A

Agile Methodologies

Agile methodologies are a group of software development methodologies that involve breaking a project into phases and focusing on continuous collaboration and improvement. Leveraging agile methodologies allows businesses to enhance teams’ collaboration and communication, streamlining the software development process.

AI Inference

AI Inference is when a trained machine-learning model draws conclusions from data. The majority of real-world AI applications rely on AI inference. Common examples include Large Language Models (LLMs), predictive analytics, and email security.

AIOps

Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to maintain IT infrastructure. By leveraging AIOps, businesses can automate operational tasks, such as performance monitoring, workload scheduling, and data backups. By doing so, businesses can reduce operational costs, streamline IT operations, and enhance the customer experience.

API Development

API development refers to the process of designing, creating, and maintaining Application Programming Interfaces that enable software systems to communicate with each other. API development allows businesses to achieve seamless communication between different software systems, applications, or devices.

Application Modernisation

Application modernisation is the process of updating an organisation’s existing apps to a cloud-first model. The goal of application modernisation is to improve organisational and technological performance while enhancing employee and customer experiences.

Augmented Analytics

Augmented analytics refers to the use of enabling technologies such as machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the purposes of data preparation, analysis, and visualisation. Unlike traditional analytics, augmented analytics doesn’t require users to be significantly experienced with analytics. Augmented analytics enables businesses across all industries to make better data-based decisions.

Automated Testing

Automated testing is the use of software tools to automate the traditionally human-driven process of reviewing and validating a software product. The use of automated testing allows businesses to improve testing accuracy and test coverage while saving time and money.

Automation

Automation is the practice of creating software applications to reduce or eliminate the need for human input. Businesses across a wide range of industries can leverage automation to increase productivity and enhance the customer experience while reducing costs and operational errors.

C

Chatbot

A chatbot is a computer program that simulates human conversation. Some chatbots can only answer simple queries, while more advanced models use technologies such as Generative AI to process more sophisticated requests. Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa are popular examples of chatbots.

Chaos Engineering

Chaos engineering is a method of testing software that involves intentionally introducing faults into a system to test its resilience. Using chaos engineering, companies can identify failures before they become outages. Tools such as Netflix’s Chaos Monkey introduce disruptions to a system to simulate real-world failures and test the system’s resilience.

CI/CD Pipelines

A CI/CD pipeline is an automated process designed to simplify and accelerate the development, testing, and deployment of applications for software teams. Implementing CI/CD pipelines allows businesses to improve their software development processes and reliably deliver high-quality software.

Cloud Cost Optimisation

Cloud cost optimisation refers to the process of reducing the overall costs of cloud computing services without compromising performance. By utilising cloud cost optimisation, businesses can maximise their return on investment while improving budgeting.

Cloud Data Platform Foundations

Cloud Data Platform Foundations refer to the fundamental principles and components necessary to build and manage a cloud-based data platform. A solid foundation ensures the platform is scalable, cost-efficient, and configured for optimal performance.

Cloud Migration

Cloud migration is the process of moving applications, data, and workloads either partially or entirely to the cloud. Cloud migration enables businesses to enhance cost-efficiency, scalability, security, and performance.

Cloud Native Development

Cloud Native Development describes how and where developers build and deploy cloud-native applications. Common cloud-native development practices include continuous integration, continuous delivery, DevOps, and serverless computing.

Cloud Operating Model

A cloud operating model refers to the collection of processes and procedures that allow businesses to deliver on their cloud strategy. The use of a cloud operating model offers businesses a myriad of advantages, including optimisation of resources and costs and enhanced security and compliance.

Cloud Operational Efficiency

Cloud operational efficiency refers to the optimisation of cloud resources to enhance performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Key components of cloud operational efficiency include resource management, cost optimisation, automation, and data management.

Cloud Security

Cloud security is a set of cybersecurity measures dedicated to securing cloud-based applications, data, and infrastructure. Cloud security enables businesses to manage evolving security threats while remaining compliant with regulatory requirements.

Cloud Strategy

A Cloud strategy is the plan businesses follow to host their IT infrastructure in the cloud. A cloud strategy typically includes the best practices, tools, and services to use during the implementation of a cloud solution. A well-defined cloud strategy helps businesses maximise the benefits of cloud computing while reducing potential risks.

Containerisation

Containerisation is a software deployment process that bundles an application’s code with the necessary components needed to run on any infrastructure. Containerisation enables businesses to create a single software package (container) that can run on all types of devices and operating systems.

D

Data Analytics

Data analytics is the process of analysing raw data to identify patterns and trends. By leveraging data analytics, businesses can make more informed decisions that drive efficiencies and improve business outcomes.

Data Architecture

Data architecture refers to the rules, models, policies, and standards that govern how data is collected, stored, arranged, and integrated within a database or other data system. A well-structured data architecture ensures that data remains accurate, accessible, and secure.

Data Engineering

Data engineering is the process of designing, building, and maintaining systems that enable the collection, storage, and analysis of data. Data engineers create data pipelines and architectures that facilitate the flow of information across an organisation.

Data Governance

Data governance is the set of processes, roles, policies, standards, and metrics that ensure the effective and efficient use of information. Strong data governance helps businesses manage risks, improve compliance, and maintain high-quality data.

Data Lakes

A data lake is a centralised repository that allows businesses to store vast amounts of raw data in its original format. Data lakes support big data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence applications.

Data Modernisation

Data modernisation is the process of upgrading legacy data infrastructure to more modern, scalable, and cloud-based solutions. This enables businesses to harness the full potential of their data and unlock new insights.

Data Visualisation

Data visualisation is the practice of presenting data in graphical or pictorial format to make complex information easier to understand. Effective data visualisation helps businesses identify trends and patterns quickly.

Database Management

Database management refers to the practice of maintaining, organising, and securing data within a database. A well-structured database management system (DBMS) ensures data integrity, security, and efficient retrieval.

DevOps

DevOps is a set of practices that combine software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to improve the speed and quality of software delivery. Implementing DevOps enables businesses to enhance collaboration, automate workflows, and reduce deployment time.

Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technologies into all aspects of a business to enhance efficiency, agility, and customer experience. It involves the adoption of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Distributed Computing

Distributed computing is a model in which computing tasks are spread across multiple machines to improve performance, scalability, and fault tolerance. Cloud computing and blockchain networks are common examples of distributed computing.

Docker

Docker is an open-source platform that enables developers to build, deploy, and run applications in containers. By using Docker, businesses can achieve greater consistency across environments and improve software deployment efficiency.

E

Edge Computing

Edge computing is a distributed computing model that processes data closer to the source rather than relying on a centralised cloud server. This reduces latency and enhances real-time data processing for applications like IoT devices and autonomous vehicles.

Enterprise AI

Enterprise AI refers to the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies within large organisations to optimise business processes, enhance decision-making, and drive automation. Common applications include AI-driven analytics, chatbots, and fraud detection systems.

Enterprise Architecture

Enterprise architecture is the strategic framework that defines how an organisation’s IT infrastructure aligns with its business goals. It helps businesses optimise technology investments, improve efficiency, and ensure scalability.

F

Federated Learning

Federated learning is a machine learning technique that allows models to be trained across multiple devices without sharing raw data. This enhances privacy and security while enabling AI model improvements across decentralised networks.

FinOps

FinOps (Financial Operations) is a practice that combines financial management and cloud computing to optimise cloud spending. It enables businesses to control costs, improve resource allocation, and align cloud expenses with business objectives.

Function-as-a-Service (FaaS)

FaaS is a cloud computing service model that allows developers to execute code in response to events without managing infrastructure. Popular FaaS platforms include AWS Lambda and Google Cloud Functions.

G

Generative AI

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence models that create new content, such as text, images, music, and videos. Examples include OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DALL·E, which generate human-like text and images, respectively.

Graph Databases

A graph database is a database that uses graph structures to store and query relationships between data points efficiently. It is commonly used in social networks, fraud detection, and recommendation engines.

Green Computing

Green computing refers to the practice of designing, manufacturing, and using computing resources in an environmentally sustainable manner. It focuses on energy efficiency, reducing electronic waste, and minimising the carbon footprint of IT operations.

H

Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment that combines on-premises infrastructure with public and private cloud services. This approach provides businesses with greater flexibility, security, and cost efficiency.

Hyperautomation

Hyperautomation is the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA) to automate business processes at scale. It enables businesses to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance decision-making.

I

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

IaC is a method of managing IT infrastructure through code rather than manual processes. It enables automation, consistency, and scalability in cloud environments. Popular IaC tools include Terraform and AWS CloudFormation.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects connected to the internet, enabling them to collect and exchange data. IoT is used in smart homes, industrial automation, and healthcare.

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) combines artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) to automate complex business processes. It helps businesses improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

K

Kubernetes

Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerised applications. It is widely used in cloud-native application development.

L

Low-Code/No-Code Development

Low-code and no-code development platforms enable users to build applications with minimal or no programming knowledge. These platforms speed up application development and empower business users to create custom solutions.

Large Language Models (LLMs)

LLMs are deep learning models trained on vast amounts of text data to generate human-like language. Examples include OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini.

M

Machine Learning (ML)

Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn patterns from data and make predictions without being explicitly programmed. ML is used in recommendation systems, fraud detection, and self-driving cars.

Microservices Architecture

Microservices architecture is an approach to software development where applications are built as a collection of small, independent services that communicate via APIs. It improves scalability, flexibility, and maintainability.

Multi-Cloud Strategy

A multi-cloud strategy involves using multiple cloud service providers to avoid vendor lock-in, improve resilience, and optimise costs. Businesses use multi-cloud strategies to enhance their cloud computing capabilities.

N

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. Applications include chatbots, speech recognition, and text analytics.

Network Security

Network security refers to the practices and technologies used to protect an organisation’s IT infrastructure from cyber threats, such as malware, hacking, and data breaches.

O

Observability

Observability refers to the ability to measure and analyse a system’s performance using logs, metrics, and traces. It helps IT teams monitor and troubleshoot applications efficiently.

Open Source Software

Open source software is software that is freely available for use, modification, and distribution. Examples include Linux, Apache, and Kubernetes.

P

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS is a cloud computing service that provides a platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. Examples include Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure App Services.

Privacy by Design

Privacy by Design is a framework that integrates data privacy considerations into the development of products and services from the outset. It ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR.

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics uses statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyse historical data and predict future trends, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.

Process Mining

Process mining is a data-driven approach that analyses business processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement using event logs from IT systems.

Q

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing leverages quantum mechanics to perform complex computations exponentially faster than classical computers. It has potential applications in cryptography, materials science, and AI.

Query Optimisation

Query optimisation refers to techniques used in databases to improve the efficiency of data retrieval, reducing response times and improving performance.

R

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA uses software bots to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks such as data entry, invoice processing, and customer service inquiries, improving efficiency and reducing human error.

Resilient Architecture

Resilient architecture refers to designing IT systems that can withstand failures, cyberattacks, and disruptions while maintaining continuous service availability.

Real-Time Data Processing

Real-time data processing enables organisations to process and analyse data as it is generated, allowing for immediate insights and actions. It is commonly used in financial transactions and IoT applications.

S

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is a cloud computing model where software applications are hosted and delivered over the internet on a subscription basis. Examples include Google Workspace and Salesforce.

Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a cloud execution model where cloud providers dynamically manage server resources, allowing developers to focus on writing code without worrying about infrastructure.

Synthetic Data

Synthetic data is artificially generated data that mimics real-world data and is used for AI training, testing, and privacy-preserving applications.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

SASE is a cloud-based cybersecurity framework that integrates network security and wide-area networking (WAN) to protect distributed workforces.

T

Tokenisation

Tokenisation is a security technique that replaces sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, with unique tokens to enhance data protection and compliance.

Tech Debt

Technical debt refers to the cost of maintaining and fixing suboptimal code or outdated systems due to shortcuts taken during software development.

Trustworthy AI

Trustworthy AI refers to the development and deployment of AI systems that are fair, transparent, ethical, and aligned with human values.

Threat Intelligence

Threat intelligence involves collecting and analysing information about potential cyber threats to proactively protect IT systems from attacks.

U

Unified Communications (UC)

UC refers to the integration of communication tools such as voice, video, messaging, and collaboration platforms to improve workplace productivity and efficiency.

User Experience (UX) Design

UX design focuses on creating intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly digital experiences for software, websites, and applications.

Unstructured Data

Unstructured data is data that does not have a predefined format, such as emails, social media posts, and videos. AI and big data analytics help organisations extract insights from unstructured data.

V

Virtual Reality (VR)

VR is a technology that creates immersive, computer-generated environments for gaming, training, and simulations.

Virtual Machines (VMs)

VMs are software-based emulations of physical computers that run multiple operating systems on a single physical server. They are used for testing, cloud computing, and server consolidation.

Vulnerability Management

Vulnerability management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities in IT systems to prevent cyber threats.

W

Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is the next evolution of the internet, characterised by decentralisation, blockchain technology, and user ownership of data.

Workflow Automation

Workflow automation uses technology to streamline and automate business processes, reducing manual work and improving efficiency.

Wearable Technology

Wearable technology includes smart devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and augmented reality glasses that collect and process data in real-time.

X

XaaS (Anything as a Service)

XaaS is a broad term that encompasses various cloud-based service models, including SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, allowing businesses to consume IT resources on demand.

Explainable AI (XAI)

XAI refers to AI systems designed to provide transparency and interpretability, enabling users to understand how decisions are made.

Y

Yield Optimisation

Yield optimisation refers to the use of data analytics and AI to maximise efficiency in industries such as digital advertising, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Yellow Teaming

Yellow teaming is a cybersecurity approach that integrates both offensive (Red Team) and defensive (Blue Team) strategies to enhance security resilience.

Z

Zero Trust Security

Zero Trust Security is a cybersecurity framework that assumes no user or device should be trusted by default, requiring continuous authentication and verification.

Zero-Day Exploit

A zero-day exploit is a cyberattack that targets previously unknown software vulnerabilities before a fix or patch is available.