Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

Application: a programme designed to perform a particular task for the user, the software that provides specific functionality to the end user.
Architecture (IT architecture): the underlying framework of technology, its structure, its limitations, its choices from the perspective of the technological capabilities and the way they are implemented and used in the enterprise. It is an abstract representation in terms of models and frameworks of the technology that is available or will become available to provide specific functionality.
Alignment: the continuous effort of matching business requirements with provided services/solutions.
Assets (IT assets): the technology that provides a defined functionality, which is owned or used by a company and which provides value.

Benchmark: comparing metrics/performance indicators with internal or external sources to conclude on performance.
Business case: the result of a process of comparing the various costs associated with an investment with the profits and benefits that it returns.

Capability (IT capability): an integrated and internally coherent set of competencies, assets and processes.
Capacity (IT capacity): the outcome of a required IT capability or provided IT services in terms of the volume and/or load.
Centralization: an activity to make information technology come under the control of one central authority.
Concentration: an activity of gathering people or information technology.
Configuration management database (CMDB): A registration of the structure of IT service components.
Consolidation: an activity to make information technology more solid, secure, or strong and/or to...

< Previous Excerpt Next Excerpt >

Purchase This Book

IT Performance Management