Glossary

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A-E

Access phase

The first stage of the e-business adoption cycle. In this phase, the Internet transformed business communication. E-mail replaced snail mail. Simple database queries—like checking a bank account balance or flight arrival information—superseded telephone calls and standing in lines. All that businesses needed to compete at this stage was a browser, Internet access and a simple Web site. This would change in stage two, the integration phase.

Architecture

Definition of the structure of IT solutions to business problems

Autonomic

Like the body's autonomic nervous system, acting automatically or involuntarily, as by reflex. The same way we take for granted our body's management of breathing, digestion and the immune system, we will one day take for granted the ability of autonomic computing systems to manage, repair and protect themselves.

Autonomic computing

One of the four characteristics of the on demand operating environment. Computing systems will rapidly become too complex for humans to manage effectively—or to configure, manage, secure, optimize or repair. The solution? Technology that manages itself with a minimum of human involvement—similar to our own autonomic nervous system.

Business advantage

A business advantage allows a company to move faster and travel farther than the competition in pursuit of its business goals.

Business analytics

One of the five focus areas of Grid computing, Business analytics enables faster and more comprehensive business planning through the sharing of data and computing resources.

Business intelligence

Consolidates and analyzes raw business data and turns it into conclusive, actionable information. Enables companies to tap into disparate sources of customer, operational and market data—and then use this information to gain a competitive edge. It provides companies with the intelligence needed to spot trends, enhance relationships, reduce financial risk and create new sales opportunities.

Business integration

Strategies and technologies to link people, processes and applications for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Business-to-Business (B2B, B-to-B)

Business-to-business electronic commerce covers a broad range of business activities. For example, B2B systems exchange business documents, such as purchase orders and invoices, between partners in a supply chain. They implement a virtual marketplace (e-marketplaces or exchanges) wherein a single large manufacturer can consolidate the purchase of the goods that it sells in its stores. Marketplaces can also become trading marts or exchanges—either for commodity products, or for the range of products of a given type or industry segment. B2B systems also automate the purchase of goods that support a business's maintenance, repair and operation (MRO).

Business transformation

The evolution of a company's processes and systems to become more efficient, effective and competitive.

Collaborate, collaboration

Collaboration software—like that offered by Lotus—increases human productivity, bringing people together with messaging, calendaring, scheduling and other applications.

Content management

Content management solutions control and integrate all forms of information—from images, documents and e-mail to Web pages, audio, video and more. As organizations strive for operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in an increasingly on demand environment, content management technology becomes critical in solving business problems and gaining the competitive advantage.

Customer relationship management (CRM)

Customer relationship management (CRM) strategies allow for the structuring of an entire enterprise around consumer wants and needs. CRM systems typically use technology and processes to get a more complete understanding of the customer, and to more rapidly deliver products and services around that understanding.

Data mining

Data mining applies advanced algorithms to uncover trends and patterns in data that remain hidden to traditional analysis. Information for data mining is usually drawn from a data warehouse.

Data warehouse

A massive collection of raw data. Data mining is typically done on this collection to extract meaningful information.

Deep computing

Ultrafast computing that is combined with sophisticated software to enable organizations to analyze, find patterns in and take action on the data that they have gathered.

Dynamic workplaces

Online collaborative environments that provide flexibility and security for long-distance learning, meetings and more. Lotus Web conferencing offers a broad set of intranet-based collaborative technologies such as eHR, e-meetings, e-learning and instant messaging that can help companies reduce costs and make employees more nimble.

e-business

The process of using Web technology to help businesses streamline processes, improve productivity and increase efficiencies. Enables companies to easily communicate with partners, vendors and customers, connect back-end data systems and transact commerce in a secure manner.

e-business adoption cycle

The three-stage evolution of e-business, which has led to today's on demand world. The three stages of this cycle are the access phase, the integration phase and the e-business on demand phase.

e-commerce

The ability to buy and sell products and services over the Internet. Includes online display of goods and services, ordering, billing, customer service and all handling of payments and transactions.

e-marketplace

Business communities are beginning to form e-marketplaces, enabling them to automate and leverage transactions with one another as a community. By bringing together large numbers of buyers and sellers, e-marketplaces give sellers access to new customers, expand the choices available to buyers and reduce transaction costs.

Engineering and design

One of the five focus areas of Grid computing, Engineering and design solutions allow companies to share data and computing power for calculation-intensive engineering and scientific applications, as well as to accelerate product design.

Enterprise optimization

One of the five focus areas of Grid computing, Enterprise optimization allows companies to get the most from their computing and data assets in order to improve utilization, efficiency and business opportunity.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP)

Integrates processes and information across a company to accelerate customer service and deliver products faster. ERP applications, which "run the business" and are of primary importance to most companies, include essential applications such as financial accounting, asset management, billing, cost accounting, logistics, production planning and inventory control.

e-procurement

The acquisition of direct and indirect products and services using the Internet and new technologies to facilitate a seamless, end-to-end stream of strategic procurement activities by connecting buyers with suppliers. Typically includes tools and business intelligence systems that enable improved responsiveness and analysis within the procurement organization.

e-sourcing

e-sourcing can entail everything from server hosting to outsourcing an entire IT infrastructure. It's a smart way for companies to stay focused on their core businesses while leveraging the expertise, people and cutting-edge technology of an infrastructure specialist like IBM.

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