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Technology Definitions

If you aren't familiar with certain technology terms related to custom development solutions, or ever wanted to know what is a specific technology used for, this overview of technology definitions will help to provide insight.


.NET Platform- (Microsoft)

Essentially makes the internet more of an operating system rather than linking computers together. Provides the functionality to place small elements of your application programs on a web server. These elements can be downloaded on an as-needed basis, when that application is executing.

Example: User starts application under .NET runtime --> runtime makes sure application is up-to-date, if not up-to-date, runtime downloads updated version then executes it --> while app is running, if other elements are required, runtime checks cache to see if they exist. If the element is not up-to-date or not present, the recent version is downloaded. *Considerably different from previous CD-ROM method.

.NET Framework

Pre-coded solutions to programming issues. Manages program runtime requirements (CLR or Common Language Runtime). Comprises almost all pieces needed to develop, deploy, and execute web services, applications, services. Uses SOAP and XML. (more info)

Action Script

Adobe’s Action Script is used primarily when developing websites or software that uses the Adobe Flash Player platform. These files are embedded into webpages in the form of SWF files, but the Action Script can also be used with some database applications, including Alpha Five.

Active Directory (AD)

An Active Directory allows administrators to perform a range of tasks that include assigning policies, deploying software, and applying critical updates to the computers linked in on the organization’s network. While the Active Directory does not automate software distribution, it does provide a mechanism that allows other services to distribute software.

AJAX

If you want to build interactive and rich internet applications, AJAX is a group of interrelated web development techniques that allows developers to create these applications.

ASP.NET

ASP.NET and ASP.NET MVC are Microsoft products that are used to build dynamic websites, web applications, and web services. You can download the most recent version for free from Microsoft. (more info)

Automise

If you need a tool for task automation in Microsoft Windows, Automise provides a solution. Automise offers a graphical user interface that can automate repetitive tasks by creating Automise projects.

Business Intelligence (BI)

Business intelligence provides business solutions that offer insight into data that can include data warehousing, data mining, and data marts. Business intelligence offers a full suite of products that include ways to integrate server, client, and developer tools with software such as Microsoft Office. While there are open source business intelligence options also available, Microsoft-based business intelligence solutions offer businesses a more convenient and user-friendly option for gaining insight into data. (more info)

C#/.NET

C# Java or Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET) involves object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of the .NET initiative. There are a lot of out-of-the-box solutions that involve the .NET framework, which offer a robust custom development environment to provide an endless variety of business solutions.

Content Management System (CMS)

Ektron CMS400 and Sitecore CMS both run on Microsoft's .NET platform and are examples of enterprise-level content management for your intranet, extranet, or online website. The intuitive design of the CMS helps solve the issues that websites have with searching content, updating pages instantly, and keeping the website updated to current browser compatibility and security standards. CMS works to create, manage, distribute, and publish, while allowing you to easily control the structure of the website. Open source CMS resources are also available. Benefits include the ability to make fly articles and changes, including consistency across pages. CMS offer improved site navigation with increased flexibility, which helps increase traffic retention. The ROI comes from reduction of website maintenance costs, improved sales, and increased traffic due to SEO solutions that come integrated with the CMS.

Customer Relations Management (CRM)

CRM systems offer a way to store customers, accounts, leads, and other helpful marketing and sales  information in a centralized database. CRM tools such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM offer ROI through the ability to provide reporting and automated workflows that can streamline the marketing and sales process. User controls and assigned projects and leads help facilitate easier performance management, customer service, and a range of other tasks, including human resource needs. A CRM system can also be helpful for training new employees by providing them with a centralized location to obtain marketing materials and other templates that can help ensure consistency with the organization’s tone of engagement.

Database Administrator (DBA)

DBAs are responsible for maintaining and reviewing all of the environmental aspects of an organization’s database. The DBA will ensure that a database can be easily recovered in the event of a system crash or other malfunction. In addition to maintaining backups for the database, a DBA assures the integrity and security of the data by implementing access controls that protect organization information. DBAs are responsible for assuring the availability of a database so that there is a near-100% uptime availability. for optimal performance. Development and testing support are other functions that a DBA can serve.

 

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