A Guide to Key Terms and Concepts

Big Data

Big Data refers to the vast amounts of information generated globally at an increasing velocity. Organizations utilize advanced data management techniques, often in the cloud, to collect, store, and analyze Big Data, extracting valuable insights from structured, semi-structured, and unstructured datasets.

Big Data Analytics

This encompasses the tools, systems, and applications that organizations use to gather and analyze high-velocity datasets from diverse sources like the internet, emails, social media, and smart devices.

Blockchain

Blockchain is an open, immutable, and distributed digital ledger that fosters accountability and transparency. Initially developed for digital currencies, it is now employed across various applications by organizations.

Business Analytics Tools

These tools extract data from business systems and consolidate it into repositories like data warehouses for analysis. They range from basic spreadsheets to advanced data mining and predictive modeling tools.

Business Intelligence (BI)

BI involves using data and analytics to uncover insights, enhance decision-making, and generate enterprise value. Modern BI practices leverage big data analytics, advanced visualizations, and nuanced reporting to quickly gather and process information, identifying new growth opportunities.

Caching

Caching is the temporary storage of important data in memory for quick access, optimizing database costs, enhancing throughput, reducing latency, and improving application performance.

Cloud

The cloud refers to a global network of remote servers that run applications, store data, and deliver content and services, allowing access from internet-enabled devices rather than solely local computers.

Cloud Application

A cloud application is a web-based program that utilizes cloud computing for data storage and processing. Interaction occurs through internet browsers, with processing typically divided between local devices and cloud services.

Cloud Automation

Cloud automation involves automating cloud infrastructure management in response to IT resource demands. It's commonly used by DevOps, security, and application development teams to free up engineering resources for more complex operations.

Cloud Bursting

This configuration allows overflow traffic from a private cloud to be directed to a public cloud when resource capacity is reached, effectively managing demand for cloud resources.

Cloud Computing

A model for delivering computing resources via the internet, integrating servers, applications, and data as services. Users typically pay only for the resources they consume.

Cloud Computing Types

The three primary types of cloud computing are Software as a Service (SaaS) for web-based applications, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) for storage and computing access, and Platform as a Service (PaaS) for development tools.

Cloud Infrastructure

This encompasses the hardware and software components delivering cloud services over the internet, including servers, storage, networking equipment, and virtualization technology.

Cloud Migration

The process of transferring some or all resources to cloud environments often involves moving from on-premises servers to a cloud provider's infrastructure or between cloud platforms.

Cloud Migration Benefits

Benefits include optimized IT costs, greater flexibility and scalability, improved security and compliance, enhanced business continuity, and simplified resource management.

Cloud-native

Cloud-native applications are specifically designed to run in dynamic cloud environments, allowing for immediate functionality without the need for modernization. They are generally more agile and scalable than legacy systems.

Cloud Provider

A third-party company that offers cloud computing services on a pay-per-use basis, including well-known providers like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Amazon Web Services.

Cloud Provisioning

This refers to how cloud providers deliver resources and services to customers as needed, which is central to the on-demand nature of cloud computing.

Cloud Service Provider

A company that offers cloud-based platforms, infrastructure, applications, or storage services, typically for a fee.

Cloud Storage

A model where an organization’s data is stored, maintained, and served by a cloud provider relieves IT teams from managing on-premises data infrastructure and enables the use of modern data architectures.

Cluster

A group of computers or hosts working together to support a specific application, with individual devices called "nodes." Clusters are commonly used in high-performance computing applications requiring substantial computational power.

Compute

In computing, compute refers to activities requiring processing resources beyond internal memory capacity. Organizations should assess their existing and required computing power to support critical activities.

Computer Grids

These are networks of computers that collaboratively perform large tasks, such as data analysis or weather modeling. Cloud computing allows access to vast computer grids on a pay-per-use basis.

Computer Vision

A branch of AI that emulates human visual understanding, enabling computers to identify and interpret images and objects through algorithms and automation.

Containers

Software units that allow applications to run quickly and reliably across different environments. Containers bundle all necessary elements, including code and system libraries, into lightweight packages for easy deployment.

Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A network of geographically distributed servers that work together to deliver web content swiftly, enabling rapid transfer of assets like HTML pages, images, and videos to end users.

Continuous Integration/Continuous Development (CI/CD)

A set of practices used by DevOps teams to automate application building, testing, and deployment. CI/CD enables constant innovation and iterative delivery of new features and updates.

Data Architecture

Data architecture encompasses the resources and tools used for ingesting, storing, and transferring data across cloud environments. It includes real-time ingestion pipelines that gather information from IoT devices and data lakes that store vast amounts of structured and unstructured data.

Data Engineering

Data engineering involves preparing ingested and consolidated data for complex data science applications in the cloud. This process typically includes extensive data processing, ETL (extract, transform, load), analytics, and visualization.

Data Governance

For organizations leveraging data for growth, effective data management is essential. Data governance involves the unique processes, policies, and standards that ensure data security, privacy, and accuracy.

Data Integration

This process consolidates data from various sources into a single system, providing a unified view.

Data Lake

A data lake is a repository that stores both relational and non-relational data from multiple sources. Unlike a data warehouse, which only handles structured data, a data lake accommodates semi-structured and unstructured data as well.

Data Migration

Data migration refers to the transfer of data from one storage location (such as an on-premises server) to another (like a cloud provider's server). This includes selecting, preparing, extracting, and transferring data between storage systems.

Data Pipeline

Data pipelines streamline the movement of information from one location to another. They automate the extraction, transformation, loading, combining, and validation of data for further processing.

Data Scientists

Data scientists utilize technology, mathematical expertise, business acumen, and communication skills to extract insights from large datasets. They analyze big data to identify patterns, make predictions, and develop strategies across various fields.

Data Stream

A data stream is a sequence of digital signals transmitting information to or from a data provider. These streams typically contain raw data that can be processed, analyzed, and stored to support modern applications and advanced analytics.

Data Warehouse

A data warehouse is a centralized storage system for structured and semi-structured data, used for reporting and analysis. Data can be sourced from various points, including point-of-sale systems and relational databases.

Database

A database is a collection of related information. In computer science, it refers to data stored on a computer system, with common types being relational and non-relational databases.

Database Instance

A database instance represents a complete database environment, including management software, specific procedures, and predefined table structures. Administrators often create multiple instances for different organizational purposes.

Database Security

This encompasses the processes, tools, and controls that organizations implement to safeguard their databases against threats. It protects the database itself, management systems, and the underlying infrastructure.

Database Sharding

Sharding is a partitioning technique that divides a large database into smaller, more manageable databases across multiple servers.

Deep Learning

Deep learning is a machine learning approach utilizing artificial neural networks to process and learn from unstructured data. It excels at analyzing large, complex datasets and performing non-linear tasks more quickly and accurately than humans.

DevOps

DevOps is the collaboration of people, processes, and technology to enable continuous delivery of value to customers. This practice unites development and operations teams to accelerate software delivery while enhancing product security and reliability.

Docker

Docker is a technology for building and deploying containers, simplifying the complexities of packing, shipping, and running applications in diverse computing environments.

Docker Image

Docker images are software packages containing all the necessary components to run an application. They include critical information on how to execute software components and instantiate containers.

Edge Computing

Edge computing allows IoT devices to process data at the edge of a network, either on the device itself or a local server. This enhances response times for remote devices and provides timely insights from device data.

Elastic Computing

Elastic computing enables the dynamic provisioning and de-provisioning of processing, memory, and storage resources to meet fluctuating demands without the need for extensive capacity planning.

Endpoint

An endpoint is a remote device or node that communicates and receives information over a network, including data terminals, host computers, and modems.

Extract, Transform, Load (ETL)

ETL describes the process of ingesting and integrating data from diverse sources into a single, consolidated data store. This is vital for organizations gathering information from remote endpoints and edge devices with differing data management protocols.

Face Recognition

Face recognition is a personal identification technology that analyzes images through optical analysis for identification, grouping, and verification purposes.

Generative AI (Gen AI)

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence technologies capable of creating new content, ideas, or solutions based on patterns learned from input data.

Google Cloud

Google Cloud is a third-party provider of public cloud computing services, offering a variety of solutions for data management, infrastructure modernization, and smart analytics since its launch in 2008.

Grid Computing

Grid computing utilizes a network of computers that work together as a virtual supercomputer to perform large or data-intensive tasks.

High Availability

High availability in computing refers to an application's or infrastructure's ability to remain operational despite disruptions. Systems designed for high availability use redundant hardware and software to minimize service interruptions and employ failover processes to maintain operations.

Hosted Application

A hosted application runs on third-party infrastructure rather than on-premises, accessible globally via the Internet. More organizations are adopting hosted applications to reduce the complexities and costs associated with maintaining on-premises infrastructure.

Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud combines private and public cloud services or on-premises infrastructure to optimize IT architecture for digital transformation. Organizations may utilize public cloud resources for scalability, private cloud for security, and on-premises systems for compliance.

Hybrid Cloud Computing

This computing model integrates on-premises data centers with cloud services to modernize legacy resources, enhancing IT performance, optimizing costs, and allowing for immediate scalability.

Hadoop

Apache Hadoop is an open-source framework that enables efficient storage of massive data volumes and facilitates clustering for parallel analysis of large datasets. It consists of four modules: Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS), Yet Another Resource Negotiator (YARN), MapReduce, and Hadoop Common.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides a virtualized computer environment over the internet, offering essential components like servers, network equipment, and software.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

IaaS is a primary type of cloud service that delivers on-demand computing, storage, and IT infrastructure via the Internet. Solutions are scalable, allowing organizations to pay only for what they use, simplifying the management of on-premises infrastructure.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things encompasses devices connected to the cloud, collecting and securely transmitting data. IoT enables real-time analysis and informed decision-making across various industries.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT refers to the collective network of physical devices that connect to the Internet and communicate with each other, automating data collection processes and creating new sources of value.

Java Programming Language

A versatile, object-oriented programming language that powers applications, smartphone operating systems, and enterprise software, running on billions of devices globally.

Java Spring Boot

An extension of Spring, an open-source web application framework based on Java, designed to simplify Java application development.

JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)

JSON is a lightweight data interchange format that facilitates data storage and transport across the web in a human-readable and machine-friendly way. It represents data using key-value pairs and arrays, making it a common output format for APIs and data sent from servers to web pages.

Kubernetes

An open-source orchestration platform that simplifies the deployment, management, and scaling of containerized applications.

Kubernetes

Developed by Google, Kubernetes enables organizations to manage containerized workloads and services, providing a portable and extensible solution with tools and support for large-scale production environments.

Kubernetes vs. Docker

Docker is an open-source technology for automating application deployment in containers, while Kubernetes is orchestration software that controls container operations. They complement each other, dispelling the myth that users must choose between them.

Load Balancing

This process distributes network traffic across multiple servers, ensuring no single server bears the entire load. It enhances performance and responsiveness through techniques like Round-robin, Least Connection, Resource Based, and Weighted Response Time.

Machine Learning

A process that utilizes mathematical models to predict outcomes by identifying patterns within data. It resembles human learning, where increased experience enhances accuracy.

Machine Learning Algorithms

These algorithms help data scientists discern patterns in datasets, chosen based on their intended outcomes—predicting values, detecting anomalies, or classifying data—divided into supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning categories.

Machine Learning

A branch of artificial intelligence focused on developing smart algorithms that learn from data over time. It's utilized for tasks like recommendation systems, social media feeds, and voice assistants.

Managed Service Provider (MSP)

An MSP offers ongoing IT infrastructure support services, including network, security, and application services, often leveraging a third-party data center.

Management and Governance

In cloud computing, this involves implementing protections and oversight for IT infrastructure, including monitoring application integrity, conducting audits, and managing costs.

Microservices

A software development approach that divides application functions into independent services that can be deployed, run, and scaled separately, offering flexibility over monolithic applications.

Microsoft Azure

A comprehensive cloud platform from Microsoft that provides a wide range of products and services for building, running, and managing applications across various environments.

Microsoft Azure

Launched in 2010, Azure is a public cloud computing platform that enables organizations to build, test, and manage modern applications hosted in Microsoft-managed data centers.

Middleware

Software that facilitates communication and data management between an operating system and applications, enabling seamless interaction across distributed systems.

Middleware

This software acts as a bridge between various applications and the operating system, allowing for efficient communication and data management without hindering the user experience.

Mobile App Development

The comprehensive process of developing, coding, and releasing mobile applications for devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.

Multicloud

The practice of using multiple cloud providers to optimize performance, enhance flexibility, and reduce vendor lock-in risks.

Multicloud

This term refers to the use of various cloud vendors for similar deployment needs, allowing organizations to leverage unique offerings and gain redundancy.

Multi-tenant

A software architecture model commonly used in cloud computing that enables multiple customers to securely share a single physical server through independent software instances.

NoSQL Databases

Also known as nonrelational databases, NoSQL systems utilize flexible data models that don't require a fixed schema, allowing for scalable storage of large volumes of unstructured data.

Open-Source Machine Learning

Machine learning algorithms and libraries are increasingly made publicly available, allowing developers to experiment and drive innovation in the field, resulting in rapid advancements in frameworks and tools.

On-Premise

This term refers to IT infrastructure managed onsite by organizations, involving hardware and software typically maintained locally rather than on remote servers.

OpenStack

OpenStack, a free cloud computing platform developed by Rackspace Technology, allows organizations to manage public and private cloud environments through Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) solutions.

Orchestration

In computing, orchestration involves the scheduling and integration of automated tasks across different systems, streamlining workflows between on-premises and cloud infrastructures.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

A cloud service model that delivers a computing platform and software over the internet, allowing users to build applications without managing the underlying infrastructure.

PostgreSQL

An open-source relational database renowned for its flexibility and integrity is widely used across various industries, including finance, retail, and logistics.

Private Cloud

Exclusive cloud computing services are offered to a specific organization over the Internet or a private network, enabling customized management and governance.

Public Cloud

Cloud services are available to the general public through third-party providers, enabling organizations to access resources without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

A cloud-based service model that provides all necessary hardware and software for developing and deploying applications, freeing companies from server management.

Quantum Computing

Utilizes quantum mechanics to perform calculations on specialized hardware, employing principles like superposition and entanglement for enhanced computational power.

Qubit

The fundamental unit of information in quantum computing is capable of representing multiple states simultaneously, unlike classical binary bits.

Relational Database

A flexible database type that organizes data into tables with defined relationships for fast access, enabling efficient data retrieval and management.

Representational State Transfer (REST)

An architectural model establishes standards for communication between stateless systems over the web, allowing for the independent evolution of clients and servers. RESTful APIs facilitate application interactions according to these principles, particularly in microservice architectures.

Scaling Out vs. Scaling Up

• Vertical Scaling (Scaling Up): This approach allows you to increase or decrease computing power or databases as necessary.
  Horizontal Scaling (Scaling Out): This involves adding more databases or partitioning a large database into smaller nodes through a method known as sharding.

Serverless Computing

This model enables cloud providers to manage and provision servers, allowing developers to focus on application development rather than infrastructure management. With serverless computing, users leverage third-party services for the dynamic allocation of machine resources, only paying for what they use without the need to manage, provision, or maintain servers.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS delivers applications over the internet without the need for users to purchase, install, or run software on their local machines. Vendors host and maintain the software, providing customers with on-demand access to applications that meet their business needs without requiring in-house development or long-term commitments.

SQL Database

Relational databases organize data into tables with structured sets in a tabular format of columns and rows. SQL databases utilize Structured Query Language (SQL) for their operations.

Scalability

Scalability refers to the capability of an application, network, organization, or process to quickly adapt to changing demands. Scalable applications can accommodate rapid increases in usage, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for users regardless of network traffic or resource demand.

Schema

In computing, schemas define how data is organized in databases or XML files. Database schemas illustrate the tables and fields that structure the data, often depicted as visual diagrams, while XML schemas specify the data included in XML files and outline its structure.

Security, Identity, and Compliance

In the realm of cloud computing, this focuses on adequately securing workloads and applications. Key priorities include data protection, permission management, infrastructure security, monitoring for cyber threats, and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.

Shared Security Model

This framework outlines the division of security responsibilities between cloud service providers (CSPs) and their customers. Different models exist based on the level of operational support offered by the CSP, covering security aspects from hardware and infrastructure to data, networks, and endpoints.

Storage

In cloud computing, storage refers to digital space leased from third-party vendors. Organizations benefit from cloud storage by eliminating the need to invest in and maintain their own infrastructure, relying instead on vendors to manage capacity and security while only paying for the resources they consume.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

A framework that enables access to computing systems from various devices, such as personal computers, smartphones, or tablets, eliminates the need for a dedicated physical machine provided by the company.

Virtual Machine (VM)

A digital file that functions like a real computer, allowing multiple virtual machines to run simultaneously on the same physical machine. VMs create isolated environments for testing applications using software rather than hardware.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A secure connection between your computer and a remote server is managed by a VPN provider. This connection encrypts your personal data, masks your IP address, and allows you to bypass website restrictions and firewalls.

Virtualization

This includes the process of creating a virtual version of a computing environment, which includes hardware, operating systems, and storage. Virtualization enables organizations to transform a single physical machine into multiple virtual machines that share the host's resources, enhancing the efficiency of their IT infrastructure by distributing unused capacity across different environments.

Vendor Lock-in

A situation where customers are bound to a legacy vendor regardless of service quality. Factors such as contractual stipulations or financial penalties can make it difficult for customers to switch vendors.

Virtual Private Cloud

An isolated environment that provides on-demand computing resources within a larger public cloud infrastructure. Organizations utilize virtual private clouds to maintain privacy and control over their data, applications, and code while benefiting from the scalability of public cloud platforms.