The world of ICT is full ot terminology that is often confusing. Here is a list of terms you may come across.

 A

Artificial Intelligence

A branch of science that deals with systems capable of solving complex problems in a more human-like fashion using characteristics from human intelligence and applying them through powerful computer technology.

B

Back office systems

IT applications used by organisations in their business but not visible to their customers. Often used within a web development as part of a solution.

Batch processing

The processing of previously collected data in batches rather than in real time as it is collected.

Bespoke solution

A solution that is tailor made to meet the specific demands of a project and deliver the desired results.

Browser platforms

 The combination of browser, computer and operating systems.

C

Cache

Type of computer memory that holds recently accessed data for speedy re-access.

CD-ROM

Compact disc used to store information that can be viewed via a CD-ROM player.

CGI (Computer Animated Graphics)

Animated graphics created on computers for use on television and in films.

CMS (Content Management System)

Enabling system providing web administrators and authorised users to self-update web pages easily and quickly by using pre-coded page templates.

Corporate identity

The public image projected by a company or organisation.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management system)

Used to collect data about customers in the business environment in order to provide a better service.

CSV (Comma Separated Variable)

An enabling technology that allows data created in one application to be used by different software applications.

D

Domain Name

Unique name given to web addresses on the internet such as Oxford Integrated Systems.org

Download

The copying of text, imagery or a file from a web page to your PC hard drive.

E

E-commerce

In its broadest sense this encompasses all commercial activity carried out by electronic means, including everyday use of credit cards but is usually meant to describe trade carried out remotely, most commonly either over the web or mobile phones.

e-GIF (electronic Government Interoperability Framework)

Statement of the Government's guidelines for public sector web strategies. The current framework defines the Government's e-agenda to the year 2005.

Email alerts

The sending of specific information usually to large numbers of people via email. Email Broadcast The sending of specific information such as electronic newsletters, usually to large numbers of people via email.

e-Marketing

Defines any marketing activity carried out electronically such as via the web or mobile phone.

E-news

News sent electronically, typically by email or via the web but could also be by mobile phone.

Extranet

Use of internet technologies and products to share and present information with a defined external audience, typically used by a business to communicate with customers, suppliers or partner organisations.

F

Firewall

System of protecting single PCs or networks from unauthorised users.

Flash

Multimedia software used to create imagery, including animation and advanced navigation systems.

G

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

Graphic file format developed by Compuserve, using compression without loss of image quality.

H

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

Language used to format web pages, allowing pictures and text to be combined in web pages and making it possible for links to be made between different documents.

I

Integration

The bringing together of disparate technologies or systems to create an overall solution. Commonly required where older or pre-existing systems need to be used in conjunction with the web.

Intranet

Use of Internet technologies to share and present information with a defined internal audience, typically used by a business or organisation with staff to improve collaboration, communication and productivity.

J

Java

Web programming language developed by Sun Micro Systems used to create online multimedia effects and allowing continuous updating of web pages.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

Standard of image compression developed for use on the Internet. Most photographic images can be highly compressed using this method, without loss of image quality.

K

Knowledge Management

Term used to describe the use of information from disparate sources into one application.

L

Legacy systems

Older IT applications used by organisations in the course of their business. The value of these systems can usually be enhanced through integration with the web.

M

Multimedia

Literally, the use of more than one media in a given situation. However, it has come to relate specifically to the use of video, sound and animation on the web or CD-ROM.

N

Needs analysis

A process to help determine what will be required to complete a project satisfactorily. Used by Oxford Integrated Systems as the start of a project to ensure appropriate understanding and allocation of resources required.

O

Offline

Operation of computer when not connected to other computers on the internet.

Online

Operation of computer when connected to other computers on the internet.

P

Private Finance Initiative

Government initiative involving private investment in public projects.

Prince (Projects in Controlled Environments)

Project management method developed in 1989 by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA), now part of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), as a UK Government standard for IT project management.

Q

Quicktime

Video compression standard created by Apple Macintosh for use on both Apple Macintosh machines and PCs. Also the program that displays such movies.

R

Real time

Activity as it happens rather than delayed. In TV parlance, the equivalent of the live show rather than the recording.

S

Scoping

A process to help determine the size and nature of a project. Used by Oxford Integrated Systems at the start of a project to define the client´s objectives and ensure appropriate allocation of resources.

Search engine

Powerful facility for finding information on the web using key words.

Service level agreement

An agreement entered into by a service provider and client to determine the scope and nature of ongoing support.

Streaming media

Broadcast sound and video over the internet.

T

Third-party product

Product from an outside supplier either sourced specifically to meet the needs of a project or as a consequence of a pre-existing system being used.

U

Upload

Transfer or copying of files off a computer to a linked computer on the internet.

V

Visitor profiling

Process of identifying the characteristics of visitors to websites. Used to track areas of interest to specific visitors, enabling web improvements and better targeting of information.

W

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Computers located geographically apart but linked by dedicated lines or satellite.

X

Xml (Extensible Markup Language)

An enabling technology that allows data created in one application to be used by different software applications.

Z

ZIP

File that has been compressed using the PKZIP program. Can be decompressed using the PKUNZIP utility.