# Knowledge Base Glossary Welcome to our comprehensive knowledge base. This glossary contains definitions, explanations, and references for technical terms, methodologies, and concepts that we reference throughout our services and content. ## 🤖 AI & Machine Learning ### [Artificial Intelligence (AI)](/knowledge-base/ai-machine-learning/artificial-intelligence) **Definition**: The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI encompasses a broad range of technologies including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Artificial Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence) ### [Machine Learning](/knowledge-base/ai-machine-learning/artificial-intelligence) **Definition**: A subset of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning algorithms build mathematical models based on sample data to make predictions or decisions. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Machine Learning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_learning) ### [Deep Learning](/knowledge-base/ai-machine-learning/artificial-intelligence) **Definition**: A subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks with multiple layers to model and understand complex patterns in data. Deep learning is particularly effective for image recognition, natural language processing, and speech recognition. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Deep Learning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_learning) ### [Neural Networks](/knowledge-base/ai-machine-learning/artificial-intelligence) **Definition**: Computing systems inspired by biological neural networks that consist of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process information and can learn to recognize patterns. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Artificial Neural Network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_neural_network) ### [Natural Language Processing (NLP)](/knowledge-base/ai-machine-learning/artificial-intelligence) **Definition**: A field of artificial intelligence that focuses on the interaction between computers and human language, enabling machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Natural Language Processing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_language_processing) ### [Computer Vision](/knowledge-base/ai-machine-learning/artificial-intelligence) **Definition**: A field of artificial intelligence that trains computers to interpret and understand visual information from the world, enabling machines to identify and process objects, faces, and scenes in images and videos. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Computer Vision](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_vision) ### [Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)](/knowledge-base/ai-machine-learning/retrieval-augmented-generation) **Definition**: An AI architecture that combines large language models with external knowledge retrieval systems to provide more accurate, up-to-date, and contextually relevant responses. **Source**: [Meta AI Research](https://ai.meta.com/blog/retrieval-augmented-generation-streamlining-how-ai-applications-are-built/) ### [AI Integration for Small Business](/knowledge-base/ai-machine-learning/ai-integration-smb) **Definition**: The strategic implementation of artificial intelligence technologies within small and medium-sized businesses to improve efficiency, decision-making, and competitive advantage. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Business Process Automation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_process_automation) --- ## ☁️ Cloud & Infrastructure ### [Cloud Computing](/knowledge-base/cloud-infrastructure/devops) **Definition**: The delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet ("the cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Cloud Computing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing) ### [DevOps](/knowledge-base/cloud-infrastructure/devops) **Definition**: A set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to shorten the development lifecycle while delivering features, fixes, and updates frequently in close alignment with business objectives. **Source**: [Wikipedia - DevOps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DevOps) ### [Containerization](/knowledge-base/cloud-infrastructure/devops) **Definition**: A lightweight alternative to full machine virtualization that involves encapsulating an application in a container with its own operating environment. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Containerization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Containerization) ### [Microservices](/knowledge-base/cloud-infrastructure/devops) **Definition**: An architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services, which implement business capabilities. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Microservices](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microservices) ### [Serverless Architecture](/knowledge-base/cloud-infrastructure/devops) **Definition**: A cloud computing execution model where the cloud provider automatically manages the allocation and provisioning of servers, allowing developers to focus on writing code without managing infrastructure. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Serverless Computing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serverless_computing) ### [Infrastructure as Code](/knowledge-base/cloud-infrastructure/devops) **Definition**: The process of managing and provisioning computer data centers through machine-readable definition files, rather than physical hardware configuration or interactive configuration tools. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Infrastructure as Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure_as_code) ### API (Application Programming Interface) **Definition**: A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other, enabling integration and data exchange between systems. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Application Programming Interface](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/API) ### Docker **Definition**: A platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers, providing consistency across different environments and simplifying deployment processes. **Source**: [Docker Documentation](https://docs.docker.com/) ### Kubernetes **Definition**: An open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. **Source**: [Kubernetes Documentation](https://kubernetes.io/docs/) ### SaaS (Software as a Service) **Definition**: A software licensing and delivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted, typically accessed via web browsers. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Software as a Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_as_a_service) ### PaaS (Platform as a Service) **Definition**: A cloud computing model that provides customers a complete cloud platform for developing, running, and managing applications without the complexity of building and maintaining infrastructure. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Platform as a Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_as_a_service) ### IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) **Definition**: A cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, including servers, storage, and networking infrastructure. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Infrastructure as a Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure_as_a_service) --- ## 💻 Software Development ### [Agile Development](/knowledge-base/software-development/agile-development) **Definition**: An iterative and incremental approach to software development that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction through adaptive planning, evolutionary development, early delivery, and continuous improvement. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Agile Software Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_development) ### [Scrum](/knowledge-base/software-development/agile-development) **Definition**: An agile framework for managing complex work, characterized by short development cycles called sprints, daily standup meetings, and regular retrospectives to improve team performance. **Source**: [Scrum Guide](https://scrumguides.org/) ### [Kanban](/knowledge-base/software-development/agile-development) **Definition**: A visual system for managing work as it moves through a process, emphasizing continuous delivery without overburdening the development team. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Kanban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanban) ### Sprint **Definition**: A fixed time period, typically 1-4 weeks, during which specific work must be completed and made ready for review in Scrum methodology. **Source**: [Scrum Guide](https://scrumguides.org/) ### User Story **Definition**: A tool used in agile software development to capture a description of a software feature from an end-user perspective, written in simple language. **Source**: [Wikipedia - User Story](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_story) ### Velocity **Definition**: A metric used in agile development to measure the amount of work a team can complete in a sprint, typically measured in story points. **Source**: [Agile Alliance](https://www.agilealliance.org/) ### [Test-Driven Development (TDD)](/knowledge-base/software-development/test-driven-development) **Definition**: A software development methodology that relies on software requirements being converted to test cases before software is fully developed, following a cycle of Red (write failing test), Green (make test pass), Refactor (improve code). **Source**: [Wikipedia - Test-Driven Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test-driven_development) ### [Continuous Integration (CI)](/knowledge-base/software-development/continuous-integration) **Definition**: A software development practice where developers frequently merge their code changes into a central repository, after which automated builds and tests are run to provide rapid feedback. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Continuous Integration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuous_integration) ### [Code Review](/knowledge-base/software-development/code-review) **Definition**: A systematic examination of source code intended to find and fix mistakes overlooked in the initial development phase, improving the overall quality of software and sharing knowledge among team members. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Code Review](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_review) ### [Technical Debt](/knowledge-base/software-development/technical-debt) **Definition**: The implied cost of additional rework caused by choosing an easy solution now instead of using a better approach that would take longer. Like financial debt, technical debt incurs interest payments in the form of extra effort. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Technical Debt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_debt) ### [Refactoring](/knowledge-base/software-development/refactoring) **Definition**: The process of restructuring existing computer code without changing its external behavior, with the goal of improving code readability, maintainability, and extensibility while preserving functionality. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Code Refactoring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_refactoring) --- ## 🏢 Business & Strategy ### [Digital Transformation](/knowledge-base/business-strategy/digital-transformation) **Definition**: The integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to customers. It's also a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Digital Transformation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_transformation) ### [Technical Strategy](/knowledge-base/business-strategy/technical-strategy) **Definition**: A comprehensive plan that aligns technology decisions with business objectives, ensuring that technology investments support organizational goals and create competitive advantage. **Source**: [Gartner - IT Strategy](https://www.gartner.com/en/topics/it-strategy) ### [Vendor Selection](/knowledge-base/business-strategy/vendor-selection) **Definition**: The systematic process of evaluating and choosing suppliers, service providers, or technology partners based on defined criteria, requirements, and business objectives. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Vendor Management](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vendor_management) ### [Technology Due Diligence](/knowledge-base/business-strategy/technology-due-diligence) **Definition**: The systematic evaluation of a company's technology assets, capabilities, and risks during business transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, investments, or partnerships. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Due Diligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Due_diligence) ### [Change Management](/knowledge-base/business-strategy/change-management) **Definition**: The systematic approach to dealing with the transition or transformation of an organization's goals, processes, or technologies, focusing on the human side of change to ensure successful adoption. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Change Management](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Change_management) --- ## 🔒 Security & Compliance ### [Cybersecurity](/knowledge-base/security-compliance/cybersecurity) **Definition**: The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. It encompasses a wide range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard digital assets. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Computer Security](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_security) ### [Data Protection](/knowledge-base/security-compliance/data-protection) **Definition**: The practices, safeguards, and binding rules put in place to protect personal data and ensure that individuals' privacy rights are respected, including legal, technical, and organizational measures. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Data Protection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_protection) ### [Compliance Frameworks](/knowledge-base/security-compliance/compliance-frameworks) **Definition**: Structured approaches that organizations use to meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies, providing systematic methods for identifying, assessing, and managing compliance risks. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Compliance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulatory_compliance) ### [Security Audits](/knowledge-base/security-compliance/security-audits) **Definition**: Systematic evaluations of an organization's information security policies, procedures, and controls to identify vulnerabilities, assess compliance with security standards, and provide recommendations for improvement. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Security Audit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_audit) ### [Penetration Testing](/knowledge-base/security-compliance/penetration-testing) **Definition**: A simulated cyber attack against a computer system, network, or web application to identify security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Penetration Test](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penetration_test) ### GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) **Definition**: A comprehensive data protection law in the European Union that regulates how organizations collect, process, and protect personal data, giving individuals greater control over their personal information. **Source**: [EU GDPR](https://gdpr.eu/) ### HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) **Definition**: A US federal law that establishes standards for protecting sensitive patient health information and requires healthcare organizations to implement security measures to safeguard patient data. **Source**: [HHS HIPAA](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/) ### PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) **Definition**: A set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. **Source**: [PCI Security Standards Council](https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/) ### ISO 27001 **Definition**: An international standard for information security management systems (ISMS) that provides a framework for managing and protecting sensitive information. **Source**: [ISO 27001](https://www.iso.org/isoiec-27001-information-security.html) ### SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) **Definition**: A voluntary compliance standard for service organizations that specifies how companies should protect customer data and privacy. **Source**: [AICPA SOC 2](https://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/frc/assuranceadvisoryservices/sorhomepage.html) ### NIST Cybersecurity Framework **Definition**: A voluntary framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. **Source**: [NIST Cybersecurity Framework](https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework) ### Zero Trust **Definition**: A security model that assumes no trust and requires verification for every access request, regardless of whether the request comes from inside or outside the network perimeter. **Source**: [NIST Zero Trust Architecture](https://www.nist.gov/publications/zero-trust-architecture) ### Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) **Definition**: A security method that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing a system or application, typically combining something they know, have, or are. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Multi-Factor Authentication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-factor_authentication) ### VPN (Virtual Private Network) **Definition**: A technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a public network, allowing users to send and receive data as if their devices were directly connected to a private network. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Virtual Private Network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network) ### Firewall **Definition**: A network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, acting as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Firewall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewall) ### IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention System) **Definition**: Security systems that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and either alert administrators (IDS) or automatically block threats (IPS) to protect against cyber attacks. **Source**: [Wikipedia - Intrusion Detection System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrusion_detection_system) ### OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) **Definition**: A nonprofit foundation that works to improve the security of software through community-led open source projects, education, and training. **Source**: [OWASP](https://owasp.org/) --- ## Quick Search Use the search functionality to quickly find specific terms or concepts. Each entry includes: - **Definition**: Clear, concise explanation - **Context**: How it applies to our services - **Related Terms**: Cross-references to related concepts - **Sources**: External references and further reading - **Last Updated**: When the information was last reviewed ## Contributing This knowledge base is continuously updated as technology evolves and new concepts emerge. If you notice any outdated information or have suggestions for new entries, please [contact us](mailto:inquiries@opertus.systems). --- _This glossary serves as both an internal reference and a resource for our clients and readers. All entries are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy and relevance._