IT Glossary
Key Terms To Know In The IT Industry
Application Programming Interface (API) Design
The process of planning and creating the endpoints, data structures, and protocols for APIs, focusing on making them efficient, easy to use, and secure, while ensuring they meet the needs of both the developers who will use them and the applications they will serve.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Development, Web Services
Application Programming Interface (API) Economy
The economic value and business models that emerge from the use and exchange of APIs, enabling companies to extend services, reach new customers, and innovate by leveraging external and internal APIs.
You will find this term commonly used in Business Strategy, Digital Transformation
Application Programming Interface (API) Key
An API Key is a unique identifier used to authenticate a user, developer, or calling program to an API, often part of the API security mechanisms to control access and track API usage.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Development, Security
Application Programming Interface (API) Management
The process of creating, publishing, maintaining, and securing APIs in a scalable environment, often involving the use of API gateways, documentation tools, and analytics to manage the lifecycle of APIs.
You will find this term commonly used in Web Development, API Strategy
Application Programming Model
An Application Programming Model defines the methods and data structures that developers should use to build applications on a specific platform or system, guiding the creation of consistent and efficient software.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Development
Application Release Automation
The use of tools and processes to automate the deployment of applications across various stages of the development lifecycle, ensuring consistent and reliable releases.
You will find this term commonly used in DevOps, Continuous Delivery
Application Release Management
The process of managing, planning, scheduling, and controlling a software build through different stages and environments, including testing and deploying software releases.
You will find this term commonly used in DevOps, Software Deployment
Application Scalability
The ability of an application to handle increased loads by adapting its resource usage without compromising performance, typically through scaling out (adding more resources) or scaling up (upgrading existing resources).
You will find this term commonly used in Cloud Computing, Software Development
Application Security
Application Security encompasses measures taken to improve the security of an application often by finding, fixing, and preventing security vulnerabilities.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Cybersecurity
Application Security Framework
A structured set of guidelines and best practices designed to help developers build more secure software applications, addressing common security threats and vulnerabilities from the outset of the development process.
You will find this term commonly used in Cybersecurity, Software Development
Application Security Testing (AST)
AST involves methods and tools used to find security vulnerabilities in applications, either in the development phase or after deployment, to ensure the application's resistance to attacks.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Software Development
Application Segmentation
The practice of dividing application components into separate segments or microservices, often to improve scalability, manageability, and security by isolating critical functions and reducing the attack surface.
You will find this term commonly used in Microservices, Application Design
Application Service Agreement (ASA)
A contract or agreement between a service provider and a customer that specifies the services to be provided, service level targets, and responsibilities of both parties, particularly for software applications and cloud services.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Service Management, Contracts
Application Service Architecture (ASA)
A framework for designing software applications with a focus on separating functions into individual services that can be independently developed, deployed, and managed.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Architecture, Cloud Computing
Application Service Environment (ASE)
ASE is a hosting environment within a cloud service that provides a fully isolated and dedicated environment for securely running applications at scale, often including features for load balancing, auto-scaling, and integrated security.
You will find this term commonly used in Cloud Computing, IT Infrastructure
Application Service Management
The practice of managing and optimizing the delivery of software applications and services to ensure performance, availability, and user satisfaction.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Service Management, Operations
Application Service Mapping
The process of creating a visual representation of the relationships and dependencies between applications, services, and underlying infrastructure components, facilitating understanding, and management of IT services.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Service Management, Operations
Application Service Provider (ASP)
An ASP is a business providing computer-based services to customers over a network, such as access to a particular software application (such as customer relationship management) using a standard protocol (such as HTTP).
You will find this term commonly used in Cloud Computing, Services
Application Service Provider (ASP) Model
A business model that delivers software applications and related services over the internet, allowing customers to access and use software without installing it locally, typically on a subscription basis.
You will find this term commonly used in Cloud Computing, Software as a Service
Application Stack
An Application Stack refers to a set of software subsystems or components needed to create a complete platform such that no additional software is needed to support applications.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Development, IT Infrastructure
Application Stack Decomposition
The process of breaking down a monolithic application stack into its component parts, often as part of a strategy to adopt microservices or to improve system modularity and scalability.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Architecture, Microservices
Application Threat Modeling
A methodology used to identify, assess, and mitigate security threats and vulnerabilities in application design and architecture, typically during the early stages of development.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Software Development
Application Virtualization
Application Virtualization allows applications to run in environments that do not suit the native app by abstracting the underlying hardware or software. This enables compatibility and mobility.
You will find this term commonly used in General IT, Cloud Computing
Application Vulnerability Assessment
The systematic examination of applications for vulnerabilities, including security flaws, weaknesses, and potential threats, to identify and mitigate risks before they can be exploited by attackers.
You will find this term commonly used in Cybersecurity, Application Security
Application-Specific Standard Product (ASSP)
A semiconductor device used for a specific application that is produced for multiple users and sold to more than one company.
You will find this term commonly used in Electronics, Hardware
Architectural Pattern
A general, reusable solution to a commonly occurring problem within a given context in software architecture, providing a template for how to solve a problem that can be used in many different situations.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Architecture, Design
Architecture Description
Architecture Description refers to the process and documentation of the fundamental structures and behaviors of a system or ecosystem, enabling understanding and analysis of its system architecture.
You will find this term commonly used in General IT, Development
ARKit
ARKit is a development framework by Apple that allows developers to create augmented reality (AR) experiences for iPhone and iPad, providing tools for visual inertial odometry, environmental understanding, and 3D asset rendering.
You will find this term commonly used in AI, Mobile Development
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
ARP is a communication protocol used for discovering the link layer address, such as a MAC address, associated with a given internet layer address, typically an IPv4 address, used in IPv4 networks.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking
ARP Spoofing
ARP Spoofing, or ARP Poisoning, is a technique used in cyber attacks to send fake ARP messages over a local area network, enabling attackers to intercept, modify, or stop data in transit by linking their MAC address with the IP address of another host.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Cybersecurity
ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency)
ARPA, now DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), is a research and development agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military.
You will find this term commonly used in General IT
Array Programming
Array Programming involves programming languages and techniques optimized for the manipulation of arrays or matrices, simplifying tasks in scientific computing, data analysis, and machine learning.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Development, Data Science
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
The hypothetical intelligence of a machine that has the capacity to understand or learn any intellectual task that a human being can, often considered the holy grail of artificial intelligence research.
You will find this term commonly used in AI, Machine Learning
Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
A computing system inspired by the biological neural networks that constitute animal brains, capable of learning tasks by considering examples without being programmed with task-specific rules.
You will find this term commonly used in AI, Machine Learning
Artificial Reality
A term often used interchangeably with virtual reality or augmented reality, referring to technologies that create immersive, computer-generated environments or enhance real-world environments with digital overlays.
You will find this term commonly used in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality
As-a-Service (XaaS)
As-a-Service, or XaaS, refers to the delivery of anything as a service, encompassing SaaS (Software as a Service), IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and other cloud-based services.
You will find this term commonly used in Cloud Computing
ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)
An ASIC is a microchip designed for a specific application, ranging from audio processing to managing a cellphone call, offering higher performance and lower power consumption than general-purpose processors.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Networking
ASIC Design
ASIC Design involves creating a custom integrated circuit for a specific use rather than for general-purpose use, optimizing performance and reducing power consumption.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware
Asset Discovery
Asset Discovery is the process of identifying the assets within an organization's network, including hardware and software components, to manage, secure, and optimize the assets effectively.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Management, Security
Asset Intelligence
The collection, processing, and analysis of data related to IT assets to provide insights into usage, performance, and lifecycle management, supporting strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Asset Management, Business Intelligence
Asset Lifecycle Management
The process of optimizing the life cycle of physical assets from acquisition to disposal, aiming to maximize value while minimizing costs and risks associated with asset ownership and operation.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Asset Management, Operations
Asset Management Platform
Software solutions designed to manage and optimize the lifecycle of IT assets, from procurement to disposal, including tracking, maintenance, and financial management of hardware and software assets.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Asset Management, Software
Asset Management Software
Asset Management Software is a tool that helps organizations track, manage, and optimize their assets, including hardware, software, and intellectual property, throughout the asset lifecycle.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Management
Asset Performance Management
The practice of using data analysis, monitoring, and optimization techniques to improve the reliability and availability of physical assets, reducing operational costs and extending asset lifespans.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Management, Operations
Asset Tagging
The practice of attaching identification tags or labels to assets, including hardware and software, to facilitate tracking, management, and accountability within an organization.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Asset Management, Security
Asset Tracking Solutions
Systems and technologies used for monitoring and managing the location, status, and condition of assets over time, often involving RFID, GPS, or barcode technology, to optimize asset utilization and prevent loss.
You will find this term commonly used in IT Asset Management, Operations
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
ADSL is a type of DSL broadband communications technology used for connecting to the internet, allowing more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines compared to traditional modem lines.
You will find this term commonly used in Telecommunications, Networking
Asymmetric Encryption
Asymmetric Encryption, or public key cryptography, is a cryptographic system that uses pairs of keys: public keys which may be disseminated widely, and private keys which are known only to the owner, for secure communication.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Cybersecurity
Asymmetric Encryption Algorithms
Cryptographic algorithms that use two different keys for encryption and decryption, one public key for encrypting messages and one private key for decrypting them, facilitating secure communication over insecure channels.
You will find this term commonly used in Cryptography, Security
Asymmetric Key Algorithm
Asymmetric Key Algorithms use a pair of distinct yet related cryptographic keys for encryption and decryption; one key encrypts the data, and the other key decrypts it, facilitating secure communication over insecure channels.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Cryptography
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