Insights
IT Glossary
Clear, jargon-free definitions of the technology terms that matter to your business.
Applied AI
Using artificial intelligence to solve real, specific business problems.
Read definitionBackup
A secure copy of your data that can be restored if the original is lost or damaged.
Read definitionBusiness Continuity Plan (BCP)
A plan for keeping the business running during and after a disruption.
Read definitionBusiness Process Automation
Using technology to handle repetitive tasks so people can focus on higher-value work.
Read definitionCloud Computing
Delivering computing resources like servers, storage, and software over the internet.
Read definitionCloud Migration
Moving applications, data, or infrastructure from on-premises systems to the cloud.
Read definitionCo-Managed IT
A partnership where an MSP extends, rather than replaces, your internal IT team.
Read definitionDisaster Recovery (DR)
The plan and tools for restoring IT systems after a major disruption.
Read definitionDNS (Domain Name System)
The system that translates human-friendly domain names into the numeric addresses computers use.
Read definitionEncryption
Scrambling data so only authorized parties can read it.
Read definitionEndpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Security software that watches devices for suspicious behavior and responds to threats.
Read definitionFirewall
A device or software that controls traffic between your network and the internet.
Read definitionHelp Desk
The support team your people contact when they have a technology problem.
Read definitionHIPAA
A U.S. law setting standards for protecting sensitive patient health information.
Read definitionIdentity and Access Management (IAM)
The systems and policies that control who can access what across your environment.
Read definitionIntegration and Orchestration
Connecting separate systems so they work together as one.
Read definitionLAN and WAN
A LAN connects devices in one location; a WAN connects networks across locations.
Read definitionManaged Detection and Response (MDR)
A service that monitors for threats and responds to them 24/7.
Read definitionManaged IT Services
Outsourced, proactive management of your technology for a predictable monthly fee.
Read definitionManaged Service Provider (MSP)
A company that remotely manages a business's IT systems on an ongoing, proactive basis.
Read definitionMicrosoft 365
Microsoft's cloud suite for business email, collaboration, and productivity.
Read definitionMulti-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A second proof of identity beyond a password that blocks most account takeovers.
Read definitionNetwork Operations Center (NOC)
The team and facility that monitors and manages IT systems around the clock.
Read definitionNetwork Segmentation
Dividing a network into isolated zones to limit the spread of threats.
Read definitionPatch Management
The scheduled process of keeping software and systems up to date with fixes and security updates.
Read definitionPCI DSS
A security standard for organizations that handle credit card payments.
Read definitionPenetration Testing
An authorized simulated attack that finds weaknesses before real attackers do.
Read definitionPhishing
Fraudulent messages designed to trick people into revealing credentials or installing malware.
Read definitionRansomware
Malware that encrypts your data and demands payment to restore access.
Read definitionRecovery Point Objective (RPO)
The maximum amount of data, measured in time, you can afford to lose.
Read definitionRecovery Time Objective (RTO)
The target time to restore a system after an outage.
Read definitionRemote Monitoring and Management (RMM)
Software that lets an MSP monitor and maintain your devices remotely.
Read definitionSaaS, IaaS, and PaaS
The three main cloud service models: software, infrastructure, and platform as a service.
Read definitionSecurity Awareness Training
Ongoing education that helps employees recognize and avoid cyber threats.
Read definitionSecurity Operations Center (SOC)
A team dedicated to monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats.
Read definitionService Level Agreement (SLA)
A written commitment to specific service standards, such as response and resolution times.
Read definitionSIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
A system that collects and analyzes security data from across your environment to spot threats.
Read definitionSOC 2
An audit standard that verifies how a company protects customer data.
Read definitionVirtual CIO (vCIO)
A strategic IT advisor who aligns your technology roadmap with business goals.
Read definitionVPN (Virtual Private Network)
An encrypted connection that lets remote users securely access company resources.
Read definitionVulnerability Assessment
A systematic scan that identifies security weaknesses across your systems.
Read definitionWireless Access Point
A device that provides Wi-Fi coverage so devices can connect to the network wirelessly.
Read definitionZero Trust
A security model that never automatically trusts any user or device, inside or outside the network.
Read definition