Glossary
Application
Also, app, application program, program, system
The term application is a shorter form of application program. An application program is a program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program. Examples of applications include word processors, database programs, Web browsers, development tools, drawing, paint, image editing programs, and email programs.
Application Development
The process of analysing, designing and building an application to suit a business' needs.
Brochure Site
A brochure site is a website made up of only a few pages, which gives customers some general information about your business. It's a great place to start, but does not allow more than basic customer interaction.
Browser
A browser is an application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.
Content Management System (CMS)
A content management system (CMS) is a system used to manage the content of a web site. A CMS allows the content manager or author to manage the creation, modification, and removal of content from a Web site without needing the expertise of a Webmaster.
Business Processes
When we talk about business processes, we are talking about the various systems employed by a business to make it run efficiently. For example, the way an organisation manages new leads is a process. At Eduka, our new leads are entered into our Virtual Office as a "Prospective Client" and an internal account manager is assigned to them. We then assign internal resources who will be dealing with the project and also insert the contact details for one or more contacts within the organisation. Once the project is won, the client becomes a "Current Client". Our central processes all occur online through our Virtual Office.
CRM
Acronym for "Customer Relationship Management".
In web terms, this means a way of connecting to your customers and servicing their requests using online methods. For example, you may allow your customers to submit queries, sign-up (or "opt-in") for regular newsletters, pay their bills online and so on.
Customisation
Many of eduka's Solutions are based on one of our existing frameworks which we then modify to suit our clients' specific requirements. This means that we don't have to start from scratch every time we build a solution that is similar to one we have built in the past, while at the same time ensuring that the end product is one that suits your requirements exactly.
Data Mining
Data mining is sorting through data to identify patterns and establish relationships. Used as a customer relationship management (CRM) tool, it can take advantage of the huge amount of information gathered by a Web site to look for patterns in user/customer behaviour. The results are used to understand customer behaviour, evaluate the effectiveness of a particular Web site, and help quantify the success of a marketing campaign.
Data Warehousing
A data warehouse is a central repository (or 'storehouse') for data that an enterprise's various business systems collect. Data from various online applications and other sources is selectively extracted and organised in the data warehouse for useful analysis and access.
Directory
- On the World Wide Web, a directory is a subject guide, typically organized by major topics and subtopics. A well-known directory is the one at Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.com/). Many other sites now use a Yahoo-like directory including major portal sites.
- In computer file systems, a directory is a named group of related files that are separated by the naming convention from other groups of files.
- In computer networks, a directory is a collection of users, user passwords, and, usually, information about what network resources they can access.
DNS
The domain name system (DNS) is the way that Internet domain names are located and translated into addresses. A domain name is a meaningful and easy-to-remember "nickname" for an Internet address.
Domains & Domain name pointing
A domain name is the address (or URL) that people type in to get to your website or use to send you e-mail. For example, our domain name is eduka.com.
Domain name pointing (some call it nameserver setup) gives you a unique address, a bit like finding your business using your physical address. It tells a visitor where your website is and lets the "postman" know how to get (e)mail to you!
e-Business
E-business (electronic business), derived from such terms as "e-mail" and "e-commerce," is the conduct of business on the Internet, not only buying and selling but also servicing customers and collaborating with business partners. Eduka specialises in consulting to organisations on ways of exploiting the convenience, availability, and world-wide reach of the Internet.
e-Commerce
E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet.
Email Pointing
Eduka can help you to understand the confusion of making sure your emails arrive where they are supposed to! We can also set you up with e-mail servers to get webmail or POP3 access.
Hosting
Hosting is very much like leasing premises. You pay a rental and some outgoings, in return you get security, availability and monitoring of website traffic.
Interface
To "interface" means to communicate with another person or object. In IT, an interface is a way of allowing a user (or a program) to interact with information. For example, a web site is a "user interface" that allows people to access information about your organisation.
RUP
The Rational Unified Process (RUP) is a software engineering process. It provides a disciplined approach to assigning tasks and responsibilities within a development organisation. Its goal is to ensure the production of high-quality software that meets the needs of its end users within a predictable schedule and budget. All of the projects developed at Eduka are developed using this process.
Scalable
A scalable solution is a solution that will be able to grow with your organisation with minimal effort. Eduka always ensures that we build solutions which will stand the test of time – rather than starting from scratch every time something in your business changes.
Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management (SCM) is the control of materials, information, and finances as they move in a process from supplier to manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer. Supply chain management involves coordinating and integrating these flows both within and among companies. The ultimate goal of any effective supply chain management system is to reduce inventory (with the assumption that products are available when needed).
Systems Integration
Systems Integration is the process of bringing data or a function from one system together with that of another. Where these systems already exist, the process is sometimes realised by using middleware, either packaged by a vendor or written on a custom basis. A common challenge for an enterprise is to integrate an existing (or legacy) system with a new system, or with a system used by another company.
Web centric office
The term "web centric office" refers to any business or organisation that takes full advantage of the web to simplify and reduce the cost of its processes.