IT Glossary: Technical Terms Clearly Explained
From API to Zero-Downtime Deployment – find comprehensive explanations of terms from software development, AI, legacy modernization, and IT projects. Each term includes a definition, examples, pros & cons, and FAQ.
203 terms across 23 categories – Page 5 of 7
Clear explanations for decision-makers and project teams – definitions, examples, and FAQs for modern software, AI, and cloud projects.
How to use this IT glossary
The glossary lists 203 terms across 23 categories – from software architecture and cloud computing to AI, cybersecurity, and DevOps.
What each glossary entry includes
- Definition and practical examples
- Pros and cons for project decisions
- FAQs so you can place terms in tenders and delivery
Navigate and go deeper
Use the letter navigation or search on this page to jump to a term. For costs, delivery, and typical project steps, see the linked hubs below.
You are on page 5 of 7. The full alphabetical index starts on page 1 of the glossary.
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N
- Nearshore DevelopmentMethods
- Outsourcing of software development to teams in geographically close countries with similar time zones and cultural proximity.
- Next.jsDevelopment
- Next.js is a React-based full-stack framework for web development that provides server-side rendering, static site generation and API routes out of the box.
- Node.jsDevelopment
- Node.js is a cross-platform JavaScript runtime that allows running JavaScript outside the browser on the server.
- NoSQLTechnology
- Umbrella term for non-relational databases that offer flexible data models, horizontal scaling and high performance for large data volumes.
O
- OdooBusiness
- Modular open-source ERP suite that combines CRM, e-commerce, accounting, inventory and more in one integrated platform.
- Odoo CustomizingBusiness Software
- Odoo customizing is the adaptation of Odoo modules, fields, workflows, roles, views, reports and interfaces to specific business processes. It forms the bridge between standard ERP and individual module development.
- Odoo MigrationBusiness Software
- Odoo migration is the transfer of existing data, processes, roles, interfaces and business logic into an Odoo environment. It involves far more than a data import and ranges from process capture to legacy system replacement.
- Offshore DevelopmentMethods
- Outsourcing of software development to teams in distant countries with significantly lower labour costs, e.g. India, Vietnam or the Philippines.
- On-PremiseInfrastructure
- Software and IT infrastructure run in your own data centre or on your own servers, rather than in the cloud.
- Online Shop / E-CommerceBusiness
- Electronic commerce over the internet, typically via an online shop that sells products or services digitally.
- Onshore DevelopmentSourcing
- Onshore development is software development in the same country or legal area as the client. It offers benefits for language, time zone, legal proximity, data protection and direct communication, but usually comes with higher day rates.
- Open SourceBusiness
- Software whose source code is publicly accessible and may be viewed, used, modified and redistributed by anyone.
- ORMDevelopment
- An ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) maps database tables to objects in a programming language and replaces SQL with object-oriented methods.
P
- Penetration TestingSecurity
- Penetration testing (pentest) is an authorized, simulated cyber attack on an IT system to find security gaps before real attackers can exploit them.
- PhishingSecurity
- Phishing is a social-engineering method where attackers try to steal sensitive data such as passwords or payment details via fake emails, websites or messages.
- PHPDevelopment
- PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language designed for web development and used on over 75% of all websites with known server technology.
- Platform EngineeringDevOps
- Platform engineering provides internal platforms, self-service structures and standardised building blocks so development teams deliver software faster and more securely. It is not just about tools but about a product-oriented platform for development and operations.
- PostgreSQLTechnology
- PostgreSQL is a powerful, object-relational open-source database management system known for reliability, extensibility and SQL standards compliance.
- Power AutomateAutomation
- Power Automate is Microsoft's platform for workflow automation between Microsoft 365 services, third-party applications and internal systems. It suits Microsoft-365-centric organisations especially well but has limits around licensing, governance and complex logic.
- Power BITechnology
- Power BI is a Microsoft platform for data visualisation, dashboards, reporting and business intelligence. It brings together data from ERP, CRM, Excel, databases and cloud systems and makes it usable as key figures.
- Predictive maintenanceIoT
- Predictive maintenance uses real-time condition data from machines to schedule maintenance or replacement before a failure occurs, instead of fixed intervals or reactive repairs.
- Process MiningAutomation
- Process mining uses digital event data from systems like ERP, CRM or ticketing to make real process flows visible. It shows the difference between target and actual process and uncovers bottlenecks and automation potential.
- Proof of Concept (PoC)Methods
- A feasibility demonstration showing that a technical idea or approach works in practice before larger investment is made.
- PrototypingDesign
- Early version of a product or application that visualises design and interaction before actual development starts.
- Push NotificationDevelopment
- Short messages sent from an app or website directly to the user’s device, even when the app is not open.
- PWADevelopment
- Web application that behaves like a native app: installable, offline-capable and with push notifications, but built for the browser.
- PythonTechnology
- Versatile, easy-to-learn programming language that is among the most used worldwide for AI, data science, web development and automation.
Q
- Quality Assurance / TestingMethods
- Systematic process of checking software for defects, security issues and quality requirements through manual and automated tests.
R
- RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation)AI & Data
- RAG enriches a language model with retrieved passages from a knowledge base before generating an answer.
- RansomwareSecurity
- Ransomware is malware that encrypts data or systems and demands a ransom for decryption.
IT Glossary – Over 100 Terms Clearly Explained
From API to Zero-Downtime Deployment – find comprehensive explanations of terms from software development, AI, legacy modernization, and IT projects. Each term includes a definition, examples, pros & cons, and FAQ.
203 terms in 23 categories – Page 5 of 7
Services & Topic Pages
Many glossary terms link to our service pages and topic pages. There you will find concrete applications, costs, and processes.
You are on page 5 of our IT glossary with a total of 203 terms from software development, cloud computing, AI, and digitalization. Each term is explained with a precise definition, practical examples, pros and cons, and FAQs. The full list of all terms is on page 1 of the glossary.
The glossary is sorted alphabetically and divided into categories. Use the letter navigation above to jump to the desired initial letter on this page. For deeper dives and concrete applications we recommend our services and topic pages.
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