Find keyword or terms by letter
Click on a numbered or lettered box below to show list of keywords and terms.
Backbone
(Context: Hardware)
Definition
A high-speed computer network designed to interconnect lower-speed networks or clusters of dispersed user devices.
https://blogs.ischool.berkeley.edu/i290ma-f12/files/2011/09/SPMPLAN.doc
Backplane
(Context: Hardware)
Definition
A backplane is an electronic circuit board containing circuitry and sockets into which additional electronic devices on other circuit boards or card can be plugged.
CCNA :) Be a Good Network Administrator: PC Basic... (basicitnetworking.blogspot.com)
Backup as a Service (BaaS)
(Context: Software, Technology Management)
Definition
A method of offsite data storage in which files, folders, or the entire contents of a hard drive are regularly backed up by a service vendor to a remote secure cloud-based data repository over a network connection.
Backup Retention
(Context: Software, Technology Management)
Definition
The act of retaining backups over a determined period of time, to provide for optional recovery points for restoring a system or data set.
EA-Solution-Data-Availability-Requirements.pdf (virginia.gov)
Backup Service Provider
(Context: Data Center Facility, Software, Technology Management)
Definition
Provides backup services to an application, service or data center infrastructure that uses software to capture backups of data.
EA-Solution-Data-Availability-Requirements.pdf (virginia.gov)
Backward Pass
(Context: Project Management)
Definition
The calculations of late finish dates and late start dates for the uncompleted portions of all scheduled activities. Determined by working backward through the schedule network logic from the project’s end date. The end date may be calculated in a forward pass or set by the customer or sponsor.
Bandwidth
(Context: Hardware)
Definition
The carrying capacity of a circuit, usually measured in bits per second for digital circuits or hertz for analog circuits.
What are the available bandwidth options? Broadband Internet Services - FAQs | Virginia IT Agency
Bar Chart
(Context: Project Management)
Definition
A graphic display of schedule-related information. In the typical bar chart, schedule activities or work breakdown structure components are listed down the left side of the chart, dates are shown across the top, and activity durations are shown as date-placed horizontal bars. Also called a Gantt chart.
Project Management Institute (PMI) Terms (certificationacademy.com)
Base Image
(Context: Software, Technology Management)
Definition
An image is a copy of the configured operating system and software on the desktop, notebook or other device. It indicates a starting point for a hard disk image that may be used as is or further modified to meet agency user needs, with users placed in as large a group as possible based on commonality of requirements.
p19 of 67: Platform-Domain-Report.pdf (virginia.gov)
Baseline
(Context: Project Management)
Definition
1. The approved time-phased plan (for a project, a work breakdown structure component, a work package, or a scheduled activity), plus or minus approved project scope, cost, schedule, and technical changes. Generally, refers to the current baseline but may refer to the original or some other baseline. Usually used with a modifier (e.g., cost baseline, schedule baseline, performance measurement baseline, technical baseline).
2. A baseline is defined as a time-based standard against which performance is measured.
1. Project Management Institute (PMI) Terms (certificationacademy.com)
2. What is a Project Baseline? (projectengineer.net)
COV Project Management Standard - COV Project Management Standard (CPM 112) (virginia.gov) | https://www.vita.virginia.gov/media/vitavirginiagov/it-governance/psgs/pdf/COV-Project-Management-Standard-CPM-112.pdf
Baseline Security Configuration
(Context: Information Systems Security, Technology Management)
Definition
The minimum set of security controls that must be implemented on all information systems of a particular type.
Baselining
(Context: General, Technology Management)
Definition
1. Obtaining data on the current process that provides the metrics against which to compare improvements and to use in benchmarking.
2. In IT management, a baseline is the expected values or conditions against which all performances are compared. A baseline is a fixed reference point. From a project management perspective, the creation of baselines is considered as the official end of project planning and the start of project execution and control. Control of baselines is crucial for project and IT management.
1. GAO
Behavior Monitoring
(Context: Information Systems Security)
Definition
The analysis of electronic usage patterns such as destinations, frequency/periodicity of identified risk incidents, and/or volumes exchanged, which indicate whether the behavior exceeds a specified baseline and represents a threat.
https://www.vita.virginia.gov/media/vitavirginiagov/it-governance/ea/pdf/Event-Log-Management.pdf
Benchmark
(Context: Technology Management)
Definition
1. A measurement or standard that serves as a point of reference from which process performance is measured.
2. Benchmarking is defined as the process of measuring products, services, and processes against those of organizations known to be leaders in one or more aspects of their operations. Benchmarking provides necessary insights to help you understand how your organization compares with similar organizations, even if they are in a different business or have a different group of customers.
1. GAO
2. What is Benchmarking? Technical & Competitive Benchmarking Process | ASQ
Benchmarking
(Context: Technology Management)
Definition
A structured approach for identifying the best practices from industry and government, and comparing and adapting them to the organization's operations. Such an approach is aimed at identifying more efficient and effective processes for achieving intended results and suggesting ambitious goals for program output, product/service quality, and process improvement.
GAO
Benefit
(Context: Technology Management)
Definition
A term used to indicate an advantage, profit, or gain attained by an individual or organization.
Best Practices
(Context: General)
Definition
The processes, practices, or systems identified in public and private organizations that performed exceptionally well and are widely recognized as improving an organization's performance and efficiency in specific areas. Successfully identifying and applying best practices can reduce business expenses and improve organizational efficiency.
p6 of 65 Glossary of Terms January 2014.pdf
Best Value
(Context: General)
Definition
The overall combination of quality, price, and various elements of required services that in total are optimal relative to a public body's needs, as predetermined in a solicitation. Best value concepts may be applied when procuring goods and nonprofessional services, but not construction or professional services. The criteria, factors, and basis for the consideration of best value and the process for the consideration of best value shall be as stated in the procurement solicitation.
Biometrics
(Context: Information Systems Security)
Definition
The science and technology of measuring and statistically analyzing biological data.
In information technology, biometrics usually refers to technologies for measuring and analyzing human body characteristics such as fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, voice patterns, facial patterns, and hand measurements, especially for authentication purposes. Fingerprint and other biometric devices consist of a reader or scanning device, software that converts the scanned information into digital form, and wherever the data is to be analyzed, a database that stores the biometric data for comparison with previous records. When converting the biometric input, the software identifies specific points of data as match points. The match points are processed using an algorithm into a value that can be compared with biometric data scanned when a user tries to gain access.
Block Service
(Context: General)
Definition
A block is the unit in which data is stored and retrieved on disk and tape devices. Blocks are the atomic unit of data recognition (through a preamble and block header). A block service is the process of storing and retrieving blocks of data (as opposed to files).
Block-Level Backup
(Context: General)
Definition
Performs an in-depth file analysis and copies only the modified parts of files making it much faster than file-level backup.
EA-Solution-Data-Availability-Requirements.pdf (virginia.gov)
Bluetooth
(Context: Software)
Definition
A telecommunications industry specification (IEEE 802.15) that describes how mobile phones, computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) can be easily interconnected using a short-range wireless connection. Bluetooth requires that a low-cost transceiver chip be included in each device. The transceiver transmits and receives in a previously unused frequency band of 2.45 GHz that is available globally (with some variation of bandwidth in different countries). In addition to data, up to three voice channels are available. Each device has a unique 48-bit address from the IEEE 802 standard. Connections can be point-to-point or multipoint. The maximum range is 10 meters. A frequency hop scheme allows devices to communicate even in areas with a great deal of electromagnetic interference. Built-in encryption and verification are provided.
Adapted from Whatis.com - Browse the Glossary - B - WhatIs | Page 2 (techtarget.com)
p42 of 56 - Network-and-Telecommunications-Domain.pdf (virginia.gov)
BOA
(Context: Software)
Definition
Basic Object Adapter protocol. Replaced by POA, Portable Object Adapter.
Branch Office Box (BOB)
(Context: Hardware)
Definition
A server appliance that is optimized to provide distributed office support for simple utility functions that are required locally but difficult to provide over a WAN.
BOB deployment is an alternative to having more complex servers and support provided locally for all needed utility applications such as email, printing, and file serving/caching, DNS, DHCP, HTML/XML, and encryption/decryption (e.g., HTTPS).
When WAN connections are unreliable, a BOB may be used as part of a local business continuation solution.
When WAN connections are reliable, a BOB may not be a cost-effective alternative to using protocol wrapping solutions (e.g., MPLS) to address WAN latency.
BOBs are usually optimized for the type of protocol traffic the business uses most in communicating with its central office or data center and the type of persistent service needed locally in the event of a WAN disruption.
p122 of 151 - VITA - ETA Platform Domain Report
Breadcrumbs
(Context: General)
Definition
Breadcrumb navigation shows the users where they are and how the information is structured. Because users see the way the hierarchy is structured they can learn it more easily. By making each label a link, the users can quickly browse up the hierarchy. Bread Crumbs take up minimal space on the page and leave most of the space for the real content.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
(Context: Technology Management)
Definition
A practice whereby an organization permits employees to use personally owned smart devices to conduct business, rather than being required to use an employer-provided device. Also called Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT), Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP), and Bring Your Own Personal Computer (BYOPC).
https://www.vita.virginia.gov/media/vitavirginiagov/it-governance/ea/pdf/EA-Smart-Device-Use.pdf
Broad Network Access
(Context: General)
Definition
Capabilities are available over the network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and workstations).
p31 of 35 - Cloud_Based_Hosting_Topic_Report_FINAL.pdf (virginia.gov)
Broadcast Domain
(Context: Hardware)
Definition
A logical part of a network (a network segment) in which any network equipment can transmit data directly to another equipment or device without going through a routing device (assuming the devices share the same subnet and use the same gateway.
p40 of 47 - 5003-s (radford.edu)
Budget At Completion (BAC)
(Context: Project Management)
Definition
The sum of all the budget values established for the work to be performed on a project or a work breakdown structure component or a scheduled activity.
Project Management Institute (PMI) Terms (certificationacademy.com)
Budgeted Cost of Work Performed (BCWP)
(Context: Project Management)
Definition
The approved budget assigned to that work for a schedule activity or work breakdown structure component.
Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled (BCWS)
(Context: Project Management)
Definition
The authorized budget assigned to the scheduled work to be accomplished for a schedule activity or work breakdown structure component.
Business Availability
(Context: Information Systems Security)
Definition
A tag used in the CSRM Archer application that identifies systems requiring a high level of data availability and/or uptime.
EA-Solution-Data-Availability-Requirements.pdf (virginia.gov)
Business Case
(Context: Project Management, Technology Management)
Definition
A structured proposal for business improvement that functions as a decision package for organizational decision-makers. A business case includes an analysis of business process performance and associated needs or problems, proposed alternative solutions, assumptions, constraints, and a risk-adjusted cost-benefit analysis.
Business Case Approval (BCA)
(Context: Project Management)
Definition
A project portfolio status for projects that have received approval of the project's investment business case from the appropriate approval authority. BCA authorizes the agency to expend funds in preparation for Project Initiation Approval.
Business Case Approval - pmo365 | Project Portfolio Management Solution
Business Critical
(Context: Enterprise Architecture)
Definition
Business processes or systems that are essential for an agency to keep running, for which an outage produces significant disruption to the agency's mission. They are core to the agency’s function, but which are not necessary to ensure immediate survival during outages and other disasters.
Business Function
(Context: Enterprise Architecture, Project Management)
Definition
A collection of related structural activities that produce something of value to the organization, its stakeholders or its customers.
p40 of 47 - 5003-s (radford.edu)
A business process, business method, or business function is a collection of related, structured activities or tasks performed by people or equipment in which a specific sequence produces a service or product (that serves a particular business goal) for a particular customer or customers. Business process - Wikipedia
Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
(Context: Information Systems Security, Project Management)
Definition
(Context: Project Planning)
Identifies project constraints, alternatives, and related assumptions as they apply to the initiation phase.
(Context: Security)
The process of determining the potential consequences of a disruption or degradation of business functions.
Business Owner
(Context: Project Management)
Definition
The functional stakeholder whose responsibilities are to identify and communicate business needs and knowledge for the project and ensure business needs are appropriately addressed by the project.
Projects as Business, Managers as Owners, and Business Excellence Models (pmi.org)
Business Plan
(Context: Technology Management)
Definition
See Strategic Business Plan.
Business Problem
(Context: General)
Definition
A question, issue, or situation, about the business, which needs to be answered or resolved.
Business Process
(Context: General)
Definition
A collection of related, structured activities--a chain of events--that produce a specific service or product for a particular customer or customers.
p7 of 75 - AIMD-10.1.15 Business Process Reengineering Assessment Guide--Version 3 (gao.gov)
Definition of Business Process - Gartner Information Technology Glossary
Business Process Reengineering
(Context: General)
Definition
In government, a systematic disciplined improvement approach that critically examines, rethinks, and redesigns mission-delivery processes and sub-processes within a process management approach. In a political environment, the approach achieves radical mission performance gains in meeting customer and stakeholder needs and expectations.
GAO
AIMD-10.1.15 Business Process Reengineering Assessment Guide--Version 3 (gao.gov)
Business Reference Model (BRM)
(Context: Enterprise Architecture)
Definition
In a service-oriented architecture, all business services are defined in the business reference model (BRM). The BRM is part of the Enterprise Repository. One of the key principles behind SOA is to break down business services into reusable components that can be combined and shared across the enterprise. These shared components are called web services and they are defined in the service component reference model (SRM) which is also located in the Enterprise Repository. Both the BRM and SRM are hierarchical. The exact structure of the model will be determined at design time.
p53 of 75 - Application-Domain-Report.pdf (virginia.gov)
Business to Government (B2G)
(Context: General)
Definition
Business-to-government (B2G),[1] also known as business-to-public-administration (B2PA)[1][2] or business-to-public-sector (B2PS) refers to trade between the business sector as a supplier and a government body as a customer playing a major impact in public procurement
Business Vision
(Context: General)
Definition
A description of what senior management wants to achieve with the organization in the future. A business vision usually addresses a medium to long-term period and is expressed in terms of a series of objectives.
p106 of 110 - IT_Guide.wp5 (gao.gov)
BYOD Smart Device
(Context: Technology Management)
Definition
Any personally owned smart device that is used to connect to a COV network, or to another smart device authenticated to a COV network, which: 1) Can store COV data; 2) Can be managed through MDM; 3) Has been authorized by an agency for a COV employee.
https://www.vita.virginia.gov/media/vitavirginiagov/it-governance/ea/pdf/EA-Smart-Device-Use.pdf