IT glossary: terms and abbreviations explained
IT is full of jargon. Here are the terms and abbreviations you’ll hear most, explained in plain English, one or two sentences each.
A
AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract)
SupportA fixed-fee contract where a provider maintains and repairs your equipment for a set period.
API (Application Programming Interface)
AppsA way for two pieces of software to talk to each other and share data automatically.
B
Backup
Cloud & HostingA copy of your data stored separately so it can be restored if the original is lost or damaged.
Bandwidth
NetworkingHow much data your internet or network connection can carry at once.
BCP (Business Continuity Plan)
SecurityA plan for keeping your business running during and after a disruption.
C
Cloud hosting
Cloud & HostingRunning websites or apps on a network of servers you rent, instead of one physical machine you own.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
ERP & BusinessSoftware that tracks customers, leads and sales activity.
D
DLP (Data Loss Prevention)
SecurityTools and rules that stop sensitive data from leaving your company by mistake or on purpose.
DNS (Domain Name System)
NetworkingThe internet’s address book: it turns names like itzoneg.com into server addresses.
DR (Disaster Recovery)
SecurityHow you restore systems and data after a major failure, attack or disaster.
E
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
SecuritySecurity software on laptops and servers that spots and stops attacks, not just known viruses.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
ERP & BusinessSoftware that runs accounting, inventory, sales, purchasing and HR in one system.
F
Firewall
SecurityA device or software that controls which traffic can enter or leave your network.
H
Helpdesk
SupportThe team or system your staff contact when they need IT help.
Hybrid cloud
Cloud & HostingA mix of your own servers and public cloud services working together.
L
LAN (Local Area Network)
NetworkingThe network connecting devices within one building or office.
M
MDR (Managed Detection and Response)
SecurityA service where security experts monitor and respond to threats for you, 24/7.
MSP (Managed Service Provider)
SupportA company that manages your IT for a regular fee.
N
NAS (Network Attached Storage)
NetworkingA storage device on your network that everyone in the office can save files to.
P
Penetration testing
SecurityAuthorised, simulated hacking to find weaknesses before real attackers do.
Phishing
SecurityFake emails or messages that trick people into clicking links or giving away passwords.
POS (Point of Sale)
ERP & BusinessThe system shops and restaurants use to take payments and record sales.
R
Ransomware
SecurityMalware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them.
RPO / RTO
SecurityRPO is how much data you can afford to lose (in time); RTO is how quickly you must be back up.
S
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Cloud & HostingSoftware you use online by subscription instead of installing it, like Microsoft 365.
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)
SecurityNetworking and security delivered from the cloud, so users connect safely from anywhere.
SLA (Service Level Agreement)
SupportThe written promise of response and fix times in your support contract.
SOC (Security Operations Centre)
SecurityA team that monitors your systems for attacks around the clock.
SSL certificate
Cloud & HostingWhat makes a website secure (https and the padlock icon).
Structured cabling
NetworkingAn organised, standards-based cabling system for an office’s data and phone network.
U
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
NetworkingA battery unit that keeps equipment running briefly during a power cut.
V
Virtualization
Cloud & HostingRunning several virtual servers on one physical server to save cost and space.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
NetworkingAn encrypted connection that lets staff reach company systems safely from outside the office.
VPS (Virtual Private Server)
Cloud & HostingA private section of a server with its own resources, cheaper than a dedicated server.
W
WAN (Wide Area Network)
NetworkingA network connecting offices in different locations.
WPS (Wage Protection System)
ERP & BusinessThe Egyptian system for paying employee salaries through approved channels.
Z
Zero trust
SecurityA security approach that never trusts a user or device by default, even inside the office.