Glossary Archive

A session/user authentication process that permits a user to enter one name and password in order to access multiple applications.

An architecture in which a single instance of a software application and supporting infrastructure serves one customer. In a single-tenancy architecture, the tenant purchases their own copy of the software and the software can be customized to meet the specific and needs of that customer.

A best practice framework for setting goals. A SMART goal should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound.

Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, automatically enforcing the agreed-upon conditions and actions.

The use of smart meters to measure and monitor energy consumption, and the exchange of data between energy providers and consumers.

A term used to describe a variety of Web-based platforms, applications and technologies that enable people to socially interact with one another online.

Online communities of people who share interests and/or activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are examples of social networking communities.

A method of talent acquisition where recruiters source job candidates and/or publicize open positions via social media.

A model for the distribution of software where customers access software over the Internet. In SaaS, a service provider hosts the application at its data center and a customer accesses it via a standard Web browser. Three characteristics that apply to most SaaS vendors are: updates are applied automatically without customer intervention, the service is purchased on a subscription basis and no hardware is required to be installed by the customer.

An arrangement that provides protection to the business should the software provider go out of business or discontinue support and/or maintenance for the licensed software. In the event of such an occurrence, the licensee gets the source code of the software. This may be more important in a SaaS or cloud environment where, if the software vendor goes out of business, the data may be lost as well.