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Machine Learning
(Context: Software)
Definition
Prior to the recent focus on artificial intelligence (AI) a large focus was put on a related field called machine learning (ML). These two terms, AI and ML, are often used interchangeably, however they have a different meaning.
Machine learning (ML) focuses on the development of algorithms and models that enable computers to learn from data and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed. ML systems use statistical techniques to learn patterns and relationships from data. They rely on training data to train models that can generalize and make predictions on previously unknown data.
EA-Solutions-Artificial-Intelligence-Standard.pdf (virginia.gov)
COV ITRM Glossary › A › Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Virginia IT Agency
Mail User Agent (MUA)
(Context: )
Definition
Primary entry and exit point for an e-mail system. Also called an e-mail client.
Major IT Project
(Context: )
Definition
Major IT Projects are defined in the Code of Virginia (§ 2.2-2006) as “any state agency information technology project that (i) meets the criteria and requirements developed by the Secretary of Administration pursuant to § 2.2-225 or (ii) has a total estimated cost of more than $1 million.” The designation of a project as a Major Information Technology Project drives certain reporting requirements defined in the Code of Virginia. However, the governance and oversight of information technology projects is primarily driven by the Risk/Complexity level determined using the Commonwealth Project Governance Assessment.
Malicious Code
(Context: )
Definition
Harmful code (such as viruses and worms) introduced into a program or file for the purpose of contaminating, damaging, or destroying information systems and/or data. Malicious code includes viruses, Trojan horses, trap doors, worms, spy-ware, and counterfeit computer instructions (executables).
Malicious Software
(Context: )
Definition
Malicious software, commonly known as malware, is any software that brings harm to a computer system. Malware can be in the form of worms, viruses, trojans, spyware, adware and rootkits, etc., which steal protected data, delete documents or add software not approved by a user.
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4015/malicious-software-malware
Management Control
(Context: )
Definition
A set of mechanisms designed to manage organizations to achieve desired objectives.
Management Reserve
(Context: )
Definition
A separately planned quantity used to allow for future situations, which are impossible to predict (sometimes called “unknown unknowns”). Management reserves may involve cost or schedule. Management reserves are intended to reduce the risk of missing cost or schedule objectives. Use of management reserve requires a change to the project’s cost baseline.
Mandatory Projects
(Context: )
Definition
Projects that support legal or regulatory requirements such as Executive orders, state legislation, or Federal mandates.
Master Schedule
(Context: )
Definition
A summary-level project schedule that identifies the major deliverables and work breakdown structure components and key schedule milestones.
PMBOK
Matrix Organization
(Context: )
Definition
Any organizational structure in which the project manager shares responsibility with the functional managers for assigning priorities and for directing the work of persons assigned to the project.
PMBOK
Measured service
(Context: )
Definition
Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.
Message
(Context: )
Definition
A character string that contains data encoded according to a particular set of encoding rules. Encoding rules determine how (i.e. using what syntax) data elements are stored within messages.
Message Oriented Middleware (MOM)
(Context: )
Definition
Delivers messages from one software module to another. Modules do not have to execute on the same machine. Analogous to the US Mail. The mail is typically delivered when you’re at work; you pick it up at your convenience.
Message Transfer Agent (MTA)
(Context: )
Definition
The internal component of an e-mail delivery system, responsible for mail collection from and distribution to MUAs, and relay of mail between e-mail post offices. Also called e-mail server.
Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI)
(Context: )
Definition
A protocol used to write components that connect to different mail servers, provide access to custom address books, and provide rich storage facilities.
Messaging Standard
(Context: )
Definition
A standard to define the structure and content of messages that are exchanged between systems. A standard can be defined by an international or national Standards Development Organization (SDO), such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or by a particular agency, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Metadata (also Meta data)
(Context: )
Definition
Data about data that makes the process of finding and using data easier.
Methodology
(Context: )
Definition
The processes, policies, and guidelines that are included as part of the framework for project management.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
(Context: )
Definition
A network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area network (WAN). The term is applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into a single larger network (which may then also offer efficient connection to a wide area network). It is also used to mean the interconnection of several local area networks by bridging them with backbone lines. The latter usage is also sometimes referred to as a campus network.
Microservices Architecture
(Context: Software)
Definition
Microservices architecture: breaks down an application into smaller and separate parts, typically running distinctly (such as in separate run-times) from each other. Often, these smaller components are then integrated into sequences that comprise business level transactions.
Milestone
(Context: )
Definition
A significant point or event in the project.
PMBOK
Milestone Schedule
(Context: )
Definition
A summary-level schedule that identifies the major schedule milestones.
PMBOK
Mirroring
(Context: )
Definition
Writing the same data in two locations.
Mission Critical
(Context: General, Technology Management)
Definition
A business process or system that must function continuously for an agency to be successful, for which the impact of an outage is immediate and catastrophic to the agency's mission.
Mission-critical system consists of the IT solutions that support an agency or department mission-essential business function or back-office function (including infrastructure, people, resources, process and data) for the organization that must be continued throughout, or resumed rapidly after, a disruption of normal day to day activities. It also includes statutory business functions required by the law or mission of the department or agency.
A mission- critical system is also known as mission essential equipment or mission-critical application.
Mission Essential
(Context: )
Definition
Mission essential functions (MEFs) are the limited set of department or agency level government functions that must be continued throughout or resumed rapidly after a disruption of normal operations. Mission essential functions also include statutory business functions required by law or mission of the department or agency.
Mission Statement
(Context: )
Definition
A concise statement, usually one paragraph, summarizing the purpose and goals of a project.
Mitigate
(Context: )
Definition
Dealing with risk by developing strategies and actions for reducing (or eliminating) the impact, probability, or both, of the risk to some acceptable level. It may also involve shifting the timeframe when action must be taken.
(SEI)
Mitigation
(Context: )
Definition
Taking steps to lessen the risk by lowering the probability of a risk event’s occurrence or reducing its effect, should it occur.
Mitigation Approach
(Context: )
Definition
The approach is taken to deal with risk. This can be to accept, research, watch, or mitigate.
Mitigation Plan
(Context: )
Definition
An action plan for risks that are to be mitigated. It documents the strategies, actions, goals, schedule dates, tracking requirements, and all other supporting information needed to carry out the mitigation strategy.
Mobile
(Context: )
Definition
The ability to move around, it also refers to anything that can be moved around (or transported) and still function properly. It usually describes handheld devices, such as PDAs and cell phones (that is, mobile phones), but it can also refer to notebooks or other portable devices. ()
Mobile Application Management (MAM)
(Context: Software, Technology Management)
Definition
Software responsible for provisioning and controlling access to business apps used on smart devices, on both company-provided and BYOD mobile operating systems.
https://www.vita.virginia.gov/media/vitavirginiagov/it-governance/ea/pdf/EA-Smart-Device-Use.pdf
Mobile Asynchronous Communications (MASC) protocol
(Context: )
Definition
The standard form of communicating between a Mobitex wireless data subscriber device and the computing platform. MASC allows applications developed on the computing device to provide high levels of control and management of the wireless modem. The MASC protocol is used when developing highly efficient, commercial wireless application software.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
(Context: Software, Technology Management)
Definition
Software that allows IT administrators to control, secure and enforce policies on smart devices.
https://www.vita.virginia.gov/media/vitavirginiagov/it-governance/ea/pdf/Event-Log-Management.pdf
https://www.vita.virginia.gov/media/vitavirginiagov/it-governance/ea/pdf/EA-Smart-Device-Use.pdf
Mobile Threat Defense (MTD)
(Context: Security, Software)
Definition
Dynamic protection against cyber threats targeted against smart devices.
https://www.vita.virginia.gov/media/vitavirginiagov/it-governance/ea/pdf/Event-Log-Management.pdf
Mobitex
(Context: Hardware, Software)
Definition
Ericsson's Eritel subsidiary's cellular land-radio-based packet-switched data communication system. Used by RAM mobile data. The raw data transmission bit rate was originally 8,000 bits/s (using 512-byte packets) for all installations, which provides a user data throughput of about 2.4 to 5 kbits/s, but this has been upgraded to 19,200 bits/s in some larger cities. Usage charges are per kilobyte. More open that the competing Ardis system, since all specifications are developed by the Mobitex Operators Association. Was designed by L.M. Ericsson and Swedish Telecom. Uses 896 to 901 MHz and 935 to 940 MHz. Cantel offers the service in Canada. Available in about 11 countries, but different frequencies are used, so roaming is complicated. L.M. Ericsson server is Enabling the full value of connectivity - Ericsson | https://www.ericsson.com/en . (Taken from O’Reilly.)
Model
(Context: )
Definition
A representation of a set of components of a process, system, or subject area. A model is generally developed for understanding, analysis, improvement, and/or replacement of the process.
(GAO)
Monitor
(Context: )
Definition
Collect project performance data with respect to a plan, produce performance measures, and report and disseminate performance information.
PMBOK
Monitoring
(Context: )
Definition
Listening, viewing, or recording digital transmissions, electromagnetic radiation, sound, and visual signals.
Monte Carlo Analysis
(Context: )
Definition
A technique that computes, or iterates, the project cost or project schedule many times using input values selected at random from probability distributions of possible costs or durations, to calculate a distribution of possible total project cost or completion dates.
PMBOK
multi-station Access Unit (MAU)
(Context: )
Definition
A central hub in a Token Ring local area network. (Adapted from PCMag.com).
Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)
(Context: )
Definition
The use of multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver to improve communication performance
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
(Context: )
Definition
A routing technique in telecommunications networks that directs data from one node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, thus avoiding complex lookups in a routing table and speeding traffic flows. The labels identify virtual links (paths) between distant nodes rather than endpoints. MPLS can encapsulate packets of various network protocols, hence the "multiprotocol" reference on its name. MPLS supports a range of access technologies, including T1/E1, ATM, Frame Relay, and DSL.
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME)
(Context: )
Definition
An official Internet standard that specifies how messages must be formatted so that they can be exchanged between different email systems
Multisourcing Service Integrator
(Context: )
Definition
The Multisourcing Service Integrator or "MSI" will manage the entire Managed Environment and the various Service Tower Suppliers in their provision of services within the Managed Environment for the benefit of the Commonwealth, VITA, and Customers.