Technology terms without vendor fog
Use this glossary when a proposal, contract, setup screen, or support note uses a term that sounds familiar but may have practical consequences.
Apia way for one software system to exchange information with another systemCdna network that helps deliver website files from locations closer to visitorsDkiman email authentication method that uses a digital signatureDmarca domain policy that helps protect email from spoofingDnsthe system that points a domain name to websites, email, and other servicesMfaan extra sign-in step beyond a password, often using an app, key, or codePci Dsssecurity standards for organizations that handle card payment informationPiiinformation that can identify a person, such as a name, email, phone number, or IDRfpa request for proposal used to ask vendors for comparable informationSlaa service commitment that describes availability, support, or response expectationsSoc 2a report framework often used to describe controls at a service organizationSpfa domain email record that helps receiving servers identify authorized sendersSsosingle sign-on, a way to use one identity system across several applicationsAccess Controlrules that decide who can view, edit, approve, or administer a systemAdmin Accountan account with broad control over settings, users, billing, or securityAdmin Recoverythe process for regaining access when an owner leaves or an account is lockedAudit Loga record of sign-ins, changes, exports, deletions, and other account activityBackupa copy of important files or systems kept for recovery after loss or damageBusiness Continuitythe plan for keeping work moving during outages, staff changes, or vendor issuesChange Managementthe process for planning, testing, approving, and documenting changesChargebacka payment dispute that can reverse a card transaction after a customer complaintCloud Storagefile storage hosted by an outside provider and accessed through the internetConsent Managementthe process for collecting, recording, and honoring customer preferencesCustomer Data Platforma system that organizes customer information from several tools into a shared viewData Controlleran organization that decides why and how personal information is usedData Exporta file or feed that lets a customer take records out of a systemData Mappingmatching fields from one system to fields in another systemData Processora vendor that handles personal information on behalf of another organizationData Retentionthe rule for how long records are kept and when they should be removedDeliverabilitythe ability of messages to reach inboxes instead of being filtered or rejectedDomain Registrarthe company where a domain name is registered and renewedDuplicate Recordsmultiple entries that describe the same customer, vendor, or transactionE-Signaturea tool or process used to sign documents electronicallyEncryptiona method of protecting information so it is harder to read without permissionEndpointa laptop, phone, tablet, or other device that connects to company systemsIdentity Providera system that manages sign-in, user identity, and account accessImplementation Feea setup cost for configuring, migrating, or launching a systemIncident Responsethe steps a team takes after a security, payment, website, or data problemIntegrationa connection between two systems so they can exchange or update informationKnowledge Basea library of answers, procedures, and internal notes for staff or customersLeast Privilegethe practice of giving each person only the access needed for their workMigrationthe process of moving data, users, settings, or workflows from one system to anotherObject Storagecloud storage designed for files such as images, backups, documents, and archivesOnboardingthe steps for setting up a new staff member, vendor, or customerPhishinga message designed to trick someone into sharing credentials or making a harmful actionRecovery Point Objectivehow much data a business can afford to lose after a problemRecovery Time Objectivehow long a business can afford to wait before service is restoredRetention Settinga system setting that controls how long records are keptRole-Based Accesspermissions assigned by job role instead of one person at a timeSandboxa safer testing environment separated from the live business systemSeat Licensea software price model based on the number of usersShared Inboxan email inbox used by more than one person to handle requestsSource Of Recordthe system a team treats as the primary place for a specific type of recordSupport Escalationthe path for moving an issue to a more skilled or authorized support teamTwo-Person Reviewa process where sensitive actions need a second staff checkUptimethe amount of time a service is available and working as expectedUsage-Based Pricinga price model based on volume, messages, storage, transactions, or other measured useVendor Lock-Inthe difficulty or cost of moving away from a provider laterWebhooka message sent automatically from one system to another when an event happensWorkflow Automationa rule that moves work forward after a trigger or conditionZero Trustan access model that verifies users, devices, and context before allowing access
Sources to verify details
Use official agencies, provider contracts, security documentation, and written vendor responses before making a purchase decision.