E Businessglossaryii

E-business glossary
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E-business fundamentals glossary

B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X YZ Access control list (ACL) A set of data associated with a file, directory, or other resource that defines the permissions that users and/or groups have for accessing it. Accessibility The segment targeted must be able to be reached and served adequately by the firms promotion and distribution system. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) Internet protocol (IP) used in IPv4 to map an IP address to a media access control (MAC) address. A MAC is a 48-bit code for layer 2 networking maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and hardwired into network adapters. Also called Ethernet address. Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) The forerunner of the Internet that was a pioneering long-haul network. It served as the testbed for many areas of inter-network technology development and testing and acted as the central backbone during the development of the Internet. Advanced ship notice (ASN) An electronic data interchange (EDI) transaction that identifies the contents of a container that is en route from a supplier to a customer. Affiliate Companies that sell other manufacturers or retailers (sponsoring merchants) products on their Web sites. Users select a product at the affiliate Web site, but the sale is actually transacted at the sponsoring merchants Web site. Aggregator Enables buyers to select among goods and services from various vendors within a market by collecting information from the vendors Web sites and then making this information available through its own Web site. The consumer only has to visit the aggregators Web site, not all the individual vendor sites. Algorithms A clearly defined procedure for performing a complex process by carrying out a series of finite steps that lead to a specific result. Algorithms can be written in any computer language. Analog Used primarily for broadcast and phone transmission, although these media are moving towards digital transmission today. Telephone transmissions are completed by turning voice vibrations into sound wave vibrations. Applet A small program that runs within an application. Applets are commonly used to make otherwise static World Wide Web pages more interactive.
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E-business glossary
Application The term is sometimes used in place of application program, software, or program, which are used to process data for the user. Applications also refer to specific areas where computers are applied. Application architecture (AA) Describes the layout of an applications deployment. This generally includes partitioned application logic and deployment to application server engines. They rely less on specific tool or language technology and more on standardized middleware options, communication protocols, data gateways, and platform infrastructures. Application development (AD) A process that includes the following steps: 1. Identifying a need 2. Defining the requirements 3. Planning the overall application structure or architecture 4. Developing the code or programming instructions 5. Monitoring progress 6. Testing results Application integration The process of a) keeping redundant copies of data (in independently designed applications) consistent, and/or b) enabling end-users to access data and functionality from independently designed applications on a single user interface. Application layer The top of the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, generally regarded as offering an interface to, and largely defined by, the network user. Application service provider (ASP) An organization that hosts software applications on its own servers within its own facilities. Customers access the application via private lines or the Internet. Also called a commercial service provider. Architecture The overall design of a computing system and the logical and physical interrelationships between its components. The architecture specifies the hardware, software, access methods, and protocols used throughout the system. Auction An electronic market, which can exist in both a business-to-business and business-to-consumer context. Sellers offer products or services to buyers through a Web site with a structured process for price setting and fulfillment. Authentication A process that verifies the identity of the user at the other end of a link. Authentication service A mechanism for the secure authentication of the identity of network clients by servers and vice versa, without presuming the operating system integrity of either. Authorization Occurs when the merchant, its merchant bank, and the customers card-issuing bank work together to verify that the electronic payment should be permitted given the customers credit Page 2
E-business glossary
limit or the amount in the customers bank account. May also refer to the process that determines whether a requesting device is allowed to have access to a service on another device. Automated clearinghouse (ACH) An electronic funds transfer system governed by operating rules that provide clearance of electronic payments with participating financial institutions. Available to promise The uncommitted portion of a companys inventory or planned production. This figure is frequently calculated from the master production schedule and is maintained as a tool for order promising. B Back-office (back-end) The business processes and operational functions that happen internally or through the supply chain. These functions often include inventory management, order processing and tracking, shipping and receiving, purchasing and distribution. Bandwidth The amount of information that can be effectively pushed through a particular communications pipe at a given time. It is typically measured in bits per second. Banner ad A graphic image used on Web sites to advertise a product. Banner ads are typically rectangles of a standard height and width that the user can click on for further information. Baseband Describes the specifications of the digital signal processing part of the Bluetooth hardware that carries out the baseband protocols and other low-level link routines. Bearer service The specific network technology or vendor that provides wireless transmission. Examples of such technologies are CDPD, GSM, and digital cellular/PCS packet services, including GPRS, EDGE, and W-CDMA. The vendors are too numerous to mention but consist of the world's prominent vendors of GSM, TDMA, CDMA, packet radio, and paging. Biometrics A method of identification or authentication that measures a unique physical or behavioral biological characteristic, such as a fingerprint, face, voice, or iris of the eye. Bit The minimum unit of binary information as stored in a computer system. A bit can have only two states, on or off, which are commonly called ones (1) and zeros (0). The combination of ones and zeros determines which information is entered into and processed by the computer. Bits per second (BPS) The basic unit of measurement for serial data transmission capacity. Represented as Kbps, or kilobit/s, for thousands of bits per second; Mbps, or megabit/s, for millions of bits per second; Gbps, or gigabit/s, for billions of bits per second; Tbps, or terabit/s, for trillions of bits per second. Bluetooth A wireless, low-cost radio solution that enables small devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, and palmtops to communicate between one another and with the Internet.
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E-business glossary
Bluetooth networking technology has a range of about 10 meters and a raw data transmission rate of 1 Mbps. It supports ad hoc networking of up to 80 devices within a 10-meter radius (supporting voice and data). Bluetooth consists of four basic components: 1) a radio unit; 2) a baseband unit; 3) a software stack; and 4) application software. Branding A trademark or distinctive name identifying a product or a manufacturer. Bricks and clicks Traditional companies that create a virtual counterpart of their brick and mortar business are sometimes referred to as hybrids. Bricks and mortars A traditional company with non-Web channels (a physical building) as the sales outlet for its products or services. Broadband The diameter of the pipe through which information passes. Broad bandwidth technology will allow complex information to be transmitted to users, such as real-time sound and video. Brochureware site Establishes an Internet presence with basic features such as company information, directions, hours of operation, and product information. It does not allow transactions or interactivity. Considered to be Level 1 on the CRM continuum. Browser A software program used to locate and display information on an intranet, extranet or the Internet. Browsers are most often used to access Web pages and most display graphics, photographs, text, and multimedia information. Bulletin board system (BBS) An information systems communications initiative for sharing information and experience via a dial-up message center. Business continuity service provider (BCSP) Provides services, typically through subscription, to backup systems, storage facilities, workspaces, and networksservices that are used when a catastrophic event occurs at a customer's location(s). Companies can also use these resources for business continuity testing purposes, which is typically performed one or two times per year. Business driver The business or industry needs or changes which are the driving force behind making changes within an organization. Business intelligence (BI) User-led (versus computer-led) process of exploring data, data relationships, and trends to improve business decision-making. Insights derived from BIs inquiry and analysis techniques are critical to enterprise-wide strategic planning efforts. BI technology is divided into interactive query tools, reporting tools, decision support systems, and executive information systems. Business process An event-driven, end-to-end processing path that starts with an internal or external request and ends with a result for the customer. Business processes are often cross-departmental and can be enterprise wide.
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E-business glossary
Business process architect One who focuses on the structure and organization of various business processes. Also, examines how the business process can be improved. Business process outsourcing (BPO) The outsourcing of an entire business process(es). When outsourcing a business process, the business outsource provider (or business service providerBSP) manages one or several business processes as a whole for the enterprise. In most cases, this also includes management of the applications and the underlying IT infrastructure. People and assets are provided by the BSP or transferred as part of the deal. Business processes are individually designed for the enterprise. The pricing can be fixed, based on volume or per transaction, or can follow a risk/reward model. BPO can include comprehensive support for a specific business process, including the core processing platform, IT support, business planning, and customer service. Business process re-engineering (BPR) The fundamental analysis and radical redesign of business practices and management systems, job definitions, organizational systems, and beliefs and behaviors to achieve dramatic performance improvements throughout the organization. BPR uses objective, quantitative methods and tools to complete these transformations. Business Process re-engineering (BPR) analytical techniques Mathematical, graphical, logical, and managerial algorithms for describing and modeling business processes, information systems, or management decision-making systems. Business process re-engineering (BPR) methodology An integrated set of management policies and project management procedures for analyzing existing business processes and systems, designing new processes and systems, testing and managing the implementation process. Business process re-engineering (BPR) tools Combinations of techniques and software products that allow electronic capture, analysis, testing, simulation, reconfiguration, and persistent memory of business and systems models. Business service providers (BSPs) Vendors that deliver BPO services via the Internet. Business-to-business The business model where transactions and interactions are primarily conducted from one business to another. Using electronic means to conduct business, each organization is generally set up through a contractual agreement. Transactions are conducted through Web authorization and control (WAC) for delivery of confidential information, order processing and tracking, and other internal processes available for each partner. Business-to-consumer The business model where electronic transactions and interactions are conducted from a business to its consumer. This commerce may include formal and informal relationships. Business-to-employee Sometimes referred to as employee self-service; it is offered through intraweb portals (e.g., an HR portal).
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E-business glossary
Business-to-government The business model where electronic transactions and interactions are conducted from a business to the government and vice versa. It may include transactions that involve funding, policies and laws, and other governmental business transactions. Business unit A single business or collection of businesses within a company that, in theory, could stand alone from the company. A business unit has its own competitors in the marketplace and a manager who is responsible for running the business unit. Buy side Processes enabling companies to purchase products. Includes requisitioning, product catalogues, approvals, user identification, purchase order creation, payment processing, and integration with other systems. C Cache A temporary storage area for instructions and data near a computers central processing unit (CPU), usually implemented in high-speed memory. It replicates information from main memory or storage in a way that facilitates quicker access, using fewer resources than the original source. Call management The core functionality of customer service and support (CSS) applications. This component is used to log all incoming telephone calls and transactions and to manage the transaction from initiation through closure. Capacity planning The function of establishing, measuring, and adjusting limits for the amount of Internet traffic that can be accommodated at any one time. E-business sites need to plan for unpredictable spikes in usage and traffic. Certificate (certification) authority (CA) Either internal or third-party entities that affirm or electronically vouch for an individuals identity. They are used to vouch for the identity of a device, such as a Web server, a network router, or an application. The certificate is backed by a profile stored in a database that is referenced to retrieve a public key or to check attributes such as permissions and roles. Campaign management system (CMS) A database management tool used by marketers to design single-channel or multichannel marketing campaigns and to track the effects of those campaigns by customer segment over time. CMS applications are also used by sales organizations to execute sales campaigns, such as achieving a specific market share with a particular product by a certain date. Cellular digital packet data (CDPD) Cellular data transmitted over a cellular network. In early deployments, packet data moved at 19.2 Kbps over ever-changing unused intervals in the voice channels. Modern deployments use dedicated data channels. CDPD is an IP-based network with RC4 encryption that allows cellular networks to offer remote and mobile computing.
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E-business glossary
Change management Automated support for development, rollout, and maintenance of system components (i.e., intelligent regeneration, package versioning, state control, library control, configuration management, turnover management, and distributed impact sensitivity reporting). Channel 1. In data communications, a one-way path along which signals can be sent between two or more points. 2. In telecommunications, a transmission path (one-or two-way) between two or more points provided by a common carrier. 3. In business terminology, a channel refers to the route by which a companys products or services are delivered to the marketplace or end-user. A channel can be referred to as a marketing, sales, or a distribution channel. Channel master The application used by trading partners that resides within a single company. An example would be a shared service provider that allows its partners to use an internal application to accomplish a business process. Clearance The routing of the payment information from the merchant bank to the card-issuing bank at the end of the business day. Click through Occurs when an Internet user clicks the mouse to link through an ads text or graphics in order to access the message of the ad or the ads Web site. Clickstream tools Tools that watch the pages a site visitor browses and keeps track of time spent at the particular location. Client A system or a program that requests the activity of one or more other systems or programs, called servers, to accomplish specific tasks. In a client/server environment, the workstation is usually the client. Client/server (C/S) The splitting of an application into tasks performed on separate computing devices a programmable workstation such as a personal computer (PC) and a server. The PC (the client) does some of its own processing, while the server typically stores information and software. The two sides are connected by a local-area network (LAN) or wide-area network (WAN). Client/server architecture The division of an application into separate processes capable of operating on separate central processing units (CPUs) connected over a network. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) A type of multiple access system used in radio communication for digital transmission between a mobile phone and a radio base station. Other multiple access methods include TDMA. Collaboration technologies Computer-mediated groupware that increases the productivity or functionality of person-toperson processes.
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E-business glossary
Collaborative extranet Occurs when all trading partners agree to use the same application functionality. This type is normally used for collaborative applications such as the development of products. Collaborative commerce (C-Commerce) Electronically enabled business interactions among an enterprise's internal personnel, suppliers, business partners, and customers throughout a given trading community. Collaborative filtering A marketing technique that automatically provides a consumer with a list of additional items similar to the current purchase. Common gateway interface (CGI) A data-passing specification used when a Web server must send or receive data from an application such as a database. A CGI script passes the request from the Web server to a database, gets the output, and returns it to the Web client. Communication Transmission of information between points of transmission and reception, without alteration of sequence or structure of the content. Communication protocol The exchange of a special sequence of control characters between a computer and a remote terminal to establish synchronous communications. Community A constantly changing group of people collaborating and sharing their ideas over an electronic network (e.g., the Internet). Communities optimize their collective power by affiliation around a common interest. Information can be shared via bulletin boards, chat rooms, list servers, etc. Concurrency A measure of the number of users engaged in transactions at the same time. This information is critical for capacity planning. Confidentiality Protection of data from unauthorized viewing. Configuration management A function that enables impact/dependency analysis of application components. Connect To join to or by means of a communications circuit. Connectivity In IT terms, it refers to the ability to connect to or communicate with another computer or computer system. In e-business the term often refers to connecting to the Internet, or the ability to connect to a Web site. Consumer-to-consumer A business model where consumers have the capability to conduct electronic transactions with other consumers. This often includes online auction or trading sites. Contactless card A card that uses radio frequencies and needs no physical contact to be read by readers or terminals. Contactless cards are simply waved near the reader to record transactions or to identify
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E-business glossary
the user. Systems are either passive, with the readers generating the frequency, or active, in which the card activates the reader. Content management systems (CMS) Also known as marketing content management (MCM) systems or marketing encyclopedia systems (MES), this category of applications allow enterprises to view and access marketing content. Content provider An enterprise with information-based products. It also includes services to access and manage the content. Cookie A permanent code placed in a file on a client computers hard disk by a server that the client has visited. The code uniquely identifies the client. When the PC user returns, they are automatically entered into the site without relogging in. Customer One that purchases a commodity or service. Many organizations are changing their focus towards the customer and attempting to best meet and satisfy their needs. Customer analysis An analysis of customer data by using historic records of customer behavior to build estimates of future behavior such as loyalty, responsiveness, and profitability. Customer lifetime value (CLTV) A metric that examines the strategic, long-term value of the customer as opposed to the value of a customer based only on short-term returns. Customers with high CLTV represent the greatest business opportunity for companies. CLTV is often based on assumptions of likely retention and profitability. The more specific the data collected on a given customer or customer segment, the more accurate the CLTV. Focusing on customer lifetime value in business planning fosters more strategic thinking with respect to allocation of resources, sales and marketing strategies, and customer service and support. Customer management systems An application or set of applications used by marketing professionals to design multi-channel marketing campaigns and track the effect of those campaigns by customer segment over time. Customer profile A definition of the customer in terms of the various market segmentation variables. E-businesses must be able to identify each customers preferences, behaviors, and demographics. Customer profitability Defined as the total expected or realized profit (net profit) derived from a customer. A financial metric that focuses on the actual profits derived from doing business with a customer or customer segment, as opposed to profits derived from a particular product line or business unit. Ebusinesses can segment their customer base according to customer profitability, appropriately align marketing programs with these segments, and more effectively convert interactions to sales events. Customer relationship cycle A new approach to marketing and selling that migrates from a transaction-based view to a complete lifecycle view of customer relationships. The customer relationship cycle passes
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E-business glossary
through four phases, from choosing customers to acquiring customers to retaining them and then to extending/enhancing the customer relationship: Selection: Sets the criteria that determine who the most profitable customers will be Acquisition: Determines how customers can be acquired in the most efficient and effective ways Retention: Develops the strategy for keeping customers as long as possible Extension: Establishes the plan for increasing the loyalty, profitability, and lifetime value of each customer
Customer relationship management (CRM) An enterprise-wide business strategy designed to optimize profitability, revenue, and customer needs satisfaction. To accomplish this the enterprise must organize operations around customer segments, fostering customer satisfying behaviors and linking processes from customers back through suppliers. Customer response rate (CRR) A customers actual or expected response rate over a lifetime of patronage of a company. CRR represents the ratio of customer-initiated interactions with the company divided by the total number of company-initiated communications targeted to that customer. Indicates the strength of the relationship between the customer and the company. May be a critical metric for optimizing marketing efforts. Customer return on investment (CROI) The total expected or realized net profit derived from a customer, divided by the total or projected cost of the investments made for building the business of that customer. Companies can use CROI for more strategic use of resources. To calculate CROI, enterprises need to fully integrate front-office and back-office operations so accurate and complete internal data relating to customers and investments in customers can be accessed. Customer service and support (CSS) Systems such as help desks and sales and marketing systems that provide front-line support with back-end linkage for interaction with customers (e.g., tracking, resolution and escalation). A CSS tracking system tracks and reports inquiries resolved during the initial contact and those that require follow-up. Customer-centric The business strategy of CRM that clearly places the customer at the heart of an enterprise's strategy. Firms that employ this strategy will not only enable themselves to provide greater value to customers but will be able to serve these customers faster and more accurately than any competitor. Customization Occurs when a site permits choices among static categories. It involves features to allow Web visitors to select how certain pages are displayed. The user, not the Web sites content creator, is in control of the content. D Data integrity A performance measure based on the rate of undetected errors.
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E-business glossary
Data mart A decentralized subset of data found in a data warehouse that is designed to support the unique business unit requirements of a specific decision support system. Data mining The process of identifying patterns from typically large amounts of business data and extracting useful information. It can be performed by people, intelligent agents, or other machine-based learning and analysis techniques. Data mining is often applied to data stored on a data warehouse. Data synchronization A form of embedded middleware that allows applications to update data on two systems so that the data sets are identical. These services can run via a variety of different transports but typically require some application-specific knowledge of the context and notion of the data being synchronized. Data warehouse A central computer repository that stores all (or significant portions of) the data collected by an enterprises multiple business systems. Data from online transaction processing applications and other sources is selectively collected, extracted, sorted, and cleaned. Then it is stored in a data warehouse, which is usually housed in an enterprise mainframe server. Database administrator (DBA) The person responsible for managing data, namely data set placement, database performance, and data recovery and integrity at a physical level. Database management system (DBMS) A software package that enables end users or application programmers to share data. It provides a systematic method of creating, updating, retrieving, and storing information in a database (DB). DBMSs are generally also responsible for data integrity, data access control, and automated rollback, restart, and recovery. Decision support systems A system designed to support strategic (versus operating) decisions. Decision support systems allow the computer rather than the user to make decisions. The system tends to be user-friendly and emphasize ad hoc query, reporting, and analysis capabilities. This is in contrast to online transaction processing, which focuses on low-cost, fast-response, and predictably structured applications. Demand chain The portion of the sales channel that generates/creates demand. Two parts of the demand chain are direct and indirect sales. Direct sales are to the end user through field sales, the Web, inside sales, and brick and mortar locations. Indirect sales include selling to the end user through intermediaries such as distributors, value-added resellers, resellers, retail outlets, and dealers, which then may use direct selling methods to reach the end user. (Demand chain should synchronize with supply chain operations for optimization of enterprise-wide operations.) Demand planning Order and market information flows upstream continuously from the point of sale, while information on product availability and inventory levels flow downstream.
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E-business glossary
Digital The generation, storing, processing, and transmission of all electronic data (e.g., words, numbers, even voices) in one of two states represented as 0s and 1s. Computers only understand and read digital data. Digital certificate An electronic document that is issued by a certificate authority to verify a public key for a company. Digital money Electronic money used on the Internet. Digital signature String of bits that identifies the originator of a message or transaction and is the result of the application of the originators private key to a one-way hash of the (encrypted) message file. Also provides message integrity. Directory services Middleware that locates the correct and full network address for a mail addressee from a partial name or address. A directory service provides a naming service and extends the capabilities to include intelligent searching and location of resources in the directory structure. Disintermediation The elimination of the middleman in the channel to market. The term has been used to focus on the theoretical advantages of purchasing directly from companies on the Web, such as convenience, cost savings, and fast turnaround time. Distribution and logistics Involves product distribution management and warehousing functions, including the physical movement of parts, components, spares, and products between two or more locations. These processes include the rating and routing of both inbound and outbound freight, tracking and tracing of shipments, freight bill payment and auditing, import and export compliance and documentation, and load optimization. Advanced concepts utilize logistics modeling, financial optimization, and third-party logistics management tools. Domain 1. A group of nodes on a network forming an administrative entity. 2. On the Internet, a part of the naming hierarchy that refers to groupings of networks based on organization type or geography. Domain name A unique identifier for an Internet site. Consists of at least two (but sometimes more) parts separated by periods (e.g., http://www.anyname.com). Domain Name System (or Service) (DNS) Name resolution software that lets users locate computers on a UNIX network or the Internet (TCP/IP network) by domain name. The DNS root name servers maintain a database of domain names (host names) and their corresponding IP addresses and are responsible for one or more toplevel domain names, e.g., com or edu. Dot com A company that was started with the intent of doing business over the Internet. Also referred to as a virtual company.
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E-business glossary
Downtime The time period during which a computer or system is not functioning due to hardware or software failure. Downtime is very costly to e-business sites because customers cant transact business if they cant access the site. Dynamic HTML HTML that supports real-time personalization of Web page content. E E-business Involves any Internet-enabled business activity that transforms internal and external relationships to create new value and exploit market opportunities driven by new rules of the connected economy. E-business external services provider (E-ESP) A type of external service provider (ESP) that focuses on providing E-business related or enabling products and services to clients. There are several categories of E-ESPs, based on the types of services they specialize in: Strategyincluding an enterprise e-business strategy, as well as focused strategic e-business consulting Design and Developmentincluding the design and development of Web applications Integration and Implementationcovering the integration of Web-developed applications into the enterprise's environment and implementation of the project's e-business functionality Managed Servicescovering the infrastructure operations and management of the new ebusiness environment E-commerce (EC) The use of communication technologies to transmit business information and transact business. Taking an order over the telephone is a simple form of EC. Internet commerce is also EC but is only one of several advanced forms of EC that use technology, integrated applications, and business processes to link enterprises. E-commerce Modeling Language (ECML) An open standard, rather than a programming language, that will function with any security protocol (e.g., SSL or SET) and support any type of consumer payment card. It was developed through collaboration with the credit card companies. E-coupon Electronic version of a coupon to be sent to a consumer's handheld device or mobile phone or the application that delivers such coupons. Users can carry the e-coupon in their devices for use at an online store or a traditional business. Also refers to the applications that enable e-coupons. Electronic benefits transfer (EBT) The electronic delivery of government benefits to recipients by means of a special debit card issued to the recipient. Electronic bill presentment/payment (EBPP) The electronic capability for companies to post bills online and allow their customers to pay the bill electronically.
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E-business glossary
Electronic data interchange (EDI) The electronic exchange of trading documents (e.g., invoices and orders) to enable e-commerce. Originally conducted only through value-added networks, EDI is gradually moving to the Internet. Electronic funds transfer (EFT) The electronic exchange of information between financial institutions, which results in debits and credits. Electronic software distribution (ESD) Enables software to be installed by transmitting it over a network. ESD is designed to help users distribute programs and files in their environments; especially important for client/server and mobile client/server applications. Electronic wallet A place that holds digital money that has been purchased, or credit card information along with a digital certificate, that identifies the consumer as the authorized cardholder. E-mail Any communication service that permits the electronic transmission and storage of messages, (generally text or graphics), and attached or enclosed files. E-market maker Intermediaries that develop a business-to-business e-marketplace of buyers and sellers within an industry, geographic region, or affinity group. E-marketplace A Web site that enables buyers to select from many suppliers. The purpose is to put the buyer in control and provide decision support tools that enable a buyer to make the most informed decision. Enabling technologies Technologies or systems that enable an organization to become an e-business. Encryption The process of systematically encoding a bit stream before transmission so that an unauthorized party cannot decipher it. Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Environments (EDGE) A radio interface technology with enhanced modulation designed to provide GSM and TDMA with the capacity to rival 3G cellular networks. EDGE is an integral part of the migration of TDMA networks to 3G and is being developed to support mobile services with maximum data rates of around 384 Kbps. In real-life conditions, throughputs will be considerably lower (e.g., 64 Kbps) but much faster than today's GSM and TDMA networks. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) The integration of financial, manufacturing, and distribution functionality to balance and optimize the enterprise. E-partner Also known as extended selling enterprise (ESE), this includes applications and technologies provided by the enterprise to assist third-party selling channel partners (e.g., brokers, agents, distributors, and value-added resellers) in achieving selling objectives. An e-partner is a component of partner relationship management.
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E-business glossary
E-price A pricing model that is typically somewhere between the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and the invoice price. E-prices can vary from region to region, depending on local demand for the particular goods or services. A key feature of online car sales. E-purse An application that allows low-value electronic currency (e.g., e-cash) to be loaded into a smart card or handheld device, which can then be used to make purchases. A device or card can hold multiple e-purse applications designated/restricted for specific uses (e.g., one e-purse on a student card or device can be restricted to purchases at a bookstore). E-sales Also known as technology-enabled buying (TEB), unassisted selling, or Web selling, this component of technology-enabled selling (TES) involves customer-direct, business or consumer Web-selling applications. These are customer-facing technologies and applications that allow consumers and businesses to "sell themselves" and conduct transactions without the assistance of a salesperson. E-sales are considered part of e-CRM, which is a part of e-business. E-service Internet-based customer service. It is seen as a way to reduce the volume of calls to call centers and collect all customer inquiries and complaints into one streamlined place. E-tailer Retail organization that provides their customers with a virtual shopping experience as close to an in-store visit as possible. E-team A team of people who are involved with the planning, development, and implementation of an ebusiness initiative. Ethernet A baseband local-area network (LAN) developed by Xerox and supported by Intel, Digital Equipment, and Hewlett-Packard. It has a bus topology with carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) access control. European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) A not-for-profit enterprise whose mission is to produce the telecommunications standards that will be used throughout Europe. The European Commission may adopt some of the ETSI standards as the technical base for directives or regulations. The ETSI's main task is to remove any possible variation from a global standard and to focus on a defined, European-specific set of requirements. The ETSI also ensures that interoperability exists between standards, such as ISDN, GSM, and UMTS. Executive information systems (EIS) Application system designed for use by the corporate executive. The EIS acts as a usable interface to a database of company information. It automates high-level analysis and reporting and typically has a user-friendly graphical interface. Extensible markup language (XML) A metalanguage that provides a flexible way to create common information formats and share both the format and the data on the Web.
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E-business glossary
Extranet A collaborative, Internet-based network to link an enterprise with its suppliers, customers or other external business partners and to facilitate intercompany relationships. Extranets use Internetderived applications and technology to become the secured extensions of internal business processes to external business partners. F Fat client In the client/server environment, it is the client that performs the bulk of the data processing operations. This data is then stored on the server. Fault tolerance Refers to the ability of the system to continue non-stop when a failure occurs. In the event one component fails, another takes over without a disruption in performance. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) A Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) standard used to log on to a network, list directories, and copy files. It provides authentication of the user and lets users transfer files, list directories, delete and rename files on the foreign host, and perform wild-card transfers. Financial products Markup Language (FpML) A schema for a specific type of financial instrument in the financial services industry. Firewall An application or an entire computer that controls access to the network and monitors the flow of network traffic. A firewall can screen and keep out unwanted network traffic and ward off outside intrusion into a private network, which is particularly important when connected to the Internet. Front-office (front-end) The business interactions that take place with the customer or an external body. It includes such functions as marketing, sales, product support, and order taking. Fully qualified domain name (FQDN) The address of a network connection that identifies the owner of that address in a hierarchical format (e.g., www.whitehouse.gov). Fusion In e-business, fusion refers to the critical merging of business and IT that results in the release of energy and creativity to develop and sustain new personal competencies and organizational capabilities. As e-business becomes mainstream, fusion becomes essential to stay in business. G Gateway Software that can interpret and translate different protocols from two distinct networks. Gateway/Transcoding servers Servers designed to transform data streams to better match device capabilities. Examples include WAP gateway servers that convert HTML to WML for wireless devices and a number of products that can reformat HTML for devices such as mobile phones and PDAs. At present, HTML-based servers predominate. HTML can be made aware of a unique device requesting
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E-business glossary
content; but more often, shadow" Web server applications are created to draw off and reformat the native content. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) A packet-oriented overlay to GSM networks that supports connection- and connectionlessoriented services and diverse quality-of-service mechanisms. The theoretical maximum speed can be as high as 171.2 Kbps using all eight time slots and CS 4 channel speeds. In reality, user throughput is expected to be much lowerless than or equal to 56 Kbps. GPRS will likely become the bearer service of choice for most GSM-based WAP services, especially since its "always on" nature brings immediacy to WAP services. Global positioning system (GPS) A technology for assessing the precise location of any compatible receiver unit using satellites. GPS works on the principle of triangulation: By knowing its distance from three or more satellites, the receiver can calculate its position by solving a set of equations. Most commonly known as GPS, the satellite constellation used by the U.S. government (and most commercial GPS equipment) is known as Global Positioning Satellite System (GPSS). The Russian government operates a global positioning system called GLONASS, and the yet-to-be-created European global navigation satellite system is slated to be named Galileo. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) GSM (formerly Groupe Speciale Mobile) refers to mobile telephone networks, based on digital technology, which operate at 900MHz, 1,800MHz, and 1,900MHz frequencies. In Europe, GSM utilizes the 905-915MHz and 950-960MHz reserved spectrum to provide the capability of roaming over 18 countries, with competition within and between countries. GSM 1900, the North American version of GSM, allows the standard to be used in the 1,900MHz frequency band, which the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada have allocated for PCS. Government-to-consumer A business model where the government interacts directly with the consumer through electronic means. This includes such areas as tax, social services, and government funding. Graphical user interface (GUI) A graphics-based operating system interface that uses icons, menus, and a mouse to manage interaction with the system. Application program conformance with a single user interface style is the primary determinant of ease of learning and use, and thus, of application effectiveness and user productivity. GSM Anywhere An initiative supported by the ETSI to provide GSM network functionality using frequencies outside the 900MHz, 1,800MHz, and 1,900MHz frequency allocations. An example would be the reuse of analog cellular phone frequencies in the 450MHz band in Scandinavian countries. H Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML) A device- and network-independent language developed by Unwired Planet (now Phone.com) for Web programming on a handheld device with limited memory and display, such as a cellular phone or an organizer.
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E-business glossary
High-speed circuit switched data (HSCSD) A GSM bearer service, deployed in networks in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and other countries, that permits circuit-switched connections with speeds of up to 56 Kbps. Home Radio Frequency (HomeRF) A 2.4-GHz wireless LAN technology based on a frequency-hopping modulation scheme, HomeRF is designed to transport voice, video, and data at an attractive price for consumers. Horizontal portal A business-to-business site that sells goods and services across many different industries. Hybrid business A brick-and-mortar business that has responded to Internet threats by creating a Web front-end with links to back-end systems. It is also a dot com that is creating traditional infrastructure, such as a warehouse and logistics system, to meet customer expectations. Hypertext Text (or graphics) with hidden coding (created with HTML). When you point and click on the hypertext it brings up a new Web page (or other objects such as graphics or sound files). Hypertext linking Links in a Web page that let users jump from page to page, whether the pages are stored on the same server or on servers around the world. Sometimes referred to simply as hyperlinks. HyperText Markup Language (HTML) A document-formatting language derived from the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), predominately used to create World Wide Web pages. The users browser interprets HTML commands and formats the page layout, fonts, and graphics on the screen. One of the more powerful features of HTML is its ability to create hyperlinks. Dynamic HTML supports real-time personalization of Web page content. HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP) The communications protocol used to connect to servers on the World Wide Web. It functions by establishing a connection with a Web server and transmitting HTML pages to the client browser. Addresses of Web sites begin with an http:// prefix. HyperText Transport Protocol Secure (HTTPS) The protocol for accessing a secure Web server. Using HTTPS in the URL instead of HTTP directs the message to a secure port number rather than the universal default Web port. I Image understanding Systems that analyze captured, still video images and extract their content (e.g., color, texture, shape) for indexing or other action. Image understanding is used for content-based retrieval of image archives. Individual consumerism A demand for customized delivery of products and services that match the value definition of each unique customer served, not the homogeneous requirements of a generalized or mass market. Infomediary An information provider that gathers content from several sources and functions as a data aggregator for a target audience to access via a Web site.
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E-business glossary
Infrared Data Association (IrDA) Produces a standard for infrared data transmission (up to 4 Mbps). Because this technology's cost is extremely low, it is now embedded in a number of devices (e.g., in the head of handheld devices, such as PDAs and cellular phones). Infrastructure From a business perspective, the infrastructure is a shared resource, the state of which bounds the adaptability and change capacity of the enterprise. From a technology perspective, it is the enterprise wide technology used to support the e-business environment and includes the hardware, software, physical plant, communications platforms, network systems, and database architecture. Infrastructure architect One whose role is to examine and manage the architecture (including the design and structure) of the organizations IT infrastructure and how that relates to the rest of the organization. Infrastructure management (IM) The integration of an enterprises IT infrastructure into the larger physical infrastructure, which includes facilities and shared services. Integration hubs An emerging form of super-processware; rather than a new technology, they are a way of architecting an integration solution. They provide real-time transformation, translation, and routing of messages across multiple enterprises. They support multiple data formats (including EDI formats and XML) and multidimensional views of the data. Integration testing Putting together software and/or hardware components and testing to see that they work together until a whole integrated system is assembled. Integrity Protection of data from unauthorized modification. Intellectual assets Intangible assets including employees' knowledge; data and information about processes, experts, products, customers, and competitors; brand names and image; and intellectual property, such as patented, trademarked, or copyrighted materials and regulatory licenses. Intermediary A participant in the marketing or distribution channel used by companies to get their products to the ultimate customer. Traditional intermediaries are wholesalers, distributors, brokers, and agents. International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) The ITU's name for a family of 3G cellular standards. IMT-2000 is aimed at providing a standard framework for worldwide wireless access that links the diverse system of terrestrial- and/or satellite-based networks. International Telecommunications Union (ITU) The ITU is an international organization founded in 1865 and headquartered in Geneva that sets communications standards. The ITU is comprised of over 150 member countries. (See www.itu.ch.)
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E-business glossary
Internet A loose confederation of independent yet interconnected networks that use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols for communications. The Internet evolved from research done during the 1960s on a network called the ARPANet. It provides universal connectivity and three levels of network services: connectionless packet delivery, full-duplex stream delivery, and application-level services (mainly electronic mail/e-mail). Internet commerce A subset of e-commerce, where transactions occur only over the Internet. It is only one of several advanced forms that use technology, integrated applications, and business processes to align enterprises. Sometimes called Web commerce. Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) A route management protocol that is part of the Internet Protocol (IP) suite, handling error and control messages. Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) IGMP is used for IP multicast, which is a communication between a single sender and multiple receivers on a network. IGMP is used to exchange membership status data between IP routers that support multicasting and members of multicast groups. Internet Protocol (IP) A protocol that tracks the address of nodes, routes outgoing messages, and recognizes incoming messages. Internet service provider (ISP) A company that provides Internet access to its customers. Access to the Internet can be provided either via modem or by direct connection, which offers far higher speeds. Internet service providers are different from online services, although these services sometimes also provide access to the Internet. Interoperability The ability of one system to communicate or work with another. Interstitial ad An advertisement on a Web site that is more like a TV commercial. Interstitial ads display in a separate window as a Web page is downloading. Intranet A network internal to an enterprise that uses the same methodology and techniques as the Internet. It is not necessarily connected to the Internet and is commonly secured from using firewalls. Intranets are often used in an organizations local-area networks (LANs) or wide-area networks (WANs). IP Security (IPSec) A working group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that is developing a security standard for Internet Protocol (IP). Also, the security standard developed by a workgroup of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It defines protocols for authentication, privacy, and data integrity based on encryption and X.509 digital certificates.
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E-business glossary
J Java A programming language based on C and developed by Sun Microsystems that extends and complements the basic capabilities of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Java has become a viable alternative to other programming languages with the rapid growth of the Internet, as it has the potential to work on an unlimited number of computing devices and operating systems. Joint application development (JAD) A collaborative process for designing and developing software while ensuring high levels of functional quality, since it requires participation of the prospective end user. It is especially effective in developing graphical user interface (GUI) requirements. Joint capacity planning Collaboration on medium- to long-term material and capacity issues so that the supply chain can gear up or cut back large or long-lasting fluctuations in customer demand. Just-in-time (JIT) A method of controlling and reducing direct and work-in-process inventory by having suppliers deliver material "just-in-time" to manufacturing. K Key A password or table needed to decipher encoded data. An encryption key is a string of digits that when used with a cryptographic algorithm produces ciphertext. Knowledge management (KM) A business process that formalizes management and leverage of a firm's intellectual assets. KM is an enterprise discipline that promotes a collaborative and integrative approach to the creation, capture, organization, access, and use of information assets, including the tacit, uncaptured knowledge of people. L Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) A tunneling protocol that combines the features of PPTP and the ability to send private IP address traffic across a public IP network (the Internet). Legacy systems and applications An information system that may be based on outdated technologies but is critical to day-to-day operations. When updating to a new system, the legacy information must be recaptured or stored in a way that it can be accessed in the future. Link controller (LC) Manages the link to other Bluetooth devices and is the low-level baseband protocol handler. Link manager (LM) The software entity that carries out link setup, link authentication, link configuration, and setup of other protocols. Link Manager Protocol (LMP) Responsible for link setup between Bluetooth devices, which includes security issues and controlling power modes of the Bluetooth radio device.
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E-business glossary
List servers Low-technology tools that manage databases of user e-mail accounts and automate the sending of messages to specified user groups. Load testing Putting together software and/or hardware components and testing their capacity and the amount and degree of simultaneous input the system can manage. Local-area network (LAN) Communications network that connects users within a defined area. A LAN is generally within a building and is managed and owned by the enterprise. The shorter distances within a building allow higher speed communications at a lower cost than in WANs. Localization Conforming to end-user expectations in such areas as language, expected data formats, and cultural issues. Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP) Adapts the upper-layer protocols over the baseband. L2CAP is defined only for ACL links, even though the baseband Protocol is defined for ACL and SCO links. Logistics The systems and processes dealing with the procurement, maintenance, and transportation of products. Lowband Lowband technology is the technology that enables wireless Internet connectivity, such as devices like hand-held computers, personal data assistants, and cell phones, but doesnt support complex forms of information. M Margins The minimum return that an enterprise may earn and still pay for itself. Market All the buyers and potential buyers of a product who profess some level of interest in a specific product or service. Market globalization The concept where an e-business enterprises market can be considered global based on the expansion of the Internet. Market of One Continuous customization of the content, services, and interactions with a customer to deliver exactly what he or she needs and to create the sense that he or she is an individual market. Marketing velocity The concept where time is a critical factor in the development, exposure, and measurement of marketing efforts. It focuses on getting to the customer before the competitors. Mass customization A cross between mass production and craft customization.
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E-business glossary
Master unit The device within a piconet whose clock and frequency-hopping sequence is used to synchronize all slave units within the piconet. Meta ad A banner ad that appears on the results page of a search engine and is related to the subject of the search. Meta tag A construct placed in the HTML header of a Web page, providing information that is not visible to browsers. The most common meta tags (and those most relevant to search engines) are keywords and descriptions that relate to the domain name, including misspellings or alternate names a user might type to connect to the Web pages URL. Meta-aggregator Vertical aggregators that act as brokers for the sale/purchase of goods/services (the role these entities play in e-business, opening traditionally closed markets, such as travel services, to direct consumer participation, stimulating comparison shopping, driving down prices, lowering costs for consumers/suppliers, and increasing choices Metadata Data that describes other data in dictionaries and repositories. The term may also refer to any file or database that holds information about another databases structure, attributes, processing, or changes. Metalanguage A language to define languages or applications. Metrics A standard unit of measurement for which performance of the organization is measured against. Microbrowser Differs from a "standard" browser in its storage size and scaled-down functionality. Microbrowsers perform client-side functions required to render Web content to a particular device. They share responsibility with back-end servers for this task; i.e., the presentation layer is controlled at the server level, at the client level, or as a hybrid. Middleware The network-aware system softwarelayered between an application, the operating system and the network transport layerswhose purpose is to facilitate some aspect of cooperative processing. Examples of cooperative middleware include directory services, message-passing mechanisms, distributed TP monitors, object request brokers (ORBs), remote procedure call (RPC) services, and database gateways. Mobile/wireless portal A Web site with a wide range of content, services, and links designed for mobile devices. It acts as a value-added middleman by selecting the content sources and assembling them in a simple-tonavigate, customizable interface for presentation to the end user's mobile device. Multipoint Multichannel Distribution Service (MMDS) A fixed wireless technology, commonly referred to as "wireless cable TV" or "wireless xDSL," MMDS operates between 2.5GHz and 2.7GHz and is used for broadcasting, personal communications, and interactive media services in metropolitan areas.
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E-business glossary
N Narrowband That portion of bandwidth speed that is typically defined as 64 kbps. It is often referred to as the voice channel. Net-enabled The ability to conduct business over the Internet. Net-enabled technologies and processes allow a company to become an e-business. Network Any number of computers (e.g., PCs and servers) and devices (e.g., printers and modems) joined together by a physical communications link. In the corporate context, networks allow information to be passed between computers, irrespective of where those computers are located. Network access point (NAP) The points from which Internet service providers (ISPs) drop down their lines and establish peering arrangements to provide Internet connectivity to their customers. Network access technology The technology used to provide access to the network. Network address translation (NAT) Hides from view the IP addresses of client stations in an internal network by presenting one IP address to the outside world. The NAT also executes the address translation back and forth. Network bandwidth The amount or volume of information that can be pushed through the network at any particular time. Network File System (NFS) A method of sharing files across a computer network. Pioneered by Sun Microsystems, it is now a de facto standard in the Unix environment. NFS is built on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Ethernet. Networking (See also network) The linking of a number of devices, such as computers, workstations and printers, into a network (system) for the purpose of sharing resources. Nonrepudiation Proof that a message has been sent and received. This is extremely important in banking networks where financial transactions must be verifiably completed, and in legal networks where signed contracts are transmitted. O Object The unit of information interchange in third-generation (3GL) office systems. An object contains both content and semantics describing how the content is to be interpreted or operated on. A network object is any entity in a network (e.g., a node, printer, or file server). Software objects may be files or pieces of data.
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E-business glossary
One-to-one marketing Enterprises who treat individual customers as market segments of one. Enterprises practicing oneto-one marketing will capture market share, improve customer retention and satisfaction, and increase revenue. Online analytical processing (OLAP) Decision support software that allows the user to quickly analyze information that has been summarized into multidimensional views and hierarchies. Online transaction processing systems (OLTP) Computer processing that is designed to facilitate transaction-oriented applications. Unlike traditional batch data processing, which processes data only at specific times, transaction processing enables people using interactive terminals or PCs to query or update a database so that changes are reflected instantly. Open database architectures Technology infrastructure with database information that is public as opposed to proprietary. This includes officially approved standards as well as privately designed architectures, the specifications of which are made public by their designers. Open profile standard (OPS) A framework with built-in privacy safeguards for the trustworthy exchange of profile information between consenting individuals and Web sites. Open system One whose interfaces conform to formal, multilateral, generally available industry standards. Opportunity management system (OMS) A system that helps field sales organizations and call centers track and manage revenuegenerating selling activities. By modeling the key steps in the sales process, the OMS can measure the progress of sales opportunities, guide sales approaches (e.g., demonstrating the product, or creating a contract), promote team selling across multiple sales channels, and generate accurate forecasts. Order fulfilment The process where management or ownership of inventory is transferred from the customer to the supplier. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) The manufacturer of a device that another vendor resells as part of a system. P Packet(s) Information that travels over the Internet is divided into compact pieces called packets. A packet is an information block identified by a label at Layer 3 of the OSI model. It is a collection of bits that contains both control information and data, and is the basic unit of transmission in a packetswitched network. Control information is carried in the packet, along with the data, to provide for such functions as addressing sequence, flow control, and error control at each of several protocol levels. A packet can be of fixed or variable length, but generally has a specified maximum length. The way that data is divided up and reassembled is specified by the Internet Protocol. User information can be sent in streams using the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP/IP) or as a series of packets using the User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
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E-business glossary
Packet filter Blocks traffic based on IP address and/or port numbers. Also referred to as a screening router. Parked units Those devices within a piconet that are synchronized but do not have a MAC address. Partner relationship management (PRM) The CRM element that extends sales, marketing, customer service, and other enterprise business functions to partners to foster more collaborative channel-partner relationships. Password A word or code used to serve as a security measure against unauthorized access to data. It is normally managed by the operating system or DBMS. However, the computer can only verify the legitimacy of the password, not the legitimacy of the user. Payment gateway A computer that is affiliated with a financial institution where merchants execute transactions by communicating with them. Payment gateways also need software that can carry out SET procedures. Personal communications services (PCS) A low-power, high-frequency cellular technology, operating in the 1.5-MHz to 1.8-MHz range. In the United States, PCS also operates at 1.9 GHz. Personal digital assistants (PDA) Commonly known as palm computing devices, which provide real-time access to an array of information such as e-mail, voicemail and the Internet. Personalization Refers to the ability of an e-business to present a site visitor with specific information based on his or her identity or behavior. Dynamic HTML supports real-time personalization of Web page content. Piconet A network of devices connected using Bluetooth wireless technology. A piconet may consist of two to eight devices. In a piconet, there will always be one master unit, while the others are slave units. Platform An individual hardware or software architecture or operating system. Point of sale (POS) Physically, the place and time that a sale occurs, e.g., a retail store checkout counter. In terms of IT systems and capabilities, POS refers to the ability to capture data at the time and place of sale. Most POS systems employ personal computers or specialized terminals that that are connected to other sales support devices, such as cash registers, bar code readers, optical scanners, and magnetic stripe readers for capturing and processing the transaction. The most sophisticated systems link POS to inventory control and product mix. Point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP) A protocol that establishes tunnels through an initiation at one location and a termination at another location in the shared network.
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E-business glossary
Portability The ability for an application to be moved from one platform to another in order to accommodate growth. Portals A high-traffic, broadly appealing Web site with a wide range of content, services, and vendor links. It acts as a value-added middleman by selecting the content sources and assembling them together in a simple-to-navigate (and customize) interface for presentation to the end user. Portals typically include services such as e-mail, community, and chat. Post office protocol (POP3) An access path for browser-enabled users to communicate with mail to requests from Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Privacy The level of protection an organization provides for personal data that consumers supply when they use a Web site, register at a Web site, or buy from a Web site. Private Communications Technology (PCT) A protocol developed by Microsoft that provides secure transactions over the World Wide Web. Private key A key that is only known to the recipient that is used to encrypt and decrypt the messages. Also called a secret key. Processware Systems that add inter-enterprise process management and off-the-shelf interfaces to message brokers (which provide translation, transformation, flow control, message warehouse, integration, and other functions). The resulting integration framework allows event-driven, message-oriented, machine-to-machine communication across heterogeneous environments. Product life-cycle A concept that draws an analogy between the span of a human life and that of a product suggesting that, typically, a product's life consists of four stagesintroductory, growth, maturity, and decline. The concept is used as a tool to formulate marketing strategies appropriate to each of the stages. Programming language/structured query language (PL/SQL) One of the two deliverables of Oracle Systems Transaction Processing Option (TPO). It is a 3GL-level extension of Structured Query Language (SQL) that groups SQL statements for transmission across the tools/database management system (DBMS) interface or across a network. PL/SQL must be used to take advantage of the Oracle version 6 performance enhancements. Project management Approach used to manage work with the constraints of time, cost, and performance targets. Project manager The individual responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. Project team Those who report to the project manager and play a role in the life of the project.
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E-business glossary
Protocol A set of procedures in telecommunication connections that the terminals or nodes use to send signals back and forth. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the standard protocol for the Internet and related networks such as intranets and extranets. Networks and systems cannot communicate unless they use the same protocol or make use of a gateway. Proxy server A relay between two networks that interrupts the physical connection between the two. Public key A key that is known to all parties in a transaction. Public key cryptography standard (PKCS) A standard method of encryption that uses both a private and public key. Messages encoded with either key can be decoded by the other. Also called a symmetric key cryptography. Public key encryption Cryptography that uses a protected private key and a mathematically connected, openly shared public key. The public key enables the encrypted document, file, e-mail, or data stream to be deciphered. What one key encrypts, the other decrypts. Public key infrastructure (PKI) The software and/or hardware components necessary to manage and enable the effective use of public key encryption technology, particularly on a large scale. Pull technology Involves a user specifically asking for something by performing a search; requesting an existing report, video, or other data type; or requesting that a vendor send an online newsletter or update to a favorite bookmark. Push technology A data distribution technology in which selected data is automatically delivered into a users computer at prescribed intervals or based on some event. Q Quality of service (QoS) The ability to define a level of performance in a data communications system. In e-business, QoS governs access as the site reaches or exceeds capacity and sets priorities for user sessions. R Rapid application development (RAD) An application development (AD) approach that includes small teams (typically two to six people) using joint application development (JAD) and iterative-prototyping techniques to construct interactive systems of low to medium complexity within a time frame of 60 to 120 days. Redundancy The design of a system, which eliminates a single point of failure by providing integrated backup functionality. Redundant array independent drives (RAID) An industry fault tolerance standard.
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E-business glossary
Relationship optimization Systems that maximize the customer's value to the organization by providing a rules-based link between customer understanding and customer interaction. Request for comments (RFC) Format in which TCP/IP standards are published. Also provides insight into and describes the workings of the IETF organization. Return on investment (ROI) Financial gain expressed as a percentage of funds invested to generate that gain. Robustness A term to capture the concepts of over-engineering, high-availability and survivability of the IT infrastructure. Rules-based systems A system to build user profiles, but also incorporate business rules driven by the site owner. S Sales force automation (SFA) A process that takes routine sales activities within an organization and integrates them into a comprehensive software package. When SFA is included in an overall corporate Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, it combines sales functions with planning, marketing, and manufacturing and customer service activities. Scalability The measure of a systems ability to increase or decrease in performance and cost in response to changes in application and system processing demands. Scatternet Two or more independent, nonsynchronized piconets. Screen resolution The number of pixels (dots) across and down the screen. Search engine A very large, searchable index of the World Wide Web that is automatically updated by spiders or Webcrawlers and housed on a central server connected to the Internet. Secure electronic transaction (SET) A multiparty protocol that secures online communication between all parties in a payment card transaction. It encrypts access to sensitive credit card information throughout the card-processing network, thus reducing potential points of exposure to online theft from the buyer or merchant. Secure sockets layer (SSL) An Internet security standard from Netscape Communications, used for its browser and server software. Security A cryptographic protocol that secures bi-directional communication channels over the Internet. SSL connections are initiated through a Web browser and are signified by the URL prefix https. Sell side Processes for companies to sell their products, including catalogues, transaction processors, payment processors, and supply chain management methods and tools.
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E-business glossary
Server 1. A system or a program that receives requests from one or more client systems or programs to perform activities that allow the client to accomplish certain tasks. 2. Can refer to a physical computer, but more commonly to any machine that serves applications or information on the World Wide Web. Service Discovery Protocol (SDP) Used to query a device for its service information, which is then used to determine if a connection will be made. Service level agreement (SLA) A contract between a service provider and the user that specifies the level of service expected to be delivered during its term. SLAs are used by vendors and customers. SLAs between providers and e-businesses typically specify bandwidth availability, response times for routine and ad hoc queries, response times for problem resolution (e.g., system failure, machine failure, etc.), and provisions for disaster recovery in the event of failure. Servlet A form of server-based Java that operates in conjunction with a Web server and offers an alternative to using Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and server application programming interfaces (SAPIs) to communicate with Web server processes. In addition, servlets are independent of a given type of Web server, as the most prominent Web servers support servlets. Settlement Occurs when the actual funds are transferred from the card-issuing bank to the merchant bank. Share of customer (SOC) A measure of a companys level of penetration of a given customers total expenditures in a given product or service category. SOC is the counterpart of a companys share of the market (market share). SOC represents the strength of the relationship between the customer and the enterprise, relative to competitors. As e-businesses collect specific data on high-CLTV customers shopping behavior, they will be better positioned to build higher value in these customer segments. Short-message service (SMS) A bidirectional paging function that is built into GSM systems. Each message can be up to 160 ASCII characters long. The network typically stores messages for a maximum of 72 hours and attempts to deliver them whenever the portable phone is switched on. Confirmation of receipt is available as an option in some networks. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) The standard e-mail protocol on the Internet. It is a TCP/IP protocol that defines the message format and the message transfer agent (MTA), which stores and forwards the mail. SMTP was originally designed for only ASCII text, but MIME and other encoding methods enable program and multimedia files to be attached to e-mail messages. SMTP servers route SMTP messages throughout the Internet to a mail server, such as POP3, which provides a message store for incoming mail. Site sponsorship The logos and/or other information about the sponsors that are displayed prominently on the Web site. Slave units Any unit within a piconet that is not the master unit.
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E-business glossary
Smart card A plastic card that contains a microprocessor and/or a memory chip. The microprocessor card has the ability to add, delete, and manipulate information on the card. A memory chip card, such as a phone card, can only add information. Sockets Specifies the end points of a two-way communications channel that connects two processes together so they can exchange information. Software Any computer instructions or data that can be stored electronically. This data is stored on devices called hardware. The two categories of software are systems software and application software. Spam Usenet messages flooded to many newsgroups indiscriminately. The term is also loosely applied to junk mail. Standards Specifications or styles that are widely accepted by users and adopted by several vendors. Standards are critical to the compatibility of hardware, software, and everything in between. Industry standards enable the essential elements of a computer and related infrastructure to work together. Stateful inspection Tracks the transaction in order to verify that the destination of an inbound packet matches the source of a previous outbound request. Stateful inspection can effectively examine multiple layers of the protocol stack, including the data if required, and block transmission at any layer or depth. Storefront A traditional business (e.g., a retail store or other commercial business with physical real estate) that the customer interacts with to order and receive goods and services. Streaming media A technique for transferring digital content such that it can be processed and viewed as a steady and continuous stream of data. Structured query language (SQL) A relational data language that provides a consistent, English keyword-oriented set of facilities for query, data definition, data manipulation, and data control. It is a programmed interface to relational database management systems (RDBMSs). Subscriber identity module (SIM) Smart-card-based SIM is a critical part of GSM's security. It contains the subscriber's identity key. The SIM enables users to swap phones without changing their subscriptions. It is also possible to embed WAP browsers on SIMs to allow non-WAP phones to provide WAP services. Suppliers Individuals or organizations from which businesses purchase the goods and services they require to operate. Supply chain execution (SCE) A framework of intelligent execution-oriented applications that enables the efficient management of resources, which ensures delivery of goods, services, and information across enterprise boundaries to meet customer-specific demand.
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E-business glossary
Supply chain management (SCM) The process of optimizing delivery of goods, services, and information from supplier to customer. Supply chain planning (SCP) A software suite focused on the process of coordinating assets to optimize the delivery of goods, services, and information from supplier to customer, balancing supply and demand. Synchronous connectionoriented (SCO) Used for audio only or for a combination of audio and data transmission. T Technology-enabled content (TEC) The integration of content with information technology to create value-added information that directly supports a business process. Examples of TEC in the workplace include desktop broadcasting and competitive intelligence. Technology-enabled marketing (TEM) Automating aspects of the marketing process, which allows enterprises to improve the measurement and evaluation of their activities. The ultimate goal of technology-enabled marketing is to allocate marketing resources to the activities, channels, and media with the best potential return and impact on profitable customer relationships. Technology-enabled relationship management (TERM) The concept of forming one enterprise-wide view of the customer across all customer contact channels (i.e., sales, marketing, and customer service and support). It is a complex area, requiring complex solutions to problems of integration, data flow, data access, and marketing strategy. A critical component is the database that serves as the customer information repository. Technology-enabled selling (TES) Automating aspects of the selling process, which allows enterprises to improve their interactions with the consumer on the front-end. It improves the overall selling process enterprise-wide. Telephony Technically, the science of converting sound into electrical signals, transmitting them, and then converting them back to sound, i.e., telephone technology. Often used to describe hardware and software that, when combined, function like a telephone. Telnet The Internet standard protocol for remote terminal connection. It allows a user at one site to interact with a remote device or system that expects terminal-mode traffic. Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) An ETSI standard for digital private- and public-access mobile radio technology, designed for use by police and emergency and security services, as well as for other uses such as utilities, military, transport, and factory site services. TETRA uses TDMA technology with four user channels on one radio carrier and 25kHz spacing between carriers. Thin client In the client/server environment, it is designed so that the bulk of the application logic (software) and data processing are performed on the server. Third Generation (3G) Refers to the next generation of wireless communications technology"1G" being analog cellular, and "2G" being digital PCS. An initiative of the ITU and regional standards bodies, 3G
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E-business glossary
aims to provide universal, high-speed, high-bandwidth (up to 4 Mbps) wireless services supporting a variety of advanced applications. 3G-related specifications and technologies include UMTS, IMT-2000, and EDGE. Time difference of arrival (TDOA) Based on triangulation, TDOA is a method of processing cellular phone signals that allows the physical position of switched-on phones to be located. The position is determined by comparing the time difference of the arrival of the reverse control channel at various cell sites. Time division multiple access (TDMA) A technology for digital transmission of radio signals between, for example, a mobile phone and a radio base station. TDMA breaks signals into sequential pieces of defined length, places each piece into an information conduit at specific intervals, and then reconstructs the pieces at the end of the conduit. Time of arrival (TOA) Based on triangulation, TOA is a method of processing cellular phone signals that allows the physical position of switched-on phones to be located. The position is determined by comparing the time of arrival of the reverse control channel at various cell sites. Trading hub/exchange Intermediaries that may be in specific industries and markets or across markets, that broker sale of goods and services between buyers and suppliers, such as business-to-business or consumer-toconsumer business. Trading partners Include all businesses within an enterprises supply chain, from the raw material supplier to the end customer. Transaction incident management (TIM) The process that ensures that e-business transactions are performed securely, privately, and according to business specifications and service-level agreements (SLAs). TIM can detect any kind of incident, e.g., business system failure, site slowdown, unauthorized or malicious activity, or hacking, in real time. A key feature is the ability to resolve the incidents according to their level of business criticality. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) A set or suite (sometimes called a stack) of protocols covering the network and transport layers of the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) network model. Information that travels over the Internet gets divided into compact pieces called packets. TCP/IP specifies how the data are to be divided and reassembled. Transport layer security (TLS) A security protocol from the IETF that is a hybrid of SSL and other protocols. TLS may become a major security standard on the Internet, possibly superseding SSL. Trigger-point planning An e-business planning model that defines a set of events or trigger points in a project plan. Once the triggers are met, the next event on the project plan can begin. Trivial file transfer protocol A protocol used for basic file transfers, as well as booting systems that communicate with the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite using the TFTP boot protocol.
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E-business glossary
Trusted device A device that has been authenticated. U Uniform resource locator (URL) The character string that identifies an Internet documents exact name and location, in the form http:// allowed by a domain name or IP address. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) The first of the 3G cellular networks, UMTS is being designed to offer speeds of at least 144 Kbps to fast-moving (e.g., vehicle-based) mobile devices and an initial speed of 2 Mbps to campus sites. UNIX An operating system originally designed by Bell Laboratories, UNIX is proven to be adaptable to a variety of platforms. It is the dominant operating system for critical applications, servers, and high-end workstations because of its scalability and support of complex processing. Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) A GSM bearer service similar to SMS, but USSD messages are not stored and forwarded. USSD acts more like a transactional environment in which a message generates a near-real-time reply. Usability Refers to the ease of learning and using a user interface. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) A protocol within the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite technology that enables an application to send a message to one of several applications running in a destination machine. User forums Used by customers to contribute reviews of products and services that theyve purchased. Prospective customers of those goods and services can then read what others have to say about the products and make a more informed buying decision. User interface (UI) Refers to a combination of menus, screen design, keyboard commands, command language, online help, and other input devices that creates the way a user interacts with a borrower and Web page. V Value-added network (VAN) A private telecommunication line established between trading partners solely to transact business. Traditional EDI is transacted through VANs. Verification Positive identification and authorization of a particular communication, identification, authentication, and integrity must be accomplished before a message can be trusted completely. Vertical portal A business-to-business Web site that sells goods and services up and down the supply chain in a given industry.
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E-business glossary
Virtual company A company that was started with the intention of doing business over the Internet. Virtual companies have outsourced the physical processes and administrative attributes of traditional business and expanded and combined intellectual activities (e.g., problem solving) with standard business processes such as marketing. Virtual home environment (VHE) Conceptual term that refers to the network infrastructure needed to support mobile users. VHE is part of IMT-2000 and UMTS. Virtual private network (VPN) A system that delivers information and communications between businesses and trading partners over a shared public network infrastructure in a secure manner. W WAP application environment (WAE) Essentially consists of WML, WMLScript, and WTAI specificationsthe components that developers will use to build applications for wireless application protocol (WAP) devices. WAP browser A microbrowser used to locate and display information on wireless application protocol (WAP)enabled devices. WAP browsers perform client-side functions required to render Web content to a WAP device. WAP Forum Founded in June 1997 by Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, and Unwired Planet (now Phone.com), the WAP Forum is responsible for publishing and developing wireless application protocol (WAP) specifications. It works closely with the World Wide Web Consortium and the Telecommunications Industry Association. The goal of the WAP Forum is to provide an industry standard to foster interoperability among wireless devices. WAP identity module (WIM) Used in WTLS and application-level security functions, a WIM can process and store user identification and authorization information, store encryption and authentication keys, and perform encryption and digital-signature functions on the module. A WIM can be a hardware device, such as a smart card or SIM. Web Commonly used abbreviation for World Wide Web. Web authorization control (WAC) Used for delivery of sensitive price, contract and content information for each partner; catalogues that provide custom views based on access control and parametric search for serious business buyers; and order entry functions. Web browser A client, system, or program for use in accessing the World Wide Web on the Internet. Web clipping The wireless browser technology used by Palm PDAs. Web hosting The storage of data on a server for later access. In e-business, refers to a service provided by a third party that hosts and maintains a companys Web site.
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E-business glossary
Web log A tracking and analysis of traffic on a Web site, typically showing the number of visitors and the number and length of sessions, page views, etc. Important for customer profiling and certain aspects of personalization. Web phone Refers to cell phones equipped with microbrowsers and network data capability through WAP and other Web site integration technologies. Web server Web pages or Web sites are hosted on a Web server, which is a central location or computer that enables a remote client (system or program) to access the page or site content. Web site A collection of files accessed through a Web address, covering a particular theme or subject, and managed by a particular person or organization. Its opening page is called a home page. Web sites typically use the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) to format and present information and to provide navigational facilities that make it easy for the user to move within the site and around the Web. Webcrawler A piece of software (also called a spider) designed to follow hyperlinks to their completion and to return to previously visited Internet addresses. Wide-area network (WAN) Communications network that connects computing devices over a broad geographical area such as a region, state, or country. WANs use phone lines or dedicated communication lines. Transmission speeds are typically slower than those of LANs. Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) A technology for wideband digital radio communications in Internet, multimedia, video, and other capacity-demanding applications. W-CDMA utilizes the radio spectrum to provide a maximum data rate of 2 Mbps. Windows CE Microsoft's version of its Windows operating system for its "Pocket PC" reference platform for portable devices, such as PDAs. Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Specifies two essential elements of wireless communicationan end-to-end application protocol and an application environment based on a browser. Wireless certificate services WTLS will focus on the use of digital certificates at the WAP gateway to provide strong authentication to a cellular phone connected to a legitimate server. This will require cellular phones being preloaded with root certificates signed by the wireless device manufacturers established certificate authorities. Wireless data communication Communication that uses the radio spectrum rather than a physical medium. It may carry analog or digital signals and may be used on LANs or WANs in one- or two-way networks.
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E-business glossary
Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP) Allows WAP to be bearer-independent by adapting the transport layer of the underlying bearer service and presenting a consistent data format to the higher layer of the WAP protocol stack. Wireless Internet service provider (WISP) Basically, a wireless gateway service that connects the wired Internet to one or more wireless bearer services. Wireless LAN A LAN communication technology in which radio, microwave, or infrared links replace the use of physical cables. Three physical media types of wireless LAN are available. Two are based on radio technologies that are not interoperabledirect-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) and frequency-hop spread spectrum (FHSS). The third is based on infrared, a technology that relies on light waves in a specific band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared can coexist with DSSS and FHSS radio-based systems in one enterprise network. In practice, internetworking issues between access points prevent an enterprise from mixing and matching wireless LAN devices from multiple vendors. Wireless local loop A wireless connection of a telephone in a home or office to a fixed telephone network. Wireless Markup Language (WML) A programming language similar to XML, used to create pages that can be displayed in a WAP browser (e.g., a WAP phone). Wireless office system A technology that allows the user to transfer calls to a mobile telephone. Wireless Session Protocol (WSP) In the WAP framework, this layer links the WAE to two session services: a connection-oriented service operating above the WTP and a connectionless service operating above the WDP. Wireless Telephony Application Interface (WTAI) Specifies how WAP applications can access mobile-phone functionality (e.g., to initiate a call or send an SMS message). Wireless Transaction Protocol (WTP) In the WAP framework, WTP runs on top of a datagram service such as WDP to provide a simplified protocol suitable for low-bandwidth mobile applications. It offers three classes of transaction service: unreliable one-way request, reliable one-way request and reliable two-way request/respond. Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) Provides security functions within the WAP framework similar to those of the SSL protocol used on the Web. WMLScript A scripting language based on WAP WML programming language, similar to JavaScript. World Wide Web (WWW) A hypertext-based global information system developed at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) in Geneva. It is a subset of the Internet, technically defined as the community on the Internet where all documents and resources are formatted using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).
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E-business glossary
Workflow The automated routing of specific documents (and relevant information) to the users responsible for working with them. Documents may be physically moved throughout a network to the appropriate destinations or maintained in a database with access provided only to authorized users at the required times. Automatic triggers can alert managers when actions/operations/contributions are overdue. Workflow management There are two types of workflow management: 1) Internal and external process integrationa workflow approach that allows for the definition of business processes that span applications, including those that come from different vendors. 2) Automated events or processesa workflow approach that enables automated tasks (e.g., the automation of steps in a marketing campaign or a sales process) to be performed. X X.400 An OSI and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard messaging protocol that allows electronic mail to move between different mail systems. X.509 The certificate authority standard administered by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The X.509 Certificate is an ITU standards-based file format binding a user or device to a public key. YZ Zero latency A business process concept where redundant processes are eliminated and human tasks are automated or streamlined to reduce latency throughout the supply chain to the customer.
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