A dictionary of terms and their definitions and the common interpretation of acronyms used by the IT systems developer, tech writer, manager, etc. especially useful for understanding ads for IT jobs or contract work from the head-hunters in the Australian government, business and industrial environments
ABAP = Advanced Business Application Programming (SAP R/3)
academia = terms & acronyms that might be of interest to students or teachers
acronym = a word (often pronounceable) formed from the initial letters of a name; for legal and political acronyms in common parlance in Australia Click here
Active Directory (AD) = MS tool for Windows for a digital model of the network, includes users, groups, organizational units, management domains and administrative information
ADI = Application Desktop Integrator (Oracle)
ADI = application development and integration
ADI = AutoCAD Device Interface
ADI = AutoDesk Device Interface
ADO = ActiveX Data Object (MS)
ADO = abstract design object
ADO = active data object
ADO = advanced development objective
ADO = Australian Defence Organisation
ADSL = asymmetric digital subscriber line
Adobe = Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
AJAX = asynchronous JavaScript and XML = a higher level model or paradigm for combining two languages into a meaningful and effective protocol
Anonymous FTP = a file transfer between locations that does not require users to identify themselves with a password or login. An anonymous FTP is not secure, because any other user of the WWW can access it
ANSI = American National Standards Institute: a membership organization that coordinates the development of US voluntary national standards in both the private and public sector
API = application programming interface
application = (software) (program): a set of files including executables, configuration files, and data that is usable by a user
application guide = user manual for a particular application; sometimes a cut-down version of the user manual
application testing = See UAT
application optimisation = a methodology for providing a user with best performance access to client/server applications using such tools as load balancing, caching, compression, SSL acceleration, attack defence, SSL VPN, etc
application streaming = an emerging paradigm for delivering desktop applications to end-point devices for local execution based on profiling the user's requirements and then publishing a profiled version to be "streamed on demand" to the user's desktop
application virtualisation = a methodology for providing a user with access to client/server applications that appear to be at the workstation but are centrally deployed and managed allowing network managers to gain control over cost, security, performance, and scalability
APS = Australian Public Service
APS Employee levels = APS1 APS2 APS3 APS4 APS5 APS6 EL1 EL3 SES1 SES2 SES3
architecture = the design of a computer system based on the type of programs that will run and the number of programs that run concurrently; usually defined by the international standards adopted that allow all hardware devices and all applications in the system to speak to each other
AS = Australian Standards
AS/NZS = Australian Standards and New Zealand Standards combined publication
AS 3806:1998 = Compliance programs
AS 5037-2005 = Knowledge management - a guide; See SAI Global
AS ISO/IEC 20000 Set-2007 = Information technology ? Service Set; See SAI Global
AS/NZS 4360:2004 = Risk management; See AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009
AS/NZS 4360:SET = Risk Management Set
AS/NZS 4801:2001 = Occupational health and safety management systems - Specification with guidance for use
AS/NZS 4819:2003 = Geographic information - Rural and urban addressing; See SAI Global
AS/NZS 9001:2000 = Quality management systems - Requirements
AS/NZS ISO/IEC 27001:2006 = Information technology - Security techniques - Information security management systems - Requirements; See SAI Global
AS/NZS ISO/IEC 27002:2006 = Information technology - Security techniques - Code of practice for information security management; See SAI Global
AS/NZS 60950.1:2003 = Information technology equipment - Safety - General requirements; See SAI Global
AS/NZS 60950.1:2003/Amdt 3:2008 = Information technology equipment - Safety - General requirements (IEC 60950-1:2001, MOD); See SAI Global
ASAP = "as soon as possible" (vernacular)
ASN = Abstract Syntax Notation
auDA = Domain Administration
audience = the readers of the document who need to understand all aspects of the document
AuthorIT = content management system used by tech writers to produce single-sourced document sets such as Help content in RTF, Adobe PDF, MS Word, etc.
BA = business analysis
BA = business analyst
BASIC = Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code (programming language)
BCP (pronounced letter by letter) = business continuity planning
BDSL = business grade digital subscriber line
best practice = formulas and procedures that have proven successful in practice, identified by general international acceptance. In the IT world, best practice often refers to software development methodologies widely accepted internationally
best practice policy = policy written for and adopted by the company (usually based on and involving the adoption of international best practice)
Beta Testing = See UAT
BI = business intelligence
BIA (pronounced letter by letter) = business impact analysis
BIMS = business inventory management system
bit = the smallest unit in a binary system; on-off; 0-1 ; not in and of itself meaningful but when combined in a meaningful array (a byte) forms the basis of all information in a binary system
BIU = business intelligence unit
BMS = business management software
BMS = business management system
BO = Business Objects
BPEL = business process education language
BPM = business process modelling
BPMN = Business Process Modelling Notation from iGrafx
BRD = business requirements document
Brio = intelligence collector and reporter application (now Hyperion)
BSI = British Standards Institute; UK Standards body; now BSI National Standards
business analysis specialists = Senior Business Analyst, Report Writer, Analysis Service Technician, Project Manager, Technical Writer
business analyst = a logician aware of business processes, an individual (usually with a BSc or MSc) who analyses the operations of a department or functional unit with the purpose of developing a general systems solution to the problem that may or may not require automation. If it does, may need the assistance of a systems analyst
business documentation = a process of documentation (usually policy and procedures)
Business Explorer = application to create and enhance reports/queries using variables, multiple key figures and calculated key figures
business intelligence unit (BIU) = database, library & meta-data system
business intelligence specialist = Senior Business Analyst, Report Writer, Analysis Service Specialist, Project Manager, Technical Writer
business inventory management system = generic descriptive
business management software = generic descriptive
business management system = generic descriptive
business need = business requirement
Business Objects = see IBM WebSphere
Business Objects universe = a schema for BO
business requirement = a requirement of the business stakeholder
business stakeholder = the stakeholder from the business section, concerned with management, enterprise, productivity and profitability
byte = a meaningful array of 8 bits or 32 bits of information
C (pronounced as letter) = a high-level programming language that impacts on the computer at a low level, like assembly language. Today, C is used to write a huge variety of applications and almost all operating systems. C is written as a series of functions that call each other for processing. Even the body of the program is a function named "main". Functions are very flexible, allowing programmers to choose from the standard library that comes with the compiler, to use third party libraries or to develop their own
C++ (pronounced C-plus-plus) = object-oriented successor to C
C# (pronounced C Sharp) = an object-oriented programming language from MS that is based on C++, with elements from Visual Basic and Java
CA = (the) certificating authority (in public key infrastructure (PKI))
CAFM = computer-aided facilities management
call centre = organisation or operation or enterprise dedicated to Help Desk services
CBD = central business district (vernacular)
CBT = computer-based training
CCL = Cerner Command Language
CCNA = Cisco Certified Network Associate
CD = compact disc
CD-ROM = compact disc (with) read-only-memory
Cerner Millenium = health care records system
certificating authority (CA) = see public key infrastructure (PKI)
change = an addition, modification or alteration that is agreed to be included contrary to expectation, that is to say, it was not intended in the original specifications or project plan or statement of works
change control = a formal process/procedure for controlling changes under Project. It governs the definition, impact assessment, assignment of responsibilities, specification, and allocation of resources, costing, scheduling and authorisation of modifications under strict laws governing the change until the change is properly approved, the version control impact has been systematically applied and the consequent changes are incorporated in the project plans as if they had been there from the outset
change management = change control
Citrix = systems and applications providing application virtualisation, application optimisation, application streaming, web-conferencing, remote technical assistance, access security & control, firewalls, enterprise single sign-on, SSL VPN, remote PC access, application networking, application acceleration, application security, application traffic management, and IP telephony
CLI = command line interface
client/server = see server
CMMS = computerised maintenance management systems
CMS = code management system (used in programming)
CMS = content management system (used in website design and control)
COBOL = (common business oriented language) = A high-level programming language that has been the primary business application language on mainframes and minis
Cognos 8 = business intelligence application: reporting, analysis, score-carding, dashboards, business event management, data integration
COIN = financial planners' application
Coin3D = graphics real-time application
ColdFusion = Macromedia application
COM = Component Object Model (MS standard) see also SOM
COM+ = COM with enhancements including translation of native C++ into COM call and COM interfaces in familiar programming syntax instead of IDL
communications writer = technical writer specialising in communications best practice
Compliance BA = BA dedicated to UAT against a particular standard
compliant environment = an environment tested against a particular standard
compliant platform = the main system, language or model tested against a particular standard
component object model (COM) = a component software architecture from MS for building program routines (objects) that can be called up and executed in a Windows environment
ControlM = batch scheduling application originally for mainframes but now available for UNIX through Windows environments
copy = text (vernacular borrowed from journalism)
copy writer = writer of text to first draft
corporate document = legal or political document required to run the company
corporate documentation = preparing corporate documents with full knowledge of the law and best practice
corporate performance management (CPM) = an umbrella term that describes all of the processes, methodologies, metrics and systems needed to measure and manage performance
CPM = corporate performance management
CPU = central processing unit
CRM = customer relationship management (software)
Crystal Report Writer = popular reporting and analysis software for Windows that is used to retrieve data from more than 30 types of databases. Using various Web options, queries, and reports can be made via a Web browser. Crystal Reports functionality can also be added to proprietary programs written in languages such as C, C++, J++, Delphi, and Visual Basic
CSS = cascading style sheets (HTML)
CSS = cross site script (now XSS)
cube = See data cubes
DAP = Directory Access Protocol
dashboard application = an application providing access to information interactively with the user usually through analytical modelling and access to up-to-the-minute data (example: share trading)
DAT = data architecture team: data architect, process architect, ETL specialist, data warehousing specialist
data = the generic name for information that exists in a base form (usually but not necessarily a meaningful array of 8 bits or 32 bits) that can be stored and accessed by applications and used in the delivery of that information or as the source for the processing of and combination with and delivery of other related information
data cubes = data stored at a three dimensional ordinance, because of particular infrastructural requirements; See OLAP,
data dictionary = a series of data tables and a dictionary of all data elements, their source and transformations through the system
data flow analysis = data input, data output, data tables, data dictionary
data input = data flows into the system, their source, format and frequency
data modelling = see ERM
data output = data flows out of the system, their source, format and frequency
data warehouse = DBMS, DMS, data storage systems, meta-data
DB = database
DBMS = database management system
DDLC = document development life cycle
desktop (graphical representation) = the graphical representation of an office environment (with card index, waste bin, filing cabinet, and so on) that is a feature of GUIs
desktop (strategic) = the user's environment on the network, desktop (what can be installed on the user's PC) versus calls on the server, installing more applications on the desktop requiring less interaction with the server
development guru = (vernacular for) Senior Software Developer, System Architect, Data Warehouse Specialist
DI = digital interface
Directory Access Protocol (DAP) = part of X.500; a protocol to assist the location of organisations, individuals, and other resources such as files and devices on the Internet or in a network or intranet (see LDAP)
Discoverer = Oracle application
DITA = Darwin Information Typing Architecture DITA XML.org is the official community gathering place and information resource for the DITA OASIS Standard, an XML architecture for designing, writing, managing, and publishing information
DMS = document management system
distributed cache synchronization =
DNS = domain name system/service
document management system = management of document creation, release, integration, storage, retrieval, retirement and removal based on agreed best practice and meta-data principles
document development life cycle (DDLC) = documentation lifecycle for a major document such as the user manual which integrates with the SDLC
documentation lifecycle = plan, design, research, write, edit, present and maintain
documentation specialist = generalist technical writer with wide and deep knowledge of the documentation process that can be applied to a large number of projects
DOM = document object model
DOM Script = using formal script (usually Java) to achieve DOM
domain name system/service (DNS) = a means of translating a domain name into an IP address 66.117.133.4 and vice-versa
Dreamweaver = Macromedia application
Drill Down Report = Crystal report writing tool
DRP (pronounced letter by letter) = disaster recovery planning
DTS = MS Data Transformation Services (ETL tool)
EAI = enterprise application integration
ECC = ERP central component (SAP)
ECL = extensible computer language (Harvard)
ECM = enterprise content management
EDI = Electronic Data Interchange
EDRMS = electronic data (and) resource management system
EFT = Electronic Funds Transfer
Ektron = supplier of CMS (web management)
eLearning = electronic learning
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) = standard for transfer of purchase orders, invoices and corporate EFTs
Electronic Learning (eLearning) = An generic term for providing online courseware over the Internet using supplier websites and educator networks or intranet
EL = Extensible Language
EL1 = EL used in ECL operating system
EL1 = Executive Level 1 (of the APS)
EL2 = Executive Level 2 (of the APS)
ELK = Extension Language Kit (Scheme)
end-user = user (of application)
end-user testing = See UAT
enterprise content management (ECM) = a platform for sharing content and data across the enterprise
enterprise resource planning (ERP) = an integrated information system that serves all departments within an enterprise using packaged software modules for manufacturing, order entry, accounts receivable and payable, general ledger, purchasing, warehousing, transportation and human resources interfaced with an organization's own software or with a standard programming language. The major ERP vendors are SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle, Baan, and JD Edwards
environment = the systemic connections to an element of the system (usually the application), including communications and related applications
ER = entity relationships (in a system); data modelling
ERD = ER diagram (data modelling tool)
ER model = entity relationships model (ERM)
ERP = Enterprise Resource Planning
ERP Tier One = functionality and user acceptance, integration, multiple systems under one program and database
ERP Tier Two = client-server
ERP Tier Three = multiple servers - application/database split of the server
ERPS = Ethernet Ring Protection Switching
ERwin = data modelling
ESRI = Environmental Systems Research Institute, supplier of GIS
ETL = Extract, Transform and Load
expert = specialist
FAQ = frequently asked question
FCR = first call resolution (Help Desk)
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) = a language used for file transfer from computer to computer across the WWW
FileNet = application for ECM
Financial Services Guide (FSG) = document required by licensed Australian financial service
Fireworks = Macromedia application
Flash = Macromedia application
FMS = facilities management systems
FPA = Financial Planning Association (of Australia)
Framemaker = Adobe application
frequently asked question (FAQ) = a means whereby a question to be asked by the user in a help system can be predicted and answered, allowing users immediate answer to their questions by clicking on the FAQ
FSG = financial services guide
FSG (Oracle) = Financial Statements Generator
functional requirements = an initial definition of a proposed system, which translates user requirements into a set of requirements internal to the system being created from which programming can take place
functional requirements specifications = a formal statement containing the functional requirements translated into a set of integrated specifications
how to = user guides
gap analysis = formal analysis of the difference between a system specification and a particular set of functional analysis and user requirements
GB 002:2004 = Australian Business Excellence Framework
generalist technical writer = a professional writer (usually viewed as "ghost writer") who specialises in the writing process and the technical/scientific disciplines/processes; needs to learn particularities of the project before starting documentation process but may achieve high standards because of his/her knowledge of a broad range of standards; compare specialist
GIF = graphics interchange format
GIS = geographical information systems
glossary = a list of words that have special meaning because of their context of use and an explanation of the special definitions assigned to them
graphical user interface (GUI) = an interface between the user of a terminal and the computer that communicates largely through the interaction of the user with graphics rather than the displaying of text and the input of text by the user
graphics interchange format (GIF) = (pronounced "jiff" or "giff") a bit-mapped graphics file
GroupWise = Novell application
GUI = graphical user interface
HB 221:2004 = Business Continuity Management
HB 436:2004 = Risk Management Guidelines Companion to AS/NZS 4360:2004
HB 254-2005 = Governance, risk management and control assurance
HDK = Hardware Developer's Kit
HDLC = High-Level Data Link Control
help-desk = a call centre or telephone service that appears to the outside user to be a single point of contact for a user experiencing problems or seeking further information
help-desk script = a technical procedure or FAQ re-written into conversational language that assists a help-desk or call centre operator give advice or answer questions
High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC) = an bit-oriented synchronous ISO communications protocol used in X.25 networks, providing error correction at data link Layer 2
Holocentric Modeller = application by Prism International Pty Ltd
HTML = hypertext mark-up language
HTTP = Hypertext Transfer Protocol
http = Hypertext Transfer Protocol (with) Secure (certificate)
human resources = specialist terms & acronyms
human resources stakeholder = the stakeholder from the HR section, concerned with IR law compliance, individual AWA content and compliance, employee career development, training, employee satisfaction, employee awareness, occupational health and safety, team safety, employee safety, public safety, employee privacy
Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) = the document format used on the WWW. Web pages are built with HTML tags (codes) embedded in the text. HTML defines the page layout, fonts and graphic elements as well as the hypertext links to other documents on the Web using URL
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) = the set of rules for transferring files on the WWW
Hypertext Transfer Protocol with Secure certificate (HTTP) = a WWW protocol that encrypts and decrypts user page requests and pages returned by the Web server under a formal certification process offering more security to users for such processes as user registration and credit card purchasing
IBM =
IBM WebSphere = application for information integration and reporting
ICANN = International Corporation (for the) Assignment (of Domain) Names (and) Numbers
ICT = information (communication) technology
iCOM = health care software
IEC = International Electrotechnical Commission
iGrafx = integrated suite of process-related applications: FlowCharter, Process, IDEFO, BPEL, enterprise modelling, BPMN
Illustrator = Adobe application
ILS = Integrated Leadership System (of the APS)
ILS = Integrated Logistic Support (Defence)
ILS = Internet location servers
IMC = Information Management Committee
iMIS = application targeting non-profit organisations supporting association and membership management, fundraising and donor management, executive management, etc.
index = any statistical representation or indicator
index = a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number often used in financial industry for a quick and easily understood indicator of the price or the value of the securities in a given market
index definition = SQL process for creating and dropping indices
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) = a program that focuses on infrastructure, five broad themes: communications, computer science, electronics, human interactivity, and photonics
information management = formal protocols, procedures and best practice for IT management
Information Mapping = particular formalised commercial system of technical writing and associated rules of meta-data
information technology (IT) = computer systems both hardware and software applied to creation, collection, collation, processing, storage, retrieval of information, including electronic communications systems and systems for gaining access to such information, such as networking, and that part of the enterprise concerned with these systems
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) = one of the more comprehensive as well as non-proprietary and publicly available sets of guidelines for "best practice" IT services management, owned by the British Office of Government Commerce (OGC). Each library module provides a code of practice intended to improve IT efficiencies, reduce risks, and increase the effectiveness and quality of IT services management and infrastructure
Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) = performance-based best practices
InfoPath = See (MS InfoPath)
installation guide = a user guide for installation by the user of a small or commercially available application
internal stakeholder = See stakeholder
internet = a large network made up of a number of smaller networks
Internet = one internet (now known as "the Internet") that has gained wide international acceptance and has adopted the generic name as its identifier
Internet location servers (ILS) = MS application to allow users of Netmeeting (and CUSeeMe Pro) to find and call each other easily over the Internet
Internet protocol (IP) = the network protocol designed for the Internet; part of the TCP/IP communications protocol
Interwoven = application - content management systems for professional service firms
intranet = local network
intranet = (vernacular) "within the network"
IP-Address = a number made up of four elements each with three digits resulting in the numerical identification of every node in an IP network
IP = short for IP-address
IP = Intellectual Property = legally recognised rights to copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets etc.
ISDN = integrated services digital network
ISO = International Organization for Standardization, Geneva; an organization that sets international standards
ISO 2383 = IT Vocabulary (34 Parts)
ISO 8859 = 8-bit single-byte coded graphic character sets
ISO 9000 = a series of standards for quality management
ISO 9000:2005 = Quality management systems - Fundamentals and vocabulary
ISO 9001:2000 = Quality management systems - Requirements
ISO 9004:2000 = Quality management systems - Guidelines for performance improvements
ISO/IEC 9126-1:2001 = Software engineering - Product quality - Part 1: Quality model (available in English only)
ISO/IEC 9798-5:2009 = Information technology - Security techniques - Entity authentication - Part 5: Mechanisms using zero-knowledge techniques; See SAI Global
ISO 10002:2004 = Quality management - Customer satisfaction - Guidelines for complaints handling in organizations
ISO 10005:2005 =Quality management systems - Guidelines for quality plans
ISO 10006:2003 = Quality management systems - Guidelines for quality management in projects
ISO 10007:2003 = Quality management systems - Guidelines for configuration management
ISO/TR 10013:2001 = Guidelines for quality management system documentation
ISO/TR 10014:1998 = Guidelines for managing the economics of quality
ISO 10015:1999 = Quality management - Guidelines for training
ISO 10019:2005 = Guidelines for the selection of quality management system consultants and use of their services
ISO 12620:2009 = Terminology and other language and content resources - Specification of data categories and management of a Data Category Registry for language resources; See SAI Global
ISO/IEC 13236:1998 = Information technology - Quality of service: Framework
ISO/IEC TR 13243:1999 = Information technology - Quality of service - Guide to methods and mechanisms
ISO/IEC 13818-1:2007/Cor 2:2009 = Information technology - Generic coding of moving pictures and associated audio information: Systems - Part 1 - Technical Corrigendum 2; See SAI Global
ISO 14000 = a series of standards regarding environmental management; their objective is to ensure products and services have the lowest possible environmental impact
ISO 14000is similar to ISO 9000 quality management in that both pertain to the process - the comprehensive outcome - of how a product is produced, rather than to the product itself. As with ISO 9000, certification is performed by third-party organisations rather than being awarded by ISO directly
ISO 14001 and ISO 14004: the initial standards, which introduce the idea of environmental management systems. These present a structured approach to setting environmental objectives and targets. Essentially, an organization may apply these broad conceptual tools to their own processes
ISO 14040 = pre-production planning and environment goal setting
ISO 14020 = labels and declarations
ISO 14030 = post-production environmental assessment
ISO 14062 = making improvements to environmental impact goals
ISO 14063 = addendum to 14020, discussing further communications on environmental impact
ISO/IEC 14496-5:2001/FDAmd 23 = Information technology - Coding of audio-visual objects - Part 5: Reference software - Amendment 23: Synthesized texture reference software; See SAI Global
ISO/IEC 14496-20:2008/FDAmd 2 = Information technology - Coding of audio-visual objects - Part 20: Lightweight Application Scene Representation (LASeR) and Simple Aggregation Format (SAF) - Amendment 2: Technology for scene adaptation; See SAI Global
ISO/IEC 16085:2004 = Information technology - Software life cycle processes - Risk management (available in English only)
ISO/IEC FDIS 24739-3 = Information technology - AT Attachment with Packet Interface - 7 - Part 3: Serial transport protocols and physical interconnect (ATA/ATAPI-7 V3); See SAI Global
ISO/IEC 27033-1:2009 = Information technology - Security techniques - Network security - Part 1: Overview and concepts; See SAI Global
ISO/IEC FDIS 29109-4 = Information technology - Conformance testing methodology for biometric data interchange formats defined in ISO/IEC 19794 - Part 4: Finger image data; See SAI Global
ISO 19011 = one audit protocol for both ISO 14000 and ISO 9000 series standards together (the ISO standard for any TQM system)
ISP = Internet service provider
IT Business Analyst = a logician aware of both business processes and IT systems, an individual (usually with a BSc or MSc) who analyses the operations of a department or functional unit already known to require IT systems solution and automation. Works closely with systems analyst
IT&T = Information Technology & Telecommunications
ITIL = Information Technology Infrastructure Library
ITOL = Information Technology Online
ITSM = Information Technology Service Management
J++ (pronounced "J-plus-plus" or "Java-plus-plus") = Windows-based Java development system used to create Java applications that can run on any platform
J2EE = Java 2 Enterprise Edition
Java = a general purpose, high-level, object-oriented, cross-platform programming language developed by Sun Microsystems
Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) = platform for developing component-based, multi-tier, enterprise-wide applications
JavaScript = Netscape's open language for website designers
JD Edwards = now Oracle
JOINS = Join Statements (SQL methodology)
Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) = (pronounced "jay-peg") compression technique for colour images
JPEG = Joint Photographic Experts Group
JScript = MS's subset version of JavaScript
JSP = Java Service Pages
Kbps = kilobits per second
KEDB = knowledge (engineering) database
key performance indicator (KPI) = a quantitative result, the technical/mathematical/scientific formula for which has been agreed to beforehand, that will reflect the level of success or failure of a particular product, event, company, department, project, etc.
key success indicator (KSI) = See KPI
KM = knowledge management
KMI = knowledge management infrastucture (see tiers)
KMS = knowledge management solution
KMS = knowledge management (application) system
KPI = key performance indicator
KSI = key success indicator
LAN = local area network
Large Format = large format digital printing hardware
LDAP = Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) = part of X.500; a "lightweight" DAP, because it uses a small amount of code (see DAP)
Lean = business improvement tool for manufacturers
Lean/Six Sigma = both systems combined and integrated
Lisp = programming language
Macromedia = Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks
mainframe = an extremely large and costly computer requiring entire rooms of floor space supporting many users and running many programs simultaneously (e.g. IBM S370/3031). For a decade or more we have been told that the technology is obsolete, but mainframes are still a basic element of large platforms
Mbps = Megabit per second
meta-data = data that describes other data. Card catalogues and handwritten indexes are a form of meta-data. Includes data dictionaries within a plan or a file in a system that provides information about each data element. Could include a repository set up purely for the purpose of understanding the nature of data. It may also refer to any descriptive item about data, such as a HTML meta-tag or a title field in a media file
MHz = megahertz
MIB = management information base
mid-range = a computer used for medium-sized networks; the processing power between a mainframe and a microcomputer. Also called a mini-computer
mini-computer = see mid-range
MPS = MultiProcessing Specification (Intel)
MQSeries = See IBM Websphere MQ
MS Office = Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, etc.
MS PowerPoint =
MS SQL Server = TSQL
MSMQ = Microsoft Message Queue
MultiProcessing Specification (MPS) = a specification defining how memory and interrupts are shared, used by Intel for designing SMP-based PCs
Myriad = a configurable software platform that supports information access using context-guided information retrieval and delivery: delivery-driven (adaptive hypermedia) and retrieval-driven (information retrieval systems such as Panoptic)
MySource Matrix = an open source web CMS; See
NDT = non-destructive testing
network = a group of computers, usually with a server, connected by a telecommunications link, that share information and resources, see LAN, WAN
network specialists = Network Architect, Security Specialist, LAN/WAN Administrator, Service Delivery Management Specialist
NICTA = National ICT Australia Limited
non-functional requirements = user requirements of a new system that are not represented by functional requirements but may have functional implication, e.g. learnability & understandability, operability, efficiency (performance levels), time factors, security, robustness & recoverability, extensibility, maintainability, portability
Novell = systems and applications supplier
O & M = operations and maintenance
O & M = operations and management
O & M = operator and maintainer
O & M = organization and methods
ODBC = Open DataBase Connectivity
object-oriented (OO) = programming which defines not only the data structure, but also the types of functions that can be applied to the data structure, creating an object that has both data and functionality inherent in the object
OLAP = onLine analytical processing
OLTP = online transaction processing
online help = answers to FAQs asked by the user, usually by clicking on a representation of an FAQ or by using a Search engine
online user guide = user guide accessible by user, usually by clicking on icons or key words on the screen
OO Methodology = software developing methodology based on the OO paradigm using an OOPL
OOPL = object-oriented programming language, Java, C++, Smalltalk, object-oriented versions of Pascal, etc.
Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC) = a standard database access methodology that makes it possible for any application in the system to access any data from any source in the system regardless of which DBMS is handling the data by inserting a middle layer (a database driver) between the applications and the DBMSs, translating the application's data queries into commands that the DBMS can understand and respond to, and translating the response into a form that the application can receive and understand
open source software (OSS) = computer software whose source code is available under a copyright license that permits users to study, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form
operations management procedures = fault management, performance management, configuration management, inventory management, audit, risk management, and disaster recovery
operations manual = fault management, performance management, configuration management, inventory management, audit, risk management, and disaster recovery instructions related to the control and maintenance of a particular system built by the systems designers/engineers and testers for the systems administrator
optimisation = see application optimisation
Oracle = A database and application development software vendor. The Oracle database was the first DBMS to incorporate the SQL language and to be ported to a wide variety of platforms. Subsidiary, Liberate Technologies defined the specifications for a compliant platform
OSI = Open Systems Interconnection
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) = international standard (ISO) model for communications worldwide. It divides the communication of information into seven logical layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application
OSS = open source software
OSS = Operations Support Systems (Java initiative)
PAS = website monitoring applications
PeopleSoft = now Oracle
PERL = programming language
pcAnywhere = Symantec application
PHP = a general-purpose scripting language that can be embedded into HTML, used for Web development
pilot set-up and management guides =
PKI = public key infrastructure
platform = the main system, language or model upon which others rely
PMO = program management office
PMO = project management office
PNG = Portable Network Graphics
policy and procedures = the general body of directives emanating from and approved by management that explains how things operate and who is responsible
policy statement = a statement made by the Board of Directors regarding those things that they consider to be true, correct and/or important
policy manual = a document that discusses in detail all issues related to the implementation of a particular policy statement
political stakeholder = the stakeholder from the management or the legal section, concerned with legality, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, public awareness, safety, privacy
Portable Network Graphics (PNG) = (pronounced "ping") a bit-mapped graphics format similar to GIF
pricing index = index representing current price against past or projected prices, often against the price at an agreed start-date in the past
procedural documentation = the act of creating and integrating procedures
procedure = a document that describes a series of activities, tasks, decisions, calculations etc., that when undertaken in the sequence laid down produces the described result, product or outcome
process = a series of inputs, resources, scientific/mathematical/technical or human relationships, activities, tasks, decisions, calculations, changes, locations and temporal occurrences that will result in a given event, transformation, result, product or outcome
process reference manual = a document describing all aspects of a particular process and making reference to every procedure and work instruction related to the process
process-related documentation = high level narrative description, process flow chart, high level procedures, control links to detailed procedure and work instructions
process review = recommendation/strategy for process improvement, simplification and variation reduction, improvement in auditability
product information = detailed information describing a particular product
production control manual = manual containing all procedures used in the production process
Project time line = time line produced with MS Project
PL/SQL = Procedural Language (a particular) SQL; a programming language; Oracle's own form of SQL
project management = specialist terms & acronyms
proof reading = stage in the technical writing process where the final draft is read by a proof reader for error
PSA = preferred supplier agreement
PSA Panel = appointed panel for choosing preferred suppliers
public key infrastructure (PKI) = a standard set of rules to enable users in an insecure network such as the Internet to exchange secure data (such as confidential information and money); there is no international standard for PKI at present; the preferred method at present uses a public and a private digital cryptographic key produced simultaneously using the same algorithm by a third party trusted by the recipient (the certificating authority (CA)), the public key is made available in the public domain by the CA in the form of a public certificate and the private key is issued by the CA only to the recipient; anyone on the network who wants to communicate with the recipient uses the public key to encode their message but only the recipient's private key can "break" the code; often there is a fourth party trusted by both the sender and the recipient (the registering authority (RA)) used to verify the sender to the recipient before the breaking of the code by the recipient
QA = quality assurance
QA Testing = See UAT
QC = quality control
quality assurance (QA) = a process (assigned to a department, procedure or programme) for testing that hardware and/or software performs as originally specified
quality assurance analyst = a person who is responsible understanding QA standards (such as the ISO 9000 family) and applying them within an organization
quality control = a process (assigned to a department, procedure or programme) for testing and manipulating so that the quality of output (products and/or services) is maintained above a minimal level
R & D = research & development
R/1 (pronounced "R-one") = see SAP
R/2 (pronounced "R-two") = see SAP
R/3 (pronounced "R-three") = see SAP
RA = (the) registering authority (in public key infrastructure (PKI))
RDB = relational database
RDBMS = relational database management system
RDF = Resource Description Framework
registering authority (RA) = see public key infrastructure (PKI)
release = solutions handed over for final user acceptance testing
report writer = application that specialises in preparing reports and reporting best practice often industry based
requirements = see business requirements, user requirements, system functional requirements, non-functional requirements
Requirements Modeller = a member of the team (a specialist technical writer) who can understand business requirements and user requirements and translate them into system specifications, system functional requirements and non-functional requirements
risk management = specialist terms & acronyms
RM (pronounced letter by letter) = risk management
RoboHELP = Adobe application for building Help screens
roll-out = implementation programme (vernacular)
ROM = read-only-memory
S/MIME = Secure Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Extensions
SABA = human capital applications, learning, performance, talent
SAI (also known as Australian Standards) = distributors of national and international standards in Australia
SAI Global = for buying national and international standards in Australia
SAN = strorage area network
SAP = meant "Systems Analysis & Programming" in the 1970s but now just means SAP
SAP ABAP = Advanced Business Application Programming
SAP BEx = Business Explorer = reporting tool used to work with data in the BW database
SAP BW = Business (Information) Warehouse = database
SAP ECC = ERP Central Component = manufacturing control system
SAP FI/CO = SAP Finance & Control
SAP FICO = SAP Finance & Control
SAP KW = SAP Knowledge Warehouse
SAP R/1 = SAP with real-time data processing released in 1970s
SAP R/1 = SAP with real-time data processing released in 1970s
SAP R/2 = SAP with database and dialogue control released at the end of the 70s and different languages and currencies mid 80s
SAP R/3 = SAP with client-server, graphical interface and relational database mid 90s.
SAP mySAP Workplace = SAP with enterprise portal and role-specific access becomes industry-specific early 2000
SAP NetWeaver = SAP with services architecture and end-to-end business processes 2003
scenario-build = models describing probable or likely scenarios for end-user testing
schema = models describing database tables and the relationships between them
SDK = Software Development Kit (MS)
SDLC = system development life cycle
SDLC = Synchronous Data Link Control (IBM)
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) = a protocol for transmitting private documents via the Internet using a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data - a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message
SEI (pronounced letter by letter) = Software Engineering Institute
SEO (pronounced letter by letter) = search engine optimisation
server = key controlling computer in a network
server = key controlling application whose main job is to respond to the needs of other applications (clients)
SES1 = Senior Executive Service 1 (of the APS)
SES2 = Senior Executive Service 2 (of the APS)
SES3 = Senior Executive Service 3 (of the APS)
shared service solutions (SSS) = high-quality, cost-effective corporate services shared across a corporation or government WAN
SimBuilder = assists in the writing of such things as Participant Guides and Trainer Manuals based on simulations gathered using iHelp, Simulations and HTML
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) = a protocol used to send e-mail on the Internet; a set of rules regarding the interaction between emailer and recipient
Six Sigma = business improvement tool for manufacturers
SME = subject matter expert
SMTP = Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNA = Systems Network Architecture
SNMP = Simple Network Management Protocol
SoA = Statement of Advice (FPA)
SOA = Service Oriented Architecture
SOA = SoA
SoAA = Statement of Additional Advice (FPA)
SOAP = Simple Object Access Protocol
SOE = standard operating environment
SOE WinPC = standard operating environment (for) Windows PCs
software development specialists = Senior Software Developer, System Architect, Data Warehouse Specialist
solutions = development directly related to solving particular requirements/problems
solutions architecture = development of architecture directly related to solving particular requirements/problems
SOM = System Object Model (IBM)
SOP (pronounced letter by letter) = standard operating procedure
SOX (pronounced letter by letter) = Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, corporate auditing requirements
specialist = See business analysis specialist
specialist = See network specialist
specialist = See software development specialist
specialist = See web specialist
specialist technical writer = a professional writer (usually viewed as "ghost writer") who specialises in a particular technical/scientific discipline or international standard and seeks to become more and more knowledgeable on this subject; closer to the techos/scientists; needs to learn particularities of the application/context and the related international standards on a particular project and the needs of particular audiences before starting the documentation process but may achieve high standards because of his/her intimate knowledge of this particular subject/standard; compare generalist
SQL (pronounced letter by letter) = structured query language
SR CLC TR 61158-1:2008 = Industrial Communication Networks - Fieldbus Specifications - Part 1: Overview and Guidance for the iec 61158 and iec 61784 Series; See SAI Global
SSL = Secure Sockets Layer
SSS = shared service solutions
SSSB = SQL Server Service Broker
SSRS = SQL Server Reporting Services
stakeholder = the customer to the tech writer (the customer who needs to be satisfied) is the manager or operator whose own customers are the audience of the document, usually called the stakeholder; there may be a number of these, See human resources stakeholder, political stakeholder, technical stakeholder
standard operating procedure (SOP) = a procedure or set of procedures to perform a given operation, maybe in reaction to a given event.
stored function = MySQL tool
stored procedure = MySQL tool
stored routine = MySQL tool
structured query language (SQL) = a language used to interrogate and process data in a relational database. Programming extensions to SQL have turned it into a full-blown database programming language and all major DBMSs support the language.
Style Report = report writing tool
SUB Report = Crystal report writing tool
SVG = Scalable Vector Graphics
Sybase = SQL Server, client server specialists
Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) = an IBM bit-oriented protocol for use in SNA environment (See HDLC)
system = a group of independent but interrelated elements, such as processes, hardware, software, facilities, people, an integrated composite that provides a the capability to satisfy a stated objective
system administration & operations manual = technical, administrative and temporal instruction related to the control and maintenance of a system built by the systems designers/engineers and testers for the systems administrator
system administrator = team member assigned the responsibility for the control and maintenance of a system; the person who can make all decisions related to the operation and modification/development of the system while in operation
systems analyst = a specialist logician aware of a range of interactive computing processes, an individual (usually with a BSc or MSc) who analyses the operations of a system with the purpose of developing a particular systems solution to the problem. May need the assistance of a business analyst.
system development life cycle (SDLC) = a formal, adopted standard set of methodologies that can be used to develop, introduce, maintain, and replace systems, regardless of the system
systems engineer = member of an integrated team of systems specialists (usually big systems development)
system functional requirements = see functional requirements
system functional requirements specifications = for the configuration or development of new systems, see functional requirements specifications
system implementation = user acceptance and handover and bringing on-line, may include de-commissioning of the system being replaced
system maintenance = protocols for service and maintenance of a system, could include system service agreement and service level agreement
System Object Model (SOM) = an architecture developed by IBM that allows binary code to be shared by different applications
system performance test scripts = for all changes to applications
system set up (vernacular) = system implementation, maintenance of configurations registry and systems upgrade log
Systems Network Architecture (SNA) = data communications protocol (IBM)
TCP = transmission control protocol
TCP/IP = transmission control protocol/Internet protocol
TCP/IP = a communications protocol based on UNIX, developed to connect up dissimilar systems and has become the global standard for communications
technical author = technical writer (usually in the published book or manual form)
technical documentation = informal documentation written for a technical audience, the systems engineer/developer, programmer, systems analyst, business analyst, system administrator
technical reference manual = formal manual written for a technical audience, the systems engineer/developer, programmer, systems analyst, business analyst, system administrator, usually describing a system or a platform
technical stakeholder = the stakeholder from the technical section, concerned with national and international standards, compliance, useability, operability, resilience
technical writer = a professional writer (usually viewed as "ghost writer") who concentrates on writing about technical subjects to a particular audience; includes a generalist and a specialist
test case = a case with a set of real and likely data where the result is known beforehand for testing a system against requirements following creation or change
test cycles = unit test, system (end-to-end) test, regression testing, system integration testing, user acceptance testing
test scripts = formal written scripts for test cycles
test lead = local talk for a manager of day-to-day testing activities for a project based innovation or upgrade. It might include: Lead a team of test analysts / testers. Prepare estimates for required test resources and duration. Prepare high level test plan, write and implement testing strategies. Review test plan, test scenarios and test data throughout the project. Oversee quality and compliance to test standard. Manage team members on daily basis including tasks allocation, status monitoring and problem solving. Perform hands on testing. Coordinate and support UAT activities
tiers = levels of intrastucture design, such as three tiers of the knowledge management infrastructure: Discover (search), Organise (intelligent classification), and Connect (personalisation) (Verity K2 catalog)
tiers = levels of intrastucture design, such as four tiers of redundancy of a data centre: Susceptible, Redundant components, Concurrently maintainable, Fault tolerant (Tier IV electical designs)
tiers = levels of intrastucture design, such as three tiers (or stages) of enterprise infrastucture development: Tier One = functionality; Tier Two = client-server; Tier Three = multiple servers; See ERP
timely = temporal requirements of research, preparation, publication etc. based on needs of stakeholders
TISN = Trusted Information Sharing Network (for Critical Infrastructure Protection)
TOAD = database administration tool
TRIM = an off-the-shelf software application to manage electronic and paper corporate records. The product provides: email management, document management, records management workflow, image management, and web publishing.
TSQL (pronounced letter by letter) = transact structured query language (MS SQL server)
TQM (pronounced letter by letter) = total quality management
transition = formal temporally-based plan for replacing one platform with another; usually requires full SDLC
UAM = user authentication methodology (the basis of user access to a secure environment)
UAM = user acceptance methodology (the basis of UAT)
UCS = uniform communications standard
UDP (pronounced letter by letter) = user datagram protocol
UDP/IP (pronounced letter by letter) = communications protocol, less reliable than TCP/IP but useful for immediate relay such as Streaming media, VoIP and videoconferencing which doesn't check for dropped packets and retransmit them, you get what you get
UML = unified modelling language
unified modelling language (UML) = a model developed by OMG for integrating development, includes business modelling, architectural and application modelling, development, deployment, maintenance, and evolution
UNIX (pronounced "yu-nix") = a portable, multi-tasking and multi-user computer operating system developed in the 1960s. Now a number of different development branches, including AT&T, several other commercial vendors, and non-profit organizations.
Unix = UNIX
uniform resource locator (URL) = address of a Web page residing on the same server or any server worldwide (WWW). This address defines the route to a file on an Internet server (Web server, FTP server, mail server, etc.)
URL (pronounced letter by letter or "erl") = uniform resource locator
URS = uniform reporting system
URS = unit reference sheet
URS = user requirements specification
USL = universal service levy
USO = universal service obligation
user acceptance = a formal process for involving the user in the sign off of a new system. For an in-house developed system it involves early statement of user requirements, a sign off of the functional plan by the user, and the sign off by the user following user acceptance testing against the original requirements. For a purchased system it involves a user requirements statement and a gap analysis.
user acceptance testing (UAT) = the final testing stages by users of a new or changed system. The system is tested for stability and whether it is processing data according to requirements. If successful, it signals the approval by the user to implement the system live.
user access = the key to access for the user of a secure environment; usually involves some formal UAM
use case = a formal methodology for defining system requirements; a scenario; software developers and end users cooperate to define how the system will need to interact with the world, such as with an end user or another system, to achieve a specific business goal
user guide = a document written by a technical writer to give assistance to people using the system.
user requirements = practical outcomes that will impact the user that are the reason for the development of a new system or for enhancements and modifications to an existing system
user requirements documentation = a business or strategic plan containing all user requirements and the reason for their inclusion
user requirements specification = a formal list of all user requirements contained within the user requirements documentation written in a form that allows validation that changes meet user requirements
VB.NET = an object-oriented programming language from <a href="#MS>MS
VBA = Visual BASIC (for) Applications
VBScript = MS scripting language
VBScript = Visual BASIC Script Edition
VDP = Virtual Document Planner (see Myriad)
Virtual Document Planner (VDP) = a goal-decomposition-based planning engine in the Myriad platform. The resources which control VDP are declarative (XML) plan libraries, which constrain and control which information is retrieved and how that information is organised and presented
virtualisation = see application virtualisation
Vision = OLAP engine from IQ Software, which was acquired by Information Advantage in 1998 and turned into MyEureka Cube Explorer and MyEureka Cube Server. It has been a Computer Associates product since 2000
Visual Basic = a version of BASIC for developing Windows applications
VoIP = voice over Internet protocol
WAN = wide area network
WAS = WebSphere application server
WBT = web-based training
WCGM = Web Computer Graphics Metafile
WCF = Windows Communication Foundation
WCM = web content management (part of ECM)
web specialists = Senior Web Consultant, Content Editor/Coordinator, Web Writer, and Web Designer
WebSphere (IBM) = application for information integration and reporting
Windows XP = a major upgrade to the client version of Windows 2000
WINS = Warehouse Information Network Standard (EDI talks to UCS)
WINS = Windows Internet Naming Service, an MS application mapping machine names to IP addresses
WMS = warehouse management software
WMS = Web Map Service
WMS map = in picture formats such as PNG, GIF or JPEG, or SVG or WCGM
work instruction = a document that assigns particular tasks (mentioned or implied in a procedure) to a particular individual or group
WWW (pronounced letter by letter) = world wide web
WWW Consortium = international standards organization for WWW made up of member organizations who contribute full-time staff who work together on the development of standards for the WWW
WYSIWYG = what you see is what you get
WYSIWYG (pronounced "wiz-ee-wig") = an editor that allows a developer to see what the end result will look like while it is being built. These days it refers to HTML mark-up products such as MS FrontPage, PageMill, or HomeSite but even MS Word and Excel could be called WYSIWYG products
X.25 = an international standard for WAN networks using the phone or ISDN networking hardware. It defines layer 1 (standard physical), layer 2 (data link), and layer 3 (networking) of the OSI model
X.500 = an international standard for directory services in a network (see DAP, LDAP)
XSS = cross site script = a script attached to another object or application that causes a security breach when activated
XP (pronounced letter by letter) = extreme programming - formal set of rules about how one develops functionality (such as defining a test before writing the code and never designing more than is needed to support the code that is written)
XP = See Windows XP
ZIP = Zone Information Protocol
Zone Information Protocol (ZIP) = a method of compressing data into a small size, so it can fit on a tiny data storage device or be transferred quickly over the Internet