Understanding key terms in technology is an effective first step in effectively navigating our constantly-changing ecosystem. Collectively, we often take for granted the specialized day-to-day language, jargon, acronyms and concepts that shape our industry, but it’s easy to get tunnel vision and miss out on new trends.

In our recently-launched Direction of Technology report, it was apparent from the fresh insights that a refresher would be immensely helpful, both inside and outside TD SYNNEX. This glossary puts all of the most common and essential definitions from the report and beyond in one place with the intention of providing clarity and helping you stay informed.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, we invite our readers to bookmark this article to reference in the future; TD SYNNEX will add to and edit this list with regularity.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

AI PC — A personal computer with AI capabilities built directly into the hardware, usually via an integrated neural processing unit (NPU), and software of the device, enabling it to perform complex AI tasks
AI Services — Services that can help reseller partners assist end users on their AI journey, ranging from AI maturity assessments to building AI models to fine-tuning AI infrastructure, and more.
Application — A computer software package that performs a specific function, such as storage, processing, computing or networking, for a user or for another application
Artificial Intelligence (AI) — The ability of a computer or robot controlled by a computer to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence and discernment, such as reasoning, learning and problem-solving
Augmented Reality (AR) — A technology that overlays digital content into the real world, adding to the user’s real-life experience by projecting virtual images, sounds or other data through a dedicated device, such as a mobile phone
Automation — The application of technology, programs, robotics or processes to achieve repeatable outcomes with minimal human input

B

Business Planning — A service offering to guide clients in the creation or adjustment of a business plan or strategy for growth, including to attract investors, generate demand and plan for the financial future
Business Resource Group (BRG) — Groups of co-workers from across the business who share an affinity or have an interest and allyship in a particular aspect of diversity, such as gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, military service, etc. Some other organizations refer to this as an employee resource group (ERG)

C

Cloud Computing — The delivery of computing services which allow people to access data, applications and resources on-demand via the Internet from any device. Data in the cloud is often stored and processed in distributed data centers around the world, rather than a user’s computer or on-premises data center.
Cloud Management Platform — A system or tool that assists businesses in streamlining and automating their cloud operations, enabling efficient management of cloud infrastructure with enhanced visibility, cost control and increased security
Cloud Marketplace — An online platform that enables users to discover, purchase, and manage cloud-based services, software, and data through a digital storefront, simplifying and streamlining cloud business operations
Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) — a services organization which generates more than 50% of its revenue from providing cloud software and/or cloud infrastructure services from IT assets that are owned and/or controlled
Communities — A collaborative network of like-minded business professionals who can connect to share insights, address common challenges and support each other in evolving and growing their businesses via peer-to-peer interaction
Community Relations — The efforts made by an organization to build positive relationships in the the local community through engagement, support and partnerships that address groups in need
Consumption-Based IT — A financial model where businesses only pay for the technology resources they use, reducing waste and allowing for more scalable, cost-effective access to IT products and services
Corporate Citizenship — A company’s overall commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices, reflecting its role as a responsible steward of the community and the planet
C-Suite (or C-Level) — Top leadership within an organization, usually consisting of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Chief Operating Officer (COO) and/or Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Cyber Resilience — The preparedness of an organization to identify, respond to and recover from cyber threats while maintaining business operations
Cyberattack — A deliberate and malicious attempt by cybercriminals and hackers to gain access to a computer system or network to steal, damage, disrupt or alter unauthorized data, systems and networks
Cybersecurity (or Security) — The application of technologies, processes and controls to protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data from cyberattacks

D

Data Analytics — The science and process of examining raw data to uncover patterns, draw conclusions and support decision- making
Data Center — A facility that hosts a group of server, storage and networking equipment, typically used by companies and organizations to manage, process and store large volumes of data
Data Protection — The process of safeguarding important information from corruption, compromise or loss and providing the capability to restore the data to a functional state should something happen to render the data inaccessible or unusable
Digital Transformation (DX) — The adoption of digital technology by an organization to digitize non-digital products, services, or operations to deliver value to its customers
Distribution — The business model around the delivery of technology of products, solutions and services from manufacturers (vendors) to resellers and systems integrators (partners), often involving logistics, support and channel management
Distributor / Solutions Aggregator — A business that acts as an intermediary between vendors and resellers in the deployment of hardware, software, services and solutions
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) — An organizational philosophy, culture and practice focused on ensuring a more diverse workforce, fair and ethical treatment of people from all backgrounds, and an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and respected
DEI Metrics — Efforts made at an organization to measure DEI outcomes and progress, set goals, develop accountability and ensure transparency

E

E-commerce (or Electronic Commerce) — A method of buying and selling goods and services online
End User Customer — In the IT channel, often the final beneficiary of a technology solution; a person or company who uses the final product, service or system
Endpoint Devices — Physical devices, such as mobile devices, desktop computers, virtual machines and servers, that connect to and exchange information with a computer network
Enterprise — Refers to the size of a partner business by revenue, falling between the larger ‘Nationals’ and smaller ‘Mid-Market’ businesses
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) — A corporate principle that prioritizes sustainability issues, social issues and ethical corporate governance
Everything as a Service (XaaS) — A cloud computing delivery model that refers to applications, products, tools and technologies that are offered as services over the internet

F

Fiscal Year (FY) — An accounting period of 12 consecutive months, which may differ from calendar year
Flexible Financing — A financing model that relies on providing multiple credit, leasing and payment options over the outright purchase of IT products and solutions, often requiring a contractual agreement between the owner of the asset and the purchasing party, all designed to mitigate risk and make funding IT projects more attainable

G

Generative AI (or GenAI) — A type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images or audio by learning patterns from existing data
Go-To-Market — Refers to an organization’s strategy and approach to engaging with customers and prospects

H

High-Growth Technologies — Innovative, new technologies like cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, IoT, AR/VR, and data analytics that are becoming more prominent in today’s technology stack
Hybrid Cloud — A combination of at least two computing environments, most often the integration of both public and private cloud environments, that share information with one another and run a uniform series of applications for a business or enterprise
Hyperscale Infrastructure — The ability of a technology system or computing architecture to efficiently scale as rapid, complex demand for data and resources gets added to it

I

Independent Software Vendor (ISV) — An organization whose primary function is to develop and/or sell software solutions (but is not part of a primary hardware manufacturer), generating more than 50% of revenue from developing and selling software products
Information Technology (IT) — The use of computers, networks, and systems to store, process, manage and retrieve data and information, supporting business operations
Infrastructure as a Service (or IaaS) — A form of cloud computing that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet
Internet of Things (IoT) — The network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet
IT Ecosystem / IT Channel / Technology Distribution Channel — The complex relationship model used to describe the network of manufacturers (vendor), solutions aggregators (distributor), service providers, resellers, systems integrators and others to distribute hardware, software and services to an end user customer

K

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) — Measurable metrics used to evaluate the success of systems, projects or processes in achieving strategic objectives

L

Lifecycle Management (or Product Lifecycle Management) — The process of managing a product’s entire life, from inception to design to development to use to disposal
Logistics — A key process within the supply chain, managing the efficient movement and storage of products from the manufacturer all the way to fulfillment

M

Machine Learning (ML) — A branch of artificial intelligence and computer science which uses data and algorithms to make models that imitate the way that humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy
Malware — Malicious software that is designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorized access to a computer or network
Managed Service Provider (MSP) — An organization that delivers outsourced services in conjunction with the hardware and software solution being provided to an end user, with more than 50% of revenue from managing a customer’s ICT assets (physical, virtual or cloud)
Managed Services — A model of offloading general tasks to an expert to reduce costs, improve service quality or free internal teams to do work that’s specific to their business
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) — A business growth strategy in which two companies combine (merger) or one company purchases another company (acquisition) to strengthen market position or expand capabilities
Mid-Market — Refers to the size of a partner business by revenue, falling between the larger ‘Enterprise’ and smaller ‘SMB’ businesses
Mobile Commerce — A monetary transaction completed using a mobile device
Mobility — The ability to access and use mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, from any location to enable productivity and connectivity, often so that employees can securely work from anywhere

N

Nationals — The largest organizations, generating more revenue than Enterprise, Mid-Market and SMB partners
Networking — Interconnected computing devices and systems that can exchange data and share resources with each other over local or wide-area networks

O

On-Premises — IT infrastructure, including the servers that run applications, software and services, that are installed and run on the company’s own hardware, rather than at a remote facility or in a cloud environment
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) — Organizations that manufacture and market technology products using components used in another company’s end products

P

Personal Computer (PC) — A general-purpose digital device intended for individual use
Product (or Solution) Portfolio — The mix of products, solutions and services available for purchase by an organization
Professional Services — An offering to perform project-based business needs or advisory guidance with pre-determined deliverables, such as design, audit and procurement
Proof of Concept — A demonstration to verify that a concept, idea, design or solution is feasible and has potential for real-world application

R

Ransomware — A malicious cyberattack tactic (software) that encrypts a victim’s data and block’s the users access, demanding payment to restore access
Reseller (sometimes Value-Added Reseller or VAR) — Organizations that enhance the value of third-party products, such as original technology from manufacturers (vendors), through activities, services and features like installation, providing additional hardware, consultation services, integration, product support and troubleshooting and much more, which is re-deployed in a customized way to an end user
Return on Investment (ROI) — The measure of the profitability of an investment, calculated by comparing the gain or loss relative to the initial cost, usually presented as a percentage

S

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) — Technology with a robust framework to address the evolving needs of modern work environments, providing enhanced security across diverse environments
Server — A powerful computer that provides data and resources to multiple clients over a network
Skills Gap — The delta between the skills that organizations need to hire for in their workforce and the available skills that current employees and job seekers actually possess, often leading to unfilled open roles and a need for upskilling
Small and Medium Business (SMB) — By revenue, refers to smallest size of technology partners
Software as a Service (SaaS) —A software licensing and delivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted
Solutions Aggregation — The evolved practice of technology distribution in which a business builds relationships with multiple vendors, compiles multiple vendor products and solutions and adds valuable services to help meet the requirements end user demand
Solutions Orchestration — The enablement, connectivity and amplification of strategies, solutions, services and unique intellectual property for the entire IT ecosystem
Startup — A newly established business, often aiming for rapid growth and scalable operations
Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) — The unique identifier of a product or item in inventory, used to track and manage sales and stock
Storage — Technology used to securely save and retain digital data, often on hard drives, SSDs or cloud services, to be easily accessible when needed
Subject-Matter Expert (SME) — An individual with deep, specialized knowledge on a specific field or topic who is often consulted for their expertise and insights
Supply Chain — The entire connected sequence of processes, organizations, activities and resources involved in producing and distributing a product
Sustainability — The ability to fulfill the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance among economic growth, environmental care and social well-being
Systems Integrator (SI) — A partner that combines hardware and software into custom, integrated solutions for specific users, offering seamless performance, tailored support and expertise in advanced technologies like edge computing and cybersecurity

V

Vendor — An organization that manufactures the technology distributed throughout the IT channel, generating more than 50% of revenue from selling own-branded technology hardware products or providing technology hardware products that are integrated into third-party IT products or solutions
Vertical Market — A business market in which customers have specialized needs, such as financial services, healthcare or retail
Virtual Reality (VR) — An artificial environment created with computer hardware and software to simulate the look and feel of a real environment

Z

Zero Trust — A set of cybersecurity policies where access is granted on a least-privilege basis, so employees can only access the data which they have permission to

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A-Z Guide: Terms You Need to Know in the Technology Ecosystem

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