Glossary of digital terms
Learn common technology and digital terms to navigate today’s digital landscape with confidence.
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A
Agile
A project management approach that focuses on flexibility, collaboration and delivering value in small, manageable steps.
Application Programming Interface (API)
A set of code that lets programs talk to each other and share information. They work by following specific rules so one program can request data or actions from another.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Technology that performs tasks normally requiring human intelligence. Examples include chatbots, language translation tools and facial recognition technologies.
Assistive technology
Tools and devices that help disabled people perform everyday tasks more easily. Examples include screen reading software, closed captioning and text-to-speech systems.
Automation technology
Machines and software that perform tasks automatically, with little to no human intervention. Examples include automated meeting reminders, data syncs and inventory trackers.
B
Backend
The part of a website or application that works behind the scenes to store and process data. It’s not visible to users.
C
Cloud
An environment that stores data and runs applications in connected data centres that are run by third-party companies. Users are then able to access them over the internet.
Cloud computing model
How cloud resources are delivered and managed. The 3 main cloud computing models are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).
Cloud environment
A virtual space where servers, storage and applications are accessed through the internet or a private network.
Cloud-native
Applications or services that are specifically developed to run in a cloud environment.
Cloud service provider (CSP)
A third-party company that offers digital tools and storage over the internet.
Cluster
A group of computers that are linked together to work like one powerful system. They handle large tasks by splitting the work across several computers.
Computing environment
The combination of hardware, software and network resources needed to run and manage an application or service. This setup forms the workspace where computing operations happen.
Container
A software package containing everything an application needs to run. This includes the code, system tools and libraries.
Content design
A discipline that uses evidence and data to plan and organize information. It involves making strategic choices on language and structure to help guide users through complex information in an intuitive way.
Cybersecurity
The practice of protecting computers, networks and data from attacks, theft or damage.
D
Design thinking
A problem-solving approach focused on users’ needs to create practical, innovative solutions.
Digital trust
Universally, “digital trust” refers to the confidence users have in a website, application or service to handle their information safely. In the B.C. government context, the term also means providing secure, private ways for people and organizations to share and communicate online.
Disaster recovery (DR)
The process of recovering data and systems after a digital issue, such as unauthorized access.
E
Elasticity
The ability of a system to automatically expand or decrease resources based on demand.
Enterprise application
Software that’s intended to support large-scale use across an organization.
F
Firewall
A network security device that prevents unauthorized access to a network.
Frontend
The visible part of a website or application users interact with. It’s responsible for the total look and feel of an online experience.
G
Gateway
A digital entrance that connects different networks or systems. It lets information pass between them securely and accurately.
H
Hardware
The physical parts of a computer. For example, monitors, keyboards and hard drives.
High availability
A system’s ability to make sure applications remain accessible, even during issues or maintenance.
Hybrid model
A computing environment that combines different hosting services to store an organization’s data and applications.
I
Infrastructure
The physical and digital resources that make technology work. It includes the servers, networks, storage and other resources needed for websites and applications to work properly.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
A type of cloud computing model that rents basic computing services like storage, networking and processing power. Users are able to access servers, virtual machines and networks, without needing to buy or maintain the physical hardware themselves.
L
Load balancing
The process of distributing work across multiple servers to prevent overloading any single one. This helps websites and applications be fast and reliable.
Low-code/no-code
Tools and platforms that let people build applications with minimal or no coding skills. They use visual elements, like drag-and-drop features, to simplify development.
M
Machine learning
Systems that learn from data and get better over time by adjusting how they work. They use set goals to measure success and adapt without direct instructions. These models are common in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve performance.
Multi-cloud
The practice of using the services of multiple cloud providers. This approach increases flexibility and helps reduce the risk of depending on a single vendor.
Multi-tenant
Multiple users (also known as “tenants”) share the same resources in a software application or cloud service.
N
Network
A group of connected computers that share information. For example, an office network that allows all employees to access the same files.
O
Open source
Any program whose source code is made available for use or modification.
P
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
A type of cloud computing model that rents basic computing services and a development environment. Users create and deploy applications, without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure, like servers, storage and networks.
Processing power
How well a computer can work with data.
R
Remote server
A computer that’s accessible over the internet, rather than being physically located in the same place as the user. It helps users store, manage and access information from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection.
S
Scalability
The ability of a system to grow as demand increases.
Scrum
An Agile project management framework that manages work in short cycles, called sprints, to quickly deliver and improve projects.
Security tools
Programs that protect systems and data from cyber threats. For example, firewalls and antivirus software.
Server
A powerful computer that stores, processes and delivers resources to other computers over a network.
Service delivery
The process of providing a service to users.
Service design
A discipline that plans how services work from start to finish. It considers and designs every digital and physical step a user takes to make sure their experience is seamless.
Software
A set of coded instructions that tells a computer what to do. It includes operating systems, applications and programs that help users complete tasks.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
A type of cloud computing model that rents ready-to-use software applications. Users access software through the internet, without installing, managing or updating it on their own devices.
Software Defined Network (SDN)
Technology that uses software to control and manage network resources.
U
User
A person who interacts with a product, service or tool.
User experience (UX)
How easy, helpful and enjoyable a product, service or tool is to use.
User experience (UX) design
A discipline that focuses on creating digital products that are easy and enjoyable to use. It involves researching, testing and designing every element a user interacts with to ensure it meets their needs.
V
Vendor lock-in
When an organization depends too heavily on one vendor’s services that switching to a different one becomes too expensive or hard.
Virtual machine (VM)
A virtual computer that uses software to mimic a physical computer. It exists as code within a physical computer, but does not directly use the hardware itself.