed directly to
retrieve your mail using such programs as Outlook Express, Netscape Mail, and
Eudora. Each POP3 account has its own password to ensure privacy. You can check
your email from anywhere around the world that you have access to the Internet
Project plan
A management document describing the approach taken for a project. The plan typically describes work to be done, resources required, methods to be used, the configuration management and quality assurance procedures to be followed, the schedules to be met, the project organization, etc. Project in this context is a generic term. Some projects may also need integration plans, security plans, test plans, quality assurance plans, etc.
Prototyping
A strategy in system development in which a scaled down system or portion of a system is constructed in a short time, tested, and improved in several iterations. A prototype is an initial version of a system that is quickly developed to test the effectiveness of the overall design being used to solve a particular problem.
Query
Generically query means question. Usually it refers to a complex SQL SELECT statement for decision support. See Ad-Hoc Query or Ad-Hoc Query Software.
Rapid Application Development (RAD)
Part of a methodology that specifies incremental development with constant feedback from the customers. The point is to keep projects focused on delivering value and to keep clear and open lines of communication. Oral and written communication is not completely adequate for specification of computer systems. RAD overcomes the limitations of language by minimizing the time between concept and implementation.
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.
Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)
is a program that lets you create, update, and administer a relational database. Most commercial RDBMS's use
the Structured Query Language (SQL) to access the database
Relevance
A subjective measure of how well a document satisfies the user's information need. Ideally, your search tool should retrieve all of the documents relevant to your search. However, this is subjective and difficult to quantify.
Relevancy
The degree to which a document or Web page provides the information the user is looking for, in terms of user needs.
Relevancy Algorithm
The method used by search engines and directories to match the keywords in a query with the content of all the Web pages in their database so the Web pages found can be suitably ranked in the query results. Each search engine and directory uses a different algorithm and frequently changes this formula to improve relevancy.
Scalability
The ability to scale hardware and software to support larger or smaller volumes of data and more or less users. The ability to increase or decrease size or capability in cost-effective increments with minimal impact on the unit cost of business and the procurement of additional services.
Search Engine
A search engine is a searchable online database of internet resources. It has several components: search engine software, spider software, an index (database), and a relevancy algorithm (rules for ranking). The search engine software consists of a server or a collection of servers dedicated to indexing Internet Web pages, storing the results and returning lists of pages to match user queries. The spidering software constantly crawls the Web collecting Web page data for the index. The index is a database for storing the data. The relevancy algorithm determines how to rank queries. Examples of major search engines are Google, AOL, MSN and Lycos, etc.. Examples of major directories are Yahoo!, LookSmart and ODP.
Search String
Search strings or terms are the words entered by users into a search engine or directory to locate needed information.
Search Term
A single word or group of words used in a search engine document query. It also refers to the strategic keywords used to optimize Web page content.
Secure Server (SSL)
A method of ensuring that information entered through your website is protected.
Information submitted via a secure form is transmitted in an encrypted mode.
Server
A powerful computer that holds data to be shared over a network. Can be used to store critical data for retrieval. A server also acts as the communications gateway between many computers connected to it, responding to requests for information from client computers. On the Internet, all Web pages are held on servers. This includes search engine and directory data accessible from the Internet. Typically, the computers running the server software are dedicated to that purpose.
Server Cluster
A Cluster is a group of physical servers, which run front-end web server software
and contain back end data base-type facilities. A Cluster can be as simple as two
servers, one front end and one back end, but normally a cluster will have several
servers. Clusters contain facilities for services such as load balancing and data
replication. Clusters offer enhanced security, redundancy and enhanced performance
and are a natural evolution to any successful complex web site or Internet-based
application.
Shared Server
Shared web servers are a very popular way of providing low-cost web hosting
services. Instead of requiring a separate computer for each site, dozens of
sites can co-reside on the same computer. In most cases, performance is not
affected and each web site behaves as if served by a dedicated server.
Shell
is a program which interacts directly with an operating system. It is often referred to as a 'console'
or 'command line', because it is controlled using typed commands rather than mouse or graphical interface input.
Specification
A document that specifies, in a complete, precise, verifiable manner, the requirements, design, behavior, or other characteristics of a system or component, and often, the procedures for determining whether these provisions have been satisfied. Contrast with requirement.
Spreadsheet
In the accounting world a spreadsheet was and is a large sheet of paper that lays everything out for a businessperson. It spreads or shows all of the costs, income, taxes, etc. on a single sheet of paper for a manager to look at when making a decision. An electronic spreadsheet organizes information into columns and rows. The data can then be "added up" by a formula to give a total or sum. The spreadsheet summarizes information from many sources in one place and presents the information in a format to help a decision maker see the financial "big picture" for the company. A program that has a collection of cells whose values can be displayed on a computer screen. By changing cell definitions and having all cell values reevaluated, a user can readily observe the effects of those changes.
Strategic Planning
A decision-making process in which decisions are made about establishing organizational purposes/mission, determining objectives, selecting strategies and setting policies.
SQL (Structured Query Language)
is a standard interactive and programming language for getting information from and updating a database.
Queries take the form of a command language that lets you select, insert, update, find out the location of data, and so forth
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
A process by which systems analysts, software engineers, programmers, and end-users build systems. It is a project management tool, used to plan, execute,, and control systems develpment projects. The steps in the cycle include: 1) Determine user requirements; 2) Systems analysis; 3) Overall system design; 4) Detailed system design; 5) Programming; 6) Testing; and 7) Implementation.
Tomcat
The Tomcat server is a Java based Web Application container that was created to
run Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP) in Web applications.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
TCO is a type of calculation designed to help consumers and enterprise managers assess both direct and indirect costs and benefits related to the purchase of any IT component. The intention is to arrive at a final figure that will reflect the effective cost of purchase, all things considered.
Traffic
The number of visitors to a Web page or Website. Refers to the number of visitors, hits, page accesses, etc., over a given time period. As a general term, it describes data traveling around the Internet.
Unix
is a computer operating system initially designed with the objective of creating an OS written in a high level
language rather than assembly. A majority of web servers currently run on different "flavors" of this high-performance OS,
or on Linux, developed as a Unix-like operating system.
Unique Visitor
A real visitor to a Website (versus a visit by a search engine robot). Web servers record the IP addresses of each visitor, and this is used to determine the number of real people who have visited a Web site. If someone visits twenty pages within your site, the server will count only one unique visitor and twenty page accesses (the page accesses are all associated with the same IP address).
Unstructured Decisions
This type of decision situation is complex and no standard solutions exist for resolving the situation. Some or all of the structural elements of the decision situation are undefined, ill-defined or unknown. For example, goals may be poorly defined, alternatives may be incomplete or non-comparable, choice criteria may be hard to measure or difficult to link to goals.
User-Friendly
An evaluative term for a Decision Support System's user interface. The phrase indicates that users judge the user interface as to easy to learn, understand, and use.
User Interface
The component of a computerized support system that allows bidirectional communication between the system and its user. This is also called the dialogue component of a DSS. An interface is a set of commands or menus through which a user communicates with a program.
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol)
WAP is a set of specifications developed by the WAP Forum (see separate entry) for efficient communication of data over wireless networks to small devices, such as personal digital assistants and cell phones. WAP specifications are based on Internet standards, with extensions to reflect the wireless device environment.
Web-based
A computerized system or a tools using a "thin-client" Web browser like Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. The computer server that is hosting the application is linked to the user's computer by a network with the TCP/IP protocol.
WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning)
An integrated document management (IDM) protocol proposed as an extension of Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP) to provide library services for Web server resources. In a WebDAV IDM implementation, library services are executed on a resource basis rather than through a traditional relational database. This architecture enables shared locking, partial updates and reservations.
Web server
is a computer containing software for, and connected to infrastructure for, hosting, or serving, web sites written in HTML.
The most common web server software on the Internet is Apache, which is frequently used in conjunction with PHP, Perl,
and other scripting languages.
Workflow
The automation of a process or series of processes through the linking of tasks and activities. The software that automatically routes tasks, notifications and records to predefined or user selected destinations such as users, departments, or business units.
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