Comprehensive Glossary of Managed IT Services Terms
A
Always-on Monitoring
What is “Always-on Monitoring”?
Continuous real-time surveillance of IT systems.
Architecture
What is “Architecture”?
The structural design of systems, networks, and applications within Microsoft 365, ensuring they meet business requirements.
Asset and Lifecycle Management
What is “Asset and lifecycle management”?
It refers to the tracking and management of assets from procurement to disposal to ensure optimal use and compliance.
Azure Cloud
What is “Azure Cloud”?
Microsoft’s public cloud computing platform offering a range of services like computing, analytics, storage, and networking.
Azure Private Cloud
What is “Azure Private Cloud”?
Is a cloud computing service by Microsoft that provides dedicated, isolated cloud resources for a single organization, ensuring greater control, security, and customization compared to public cloud services.
Azure Virtual Desktop
What is “Azure Virtual Desktop”?
A cloud-based service that allows you to set up a scalable virtual desktop environment.
B
Backup and Disaster Recovery
What is “Backup and disaster recovery”?
This involves protecting data and systems from loss by creating backups and having plans to restore data after a disaster.
Business Continuity
What is “Business Continuity”?
Strategies and processes that ensure critical business functions continue during and after a disaster.
C
Cloud Agility
What is “Cloud agility”?
The ability to quickly adapt and scale cloud services to meet changing business needs.
Cloud Blueprint
What is “Cloud Blueprint”?
A detailed plan or architecture for deploying and managing cloud resources tailored to specific business needs.
Cloud Infrastructure
What is “Cloud Infrastructure”?
Is the hardware and software that supports cloud computing services, enabling data storage, processing, and access over the internet.
Cloud Migration
What is “Cloud Migration”?
The process of moving data, applications, or other business elements to a cloud computing environment.
Cloud-Native Service
What is “Cloud-Native Service”?
Applications and services designed to leverage cloud computing frameworks and environments.
Cloud Technology
What is “Cloud Technology”?
Refers to using computing resources like servers, storage, and software over the internet instead of locally. It offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency by providing on-demand access to IT resources without the need for extensive on-site infrastructure.
Colo
What is “Colo”?
Short for colocation, referring to the practice of housing privately-owned servers in a third-party data center.
Colocation Facilities
What is “Colocation Facilities”?
Data centers where businesses can rent space to house their servers and other computing hardware.
Compromised Systems
What is “Compromised Systems”?
Systems that have been infiltrated or taken over by unauthorized entities, often leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or system malfunctions.
Confidence-as-a-Service™
What is “Confidence-as-a-Service™”?
A trademarked term by Nexigen, it implies providing reliable and secure IT services that instill confidence in their customers.
Connect and Collaborate
What is “Connect and Collaborate”?
The integration and utilization of Microsoft 365 tools like Power Apps, Power BI, and Power Automate to enhance productivity and streamline business processes.
Continuous AI Oversight
What is “Continuous AI Oversight”?
Ongoing monitoring and updating of AI systems to ensure they adapt to new threats and maintain effective security measures.
Continuous Monitoring
What is “Continuous Monitoring”?
Ongoing observation of network activity to detect and respond to issues promptly.
Cyber Threats
What is “Cyber Threats”?
Are risks and attacks targeting computers, networks, and data, often involving malware, hacking, phishing, and other malicious activities.
Cyber Threat Landscape
What is “Cyber Threat Landscape”?
The current state of various cyber threats that organizations face, including types, tactics, and severity of attacks, as well as trends and emerging threats in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity
What is “Cybersecurity”?
Is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage. It involves measures like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection to safeguard against cyber threats and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
Cybersecurity Education
What is “Cybersecurity Education”?
Training programs for students and staff to increase awareness and best practices in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Posture
What is “Cybersecurity Posture”?
The overall state of an organization’s cybersecurity, including its readiness to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. This encompasses policies, procedures, technologies, and the effectiveness of implemented security measures.
D
Data Analytics
What is “Data Analytics”?
The process of examining data sets to draw conclusions and insights, often facilitated by cloud-based tools for processing large amounts of data.
Data Backup and Recovery
What is “Data Backup and Recovery”?
The process of creating copies of data to protect against loss and restoring the data after a failure or disaster.
Data Breach
What is “Data Breach”?
Refers to an incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential information is accessed, disclosed, or stolen by an unauthorized individual or entity. This can involve personal information like names, addresses, credit card numbers, or health records being compromised due to vulnerabilities in security systems or malicious activities.
Data Breach Prevention
What is “Data Breach Prevention”?
Strategies and technologies designed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Data Center Infrastructure
What is “Data Center Infrastructure”?
Refers to the hardware and software components that support data storage, processing, and management, including servers, storage devices, networking equipment, power supplies, and cooling systems.
Data Exfiltration
What is “Data Exfiltration”?
Is the unauthorized transfer of data from a computer or network to an external location.
Data-Driven Decisions
What is “Data-Driven Decisions”?
Refers to the practice of making choices based on data analysis and interpretation rather than intuition, personal experience, or anecdotal evidence. In short, it means using factual, quantitative data to guide strategic and operational business decisions. This approach aims to improve accuracy, efficiency, and outcomes by relying on measurable insights.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Filters
What is “Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Filters”?
Systems that monitor and control data flow to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
Digital Assets
What is “Digital Assets”?
Refers to any form of content or asset that exists in digital form and has economic value. Examples include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, digital art, online music, videos, ebooks, and even virtual real estate in digital environments.
Digital Classroom Security
What is “Digital Classroom Security”?
Protecting online learning environments from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Digital Forensics and Incident Response
What is “Digital Forensics and Incident Response”?
It refers to the process of investigating and analyzing digital incidents, such as cybersecurity breaches or digital crimes, to determine the cause, extent, and impact of the incident and to facilitate recovery and prevention measures.
Discovery Phase
What is “Discovery Phase”?
Initial evaluation of a business’s IT systems and needs.
Disaster Recovery
What is “Disaster Recovery”?
Implementing processes and technologies to recover and restore IT infrastructure and data following a disruptive event or disaster.
Disaster-Ready
What is “Disaster-Ready”?
Preparedness for unexpected disruptions to ensure business continuity.
E
Efficient Management
What is “Efficient Management”?
Simplified and effective network management processes to enhance productivity.
End-to-End Encryption
What is “End-to-End Encryption”?
Encrypting data at all points during its transmission to ensure it remains secure and unreadable to unauthorized users.
End-to-End Environmental Cleanup
What is “End-to-End Environmental Cleanup”?
Thorough eradication of threats to strengthen systems against future attacks.
End-to-End Protection
What is “End-to-End Protection”?
Typically refers to a security or privacy concept where data or communication is safeguarded throughout its entire journey, from sender to receiver, without being accessible or readable by unauthorized parties.
End-User Adoption
What is “End-User Adoption”?
Refers to the process and extent to which users within an organization accept and integrate a new technology, system, or software into their daily workflows and routines. It measures how effectively and enthusiastically users utilize and benefit from the technology in achieving their tasks and goals.
Enhanced Performance
What is “Enhanced Performance”?
Improved network speed and efficiency, especially for critical applications.
Enterprise Technology Accelerator
What is “Enterprise Technology Accelerator”?
A program designed to help businesses rapidly integrate and scale AI solutions through collaboration with leading experts and technologies.
Ethical and Transparent AI
What is “Ethical and Transparent AI”?
AI systems designed with a commitment to fairness, accountability, and clarity in their operations.
F
FIPS Encryption
What is “FIPS Encryption”?
Federal Information Processing Standard for cryptographic algorithms and methods.
Flawless Collaboration
What is “Flawless Collaboration”?
The seamless integration and interaction of tools and teams to enhance communication and efficiency.
Forensic Analysis
What is “Forensic Analysis”?
The process of examining systems to detect, document, and understand security incidents and breaches.
Forensic Data Analysis
What is “Forensic Data Analysis”?
The process of collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence for legal purposes.
Fortified Security
What is “Fortified Security”?
Enhanced protection measures to safeguard data and infrastructure.
Full Equipment Lifecycle Management
What is “Full Equipment Lifecycle Management”?
Managing the entire lifecycle of IT equipment, from acquisition through maintenance to disposal.
G
Governance
What is “Governance”?
The framework of rules and practices that ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency in an organization’s relationship with its stakeholders.
H
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
What is “HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)”?
Legislation ensuring data privacy and security protections for medical information in the United States.
Hybrid Cloud
What is “Hybrid Cloud”?
A cloud computing environment that combines private cloud resources with public cloud services, allowing data and applications to move between them as needed.
I
Impregnable Security
What is “Impregnable Security”?
Highly robust security measures that prevent unauthorized access and protect data integrity.
Incident Response
What is “Incident Response”?
Actions taken to manage and resolve security breaches.
Insider Threats
What is “Insider Threats”?
Security risks that originate from within the organization, typically involving employees, former employees, or business associates who have access to sensitive data and may misuse it.
Intrusion Detection
What is “Intrusion Detection”?
Systems and methods for identifying unauthorized access to a network.
IoT (Internet of Things)
What is “IoT (Internet of Things)”?
A network of physical devices connected to the internet, allowing them to collect and exchange data.
IT Architecture
What is “IT Architecture”?
Refers to the design and structure of an organization’s information technology systems and infrastructure. It involves planning and implementing hardware, software, networks, and data management practices to ensure efficient, secure, and scalable operations that align with business goals.
ISO27001-Certified
What is “ISO27001-Certified”?
Certification indicating that a data center adheres to international standards for information security management.
J
K
L
Low-Latency Connections
What is “Low-Latency Connections”?
High-speed connections that minimize delay in data transmission, crucial for performance-sensitive applications.
M
Machine Learning
What is “Machine Learning”?
Is a subset of artificial intelligence where computer systems learn and improve from experience and data without being explicitly programmed.
Managed EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
What is “Managed EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)”?
A service that continuously monitors and responds to potential cyber threats on endpoints like computers and mobile devices.
Microsoft 365 Integration and Support
What is “Microsoft 365 Integration and Support”?
The process of integrating Microsoft 365 applications with existing systems and providing ongoing support.
Microsoft Azure Architecture and Security
What is “Microsoft Azure Architecture and Security”?
Designing and implementing secure solutions using Microsoft Azure cloud services.
Multi-Cloud Strategy
What is “Multi-cloud strategy”?
Utilizing multiple cloud computing and storage services in a single heterogeneous architecture to reduce risk and increase performance.
Multi-Layered Defense Strategy
What is “Multi-Layered Defense Strategy”?
An approach to security that involves multiple levels of protection, including technical defenses and trained personnel, to create a comprehensive security posture.
N
Network Infrastructures
What is “Network Infrastructures”?
Is crucial for organizations of all sizes and types, enabling them to communicate internally and externally, access resources, and support business operations effectively. It serves as the backbone of modern digital communication and information exchange.
Network Operations Center (NOC)
What is “Network Operations Center (NOC)”?
A centralized facility where IT professionals monitor and manage the performance and security of networks.
Network Operations Services
What is “Network Operations Services”?
Continuous monitoring and management of network performance to ensure optimal operation.
Network Pen Test
What is “Network Pen Test”?
Simulates cyber-attacks on a network to identify vulnerabilities. It assesses how well a system can withstand real-world threats by trying to exploit weaknesses.
Network Performance
What is “Network Performance”?
Refers to the efficiency and effectiveness with which data is transferred and processed across a computer network. It encompasses several key metrics and factors that determine how well a network functions and serves its users.
NIST Standards
What is “NIST Standards”?
Guidelines set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to improve the security and resilience of information systems.
NVME (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
What is “NVME (Non-Volatile Memory Express)”?
High-performance, non-volatile storage technology.
O
Office 365 Transition
What is “Office 365 Transition”?
The process of moving from an on-premises environment or other cloud services to Office 365, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption.
P
Paradigm Shift
What is “Paradigm Shift”?
Refers to a fundamental change in the way something is understood, perceived, or approached. It typically involves a significant departure from established beliefs, practices, or methods, often leading to a new perspective or framework for understanding and addressing issues.
Pay-for-What-You-Use Model
What is “Pay-for-What-You-Use Model”?
A pricing strategy where customers only pay for the IT services they actually use.
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
What is “PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)”?
Security standards designed to protect cardholder data for companies that handle credit card transactions.
Penetration Testing
What is “Penetration Testing”?
Simulated cyberattacks on systems to test their defenses and identify vulnerabilities.
Performance Perfection
What is “Performance Perfection”?
Optimization of systems for peak efficiency.
Personalized IT Roadmap
What is “Personalized IT Roadmap”?
A customized plan that outlines the specific steps and strategies an organization will follow to achieve its IT and security goals.
Phishing
What is “Phishing”?
Deceptive technique to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.
Phishing Attacks
What is “Phishing Attacks”?
Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information (such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details) by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications, typically through email.
Phishing Simulation
What is “Phishing Simulation”?
Controlled and simulated phishing attacks used to train employees on how to recognize and avoid real phishing attempts.
Power Apps
What is “Power Apps”?
A suite of apps, services, connectors, and a data platform that provides a rapid application development environment to build custom apps for business needs.
Private Cloud
What is “Private Cloud”?
A cloud computing model that offers dedicated and secure resources (like servers and storage) exclusively for one organization, providing greater control and privacy compared to public clouds.
Proactive Monitoring
What is “Proactive Monitoring”?
The practice of continuously checking IT systems to detect and resolve issues before they become significant problems.
Proactive Threat Detection
What is “Proactive Threat Detection”?
Means actively identifying and addressing potential security threats before they cause harm.
Proactive Threat Intelligence
What is “Proactive Threat Intelligence”?
Identifying and mitigating risks before they impact operations through advanced threat detection solutions.
Q
R
Ransomware
What is “Ransomware”?
Malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a sum of money is paid.
Ransomware Attack
What is “Ransomware Attack”?
Quickly detecting, containing, and eradicating cyber threats to minimize downtime.
Rapid Incident Response
What is “Rapid Incident Response”?
A network of physical devices connected to the internet, allowing them to collect and exchange data.
RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access)
What is “RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access)”?
Technology that allows computers in a network to exchange data in main memory without involving the processor.
Real-Time Behavioral Insights
What is “Real-Time Behavioral Insights”?
Analysis of user actions in real-time to identify and mitigate security risks.
Real-Time Threat Detection
What is “Real-Time Threat Detection”?
The immediate identification of cyber threats as they occur, allowing for swift response and mitigation.
Redundancy
What is “Redundancy”?
What is “Redundancy”?
Regulatory Compliance
What is “Regulatory Compliance”?
Adhering to legal standards and regulations such as HIPAA to ensure the protection of patient data and privacy.
Reliable Connectivity
What is “Reliable Connectivity”?
Consistent and dependable network connections that support business operations.
Risk Assessment
What is “Risk Assessment”?
The process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing risks to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events.
Risk Management
What is “Risk Management”?
The process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events.
Risk Mitigation
What is “Risk Mitigation”?
Strategies and tools to minimize potential risks and vulnerabilities in AI deployments.
Robust DLP Filters
What is “Robust DLP Filters”?
Data Loss Prevention systems that monitor and control data flow to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
Robust Security
What is “Robust Security”?
Comprehensive and resilient security measures designed to protect against various threats.
S
SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)
What is “SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)”?
A software distribution model where applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet.
SaaS-Centric Infrastructures
What is “SaaS-Centric Infrastructures”?
Refers to IT environments specifically designed to support Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, focusing on scalability, reliability, and efficient delivery of software over the internet.
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)
What is “SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)”?
A network architecture that combines WAN capabilities with comprehensive security functions, delivered as a cloud service.
Scalability
What is “Scalability”?
The capacity to be changed in size or scale.
Security Audits
What is “Security Audits”?
A thorough review of an organization’s security policies, configurations, access controls, and overall security posture to identify weaknesses and recommend improvements.
Security-Centric Mindset
What is “Security-Centric Mindset”?
An approach where security awareness and practices are ingrained in employees’ daily routines and thinking.
Security Operations Center (SOC)
What is “Security Operations Center (SOC)”?
A centralized unit that monitors and manages an organization’s security posture.
Security Posture
What is “Security Posture”?
The overall security status of an organization’s software, networks, services, and information.
Security Protocol Enhancement
What is “Security Protocol Enhancement”?
Improving existing security measures to protect against advanced threats.
Service Level Agreement (SLAs)
What is “Service Level Agreement (SLAs)”?
Is a contract between a service provider and a customer that defines the types and standards of services to be offered. It outlines specific aspects of the service, including quality, availability, and responsibilities.
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
What is “SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)”?
Software tools and services that provide real-time analysis of security alerts generated by applications and network hardware.
Smart AI Recommendations
What is “Smart AI Recommendations”?
Artificial intelligence-driven suggestions for optimizing security measures based on continuous assessments.
Social Engineering
What is “Social Engineering”?
Techniques used to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. Methods include phishing (email, phone, and spear phishing), USB drops, and credential harvesting to test staff awareness and response to deceptive tactics.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
What is “Software as a Service (SaaS)”?
A software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet.
Streamlined Management
What is “Streamlined Management”?
Simplified administration and oversight of network operations to reduce complexity.
T
Tech Stack
What is “Tech Stack”?
The combination of technologies used to build and run an application or project.
Telehealth Security
What is “Telehealth Security”?
Measures to secure virtual healthcare services, protecting both the communication and the sensitive information exchanged during telehealth sessions.
Third-Party Patching
What is “Third-Party Patching”?
Applying security updates to software developed by other companies to protect against vulnerabilities.
Threat Detection
What is “Threat Detection”?
Using sophisticated technologies to identify and respond to security threats in real-time.
Transaction Security
What is “Transaction Security”?
Measures and protocols to protect financial transactions from fraud and cyber threats, including encryption and fraud detection systems.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
What is “Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)”?
A security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity, enhancing protection.
U
Unified Interface
What is “Unified Interface”?
A single platform that integrates various IT services, providing a cohesive user experience.
User Security Awareness Training
What is “User Security Awareness Training”?
Comprehensive training programs designed to educate employees on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices for protecting sensitive information.
V
Vulnerability Assessment
What is “Vulnerability Assessment”?
Process of identifying and prioritizing security vulnerabilities in systems or networks.
W
Whitelist and Blacklist
What is “Whitelist and Blacklist”?
Security practices that allow (whitelist) or block (blacklist) specific applications or websites from accessing a network.
X
Y
Z
Zero Trust Model
What is “Zero Trust Model”?
A security framework that requires all users, both inside and outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated and authorized before accessing resources.
Zero Trust Network
What is “Zero Trust Network”?
A security model that requires all users, whether inside or outside the network, to be authenticated and continuously validated before being granted access.
Zero-Trust Endpoint Security
What is “Zero-Trust Endpoint Security”?
A security model that assumes no device is trustworthy and continuously verifies the security of devices within the network.
Social Data
What is “Social Data”?
Information collected from social media platforms and online interactions. It includes user behaviors, preferences, opinions, and engagement patterns, which businesses analyze for insights and decision-making.