Glossary

This glossary provides terms and definitions for the IBM® Intelligent Operations Center software and products.

The following cross-references are used in this glossary:

See refers you from a nonpreferred term to the preferred term or from an abbreviation to the spelled-out form.
See also refers you to a related or contrasting term.

For other terms and definitions, see the IBM Terminology website (opens in new window).

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

A

Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1)

The international standard for defining the syntax of information data. It defines a number of simple data types and specifies a notation for referencing these types and for specifying values of these types. The ASN.1 notations can be applied whenever it is necessary to define the abstract syntax of information without constraining in any way how the information is encoded for transmission.

access control list (ACL)

In computer security, a list associated with an object that identifies all the subjects that can access the object and their access rights.

ACL

See access control list.

administrator permission

The authority granted to an administrator to give them access to create, configure, and delete resources or users. This authority is granted by membership of a user role group.

aggregation KPI

A KPI value that is calculated by applying an aggregation function to a specific data source property.

alert

The video metadata record that is created when a predetermined alert definition is detected in a video stream. The record contains the information necessary to play back the video when the alert is triggered.
A notification that signals an event or key performance indicator (KPI) status change.

alert definition

The statement of criteria that trigger an alert.

alert trigger

A predefined key performance indicator (KPI) value change that causes an alert notification to be displayed in the Alerts window in the Operations view.

APAR

See authorized program analysis report.

ASN.1

See Abstract Syntax Notation One.

asynchronous

Pertaining to events that are not synchronized in time or do not occur in regular or predictable time intervals.

attribute

A characteristic or trait of an entity that describes the entity; for example, the telephone number of an employee is one of the employee attributes.

authentication

A security service that provides proof that a user of a computer system is genuinely who that person claims to be. Common mechanisms for implementing this service are passwords and digital signatures. See also authorization.

authorization

The process of granting a user, system, or process either complete or restricted access to an object, resource, or function. See also authentication.

authorization permission

Access to a page, resource, or data associated with membership of a group.

authorized program analysis report (APAR)

A request for correction of a defect in a supported release of a program supplied by IBM.

B

base map: A map that depicts background reference information such as landforms, roads, landmarks, and political boundaries, onto which other thematic information is placed. A base map is used for locational reference and often includes a geodetic control network as part of its structure.

C

cache

Storage or memory that is used to improve access times to instructions, data, or both. For example, data that resides in cache memory is normally a copy of data that resides elsewhere in slower, less expensive storage, such as on a disk or on another network node.

CAP

See Common Alerting Protocol.

cloud application

An application that is extended to be accessible through the Internet. Cloud applications use large data centers and powerful servers that host web applications and web services.

Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)

A simple but general format for exchanging all-hazard emergency alerts and public warnings over all kinds of networks.

common widget

A widget provided by IBM that is not associated with a particular product. See also widget.

configuration

The manner in which the hardware and software of a system, subsystem, or network are organized and interconnected.
The process of describing to a system the devices, optional features, and program products that have been installed so that these features can be used. See also customization.

CSV file

A text file that contains comma-separated values. A CSV file is commonly used to exchange files between database systems and applications that use different formats.

customization

The modification of a page by a user.
The process of describing optional changes to defaults of a software program that is already installed on the system and configured so that it can be used. See also configuration.

D

dashboard

An interface that integrates data from a variety of sources and provides a unified display of relevant and in-context information.
A web page that can contain one or more widgets that graphically represent business data.

data item

Self-contained data messages that can be sent or processed by all components.

data source

An external source of data, for example, a database or a file, that can supply a wide variety of data in the required format.

Dojo Toolkit

A JavaScript library that is used to create applications across platforms.

domain

An individual division of a major operation, which generally matches the organization structure and the expertise of the people involved. For example, a city authority is divided into departments dealing with transportation, water, and public safety.

E

EAR: See enterprise archive.
EJB: See Enterprise JavaBeans.
enterprise archive (EAR): A specialized type of JAR file, defined by the Java EE standard, used to deploy Java EE applications to Java EE application servers. An EAR file contains EJB components, a deployment descriptor, and web archive (WAR) files for individual web applications. See also Java archive.
Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB): A component architecture defined by Sun Microsystems for the development and deployment of object-oriented, distributed, enterprise-level applications (Java EE).
expression KPI: A KPI value that is based on an SQL query that the user defines.
Extensible Markup Language (XML): A standard metalanguage for defining markup languages that is based on Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML).

G

GDDM: See Graphical Data Display Manager.
geocoding: The process of identifying geocodes from more traditional geographic markers (addresses, postal codes, and so on). For example, a landmark can be located at the intersection of two streets, but the geocode of that landmark consists of a number sequence.
geospatial: Pertaining to the geographical characteristics of the Earth.
Graphical Data Display Manager (GDDM): An IBM computer-graphics system that defines and displays text and graphics for output on a display or printer.
group: A collection of users who can share access authorities for protected resources.

H

HA: See high availability.
heap: In Java programming, a block of memory that the Java virtual machine (JVM) uses at run time to store Java objects. Java heap memory is managed by a garbage collector, which automatically de-allocates Java objects that are no longer in use.
high availability (HA): The ability of IT services to withstand all outages and continue providing processing capability according to some predefined service level. Covered outages include both planned events, such as maintenance and backups, and unplanned events, such as software failures, hardware failures, power failures, and disasters.
hotspot: A colored circle on a geospatial map that represents a cluster of data items that are collected and analyzed based on proximity and time criteria that the user defines.
hover help: Explanatory text that can be viewed by moving a cursor over a graphical user interface (GUI) item such as an icon, field, or text string. Hover help can contain rich text and links.

I

integration: The software development activity in which separate software components are combined into an executable whole.
ISO model: A set of rules for data communication, sanctioned by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO protocols enable systems supplied by different vendors to connect and communicate. They are the basis of the open systems interconnection (OSI) standards.

J

JAR: See Java archive.
Java archive (JAR): A compressed file format for storing all of the resources that are required to install and run a Java program in a single file. See also enterprise archive.
Java EE: See Java Platform, Enterprise Edition.
Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI): An extension to the Java platform that provides a standard interface for heterogeneous naming and directory services.
Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE): An environment for developing and deploying enterprise applications, defined by Oracle. The Java EE platform consists of a set of services, application programming interfaces (APIs), and protocols that provide the functionality for developing multitiered, web-based applications. (Oracle)
JavaScript Object Notation (JSON): A lightweight data-interchange format that is based on the object-literal notation of JavaScript. JSON is programming-language neutral but uses conventions from various languages.
Java virtual machine (JVM): A software implementation of a processor that runs compiled Java code (applets and applications).
JNDI: See Java Naming and Directory Interface.
JSON: See JavaScript Object Notation.
JVM: See Java virtual machine.

K

Keyhole Markup Language (KML): An XML grammar and file format for modeling and storing geographic features such as points, lines, images, and polygons.
key performance indicator (KPI): A quantifiable measure that is designed to track one of the critical success factors of a business process.
keystore: A repository that contains password information.
KML: See Keyhole Markup Language.
KPI: See key performance indicator.

L

latitude: The angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator, usually expressed in degrees and minutes.
layer: An overlay that can be placed on the map to provide additional geospatial information.
LDAP: See Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.
LDAP Directory Interchange Format (LDIF): A file format that is used to describe directory information as well as changes that need to be applied to a directory, such that directory information can be exchanged between directory servers that are using LDAP.
LDIF: See LDAP Directory Interchange Format.
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP): An open protocol that uses TCP/IP to provide access to directories that support an X.500 model and that does not incur the resource requirements of the more complex X.500 Directory Access Protocol (DAP). For example, LDAP can be used to locate people, organizations, and other resources in an Internet or intranet directory.
location map: A map or plan containing interactive areas that have been defined in the IBM Intelligent Operations Center. Events can be associated with one or more of these areas. For example, a diagram of seating areas in a major sports stadium can be defined so that events that have occurred can be associated with the appropriate area.
logical zone: A logical grouping of assets or events in a geographical area.
longitude: The angular distance of a place east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England, usually expressed in degrees and minutes.

M

multitenancy: The ability to deliver software to multiple client organizations from a single, shared instance of the software.

N

nested KPI: A KPI that is defined as a child of a parent KPI.
notification: A message that signals an event or key performance indicator (KPI) status change.
notification trigger: A predefined key performance indicator (KPI) value change that causes an alert notification to be displayed in the Alerts window in the Operations view.

O

operations view: A web page that contains portlets that can cooperate to facilitate comprehensive information supply and interaction at operations level for monitoring incoming data from data sources, and for responding to incoming data.

P

page: In a graphical interface, a predefined display image that typically provides fields and controls that help users accomplish tasks.
personalization: The process of enabling information to be targeted to specific users based on business rules and user profile information.
plug-in: A separately installable software module that adds function to an existing program, application, or interface.
PMR: See problem management record.
polygon: In the GDDM function, a sequence of adjoining straight lines that enclose an area.
polyline: A shape that consists of only straight lines.
preview card: A window that is displayed when a user clicks a marker on either a geospatial map or a location map, or when a user clicks a row on the List tab. The window displays information about the associated data item.
problem management record (PMR): The number in the IBM support mechanism that represents a service incident with a customer.

R

RDF

See Resource Description Framework.

Really Simple Syndication (RSS)

An XML file format for syndicated web content that is based on the Really Simple Syndication specification (RSS 2.0). The RSS XML file formats are used by Internet users to subscribe to websites that have provided RSS feeds.

Representational State Transfer (REST)

A software architectural style for distributed hypermedia systems like the World Wide Web. The term is also often used to describe any simple interface that uses XML (or YAML, JSON, plain text) over HTTP without an additional messaging layer such as SOAP.

resource bundle

A class that contains the text for the store pages. Bundle files are created and accessed according to the Java PropertyResourceBundle API.
A structured collection of data that provides a key-value mapping for data (resources) used in localizing a program. The values are commonly strings, but may themselves be structured data.

Resource Description Framework (RDF)

A framework for representing information on the web.

REST

See Representational State Transfer.

rollup KPI

A KPI value that is calculated based on the status of its child KPIs.

RSS

See Really Simple Syndication.

S

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): A security protocol that provides communication privacy. With SSL, client/server applications can communicate in a way that is designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery.
service order (SO): A record created to procure a service or piece of equipment. A service order might require one or more work orders.
SGML: See Standard Generalized Markup Language.
shapefile: A digital file format for geographic information systems software.
single sign-on (SSO): An authentication process in which a user can access more than one system or application by entering a single user ID and password.
skin: An element of a graphical user interface that can be changed to alter the appearance of the interface without affecting its functionality.
SO: See service order.
SOAP: A lightweight, XML-based protocol for exchanging information in a decentralized, distributed environment. SOAP can be used to query and return information and invoke services across the Internet. See also web service.
solution: A combination of products that addresses a particular customer problem or project.
SOP: See standard operating procedure.
SPARQL: A query language for RDF that is used to express queries across diverse data sources. The W3 specification defines the syntax and semantic of the SPARQL query language.
SSL: See Secure Sockets Layer.
SSO: See single sign-on.
standard environment: IBM Intelligent Operations Center installed on a series of servers, where each server provides specific services to the solution.
Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML): A standard metalanguage for defining markup languages that is based on the ISO 8879 standard. SGML focuses on structuring information rather than presenting information; it separates the structure and content from the presentation. It also facilitates the interchange of documents across an electronic medium.
standard operating procedure (SOP): A procedure defining a sequence of activities that are triggered in response to an event whose parameters meet certain predefined conditions.
system properties: System-wide configuration data for IBM Intelligent Operations Center.

T

TAI: See trust association interceptor.
TCP/IP: See Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
tenant: A client organization that has a share in the use of a system that is logically partitioned.
theme: The style element that gives a place a particular look. IBM Intelligent Operations Center provides several themes, similar to virtual wallpaper, which can be chosen when creating a place.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP): An industry-standard, nonproprietary set of communication protocols that provides reliable end-to-end connections between applications over interconnected networks of different types.
trigger: A mechanism that detects an occurrence and can cause additional processing in response.
trust association interceptor (TAI): The mechanism by which trust is validated in the product environment for every request received by the proxy server. The method of validation is agreed upon by the proxy server and the interceptor.

U

Uniform Resource Identifier (URI)

A unique address that is used to identify content on the web. The most common form of URI is the web page address, which is a particular form or subset of URI called a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). A URI typically describes how to access the resource, the computer that contains the resource, and the location of the resource on that computer.
A compact string of characters for identifying an abstract or physical resource.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

The unique address of an information resource that is accessible in a network such as the Internet. The URL includes the abbreviated name of the protocol used to access the information resource and the information used by the protocol to locate the information resource.

URI

See Uniform Resource Identifier.

URL

See Uniform Resource Locator.

user administrator

A person who adds new users and ensures security by giving users membership of role-based authorization groups with appropriate permissions.

user permission

The authority granted to a user to give them access to view and work with resources. This authority is granted by membership of a user role group.

user profile

A description of a user that includes such information as user ID, user name, password, access authority, and other attributes that are obtained when the user logs on.

V

Virtual Network Computing (VNC): A graphical desktop sharing system that uses the remote frame buffer (RFB) protocol to remotely control another computer. It transmits the keyboard and mouse events from one computer to another, relaying the graphical screen updates back in the other direction, over a network.
VNC: See Virtual Network Computing.

W

Web Map Service (WMS)

A standard protocol for serving georeferenced map images over the Internet that are generated by a map server using data from a GIS database. The specification was developed and first published by the Open Geospatial Consortium in 1999.

web service

A self-contained, self-describing modular application that can be published, discovered, and invoked over a network using standard network protocols. Typically, XML is used to tag the data, SOAP is used to transfer the data, WSDL is used for describing the services available, and UDDI is used for listing what services are available. See also SOAP, Web Services Description Language.

Web Service Definition Language (WSDL)

See Web Services Description Language.

Web Services Description Language (WSDL)

An XML-based specification for describing networked services as a set of endpoints operating on messages containing either document-oriented or procedure-oriented information. See also web service.

widget

A reusable user interface component such as a button, scroll bar, control area, or text edit area, that can receive input from the keyboard or mouse and can communicate with an application or with another widget. See also common widget.

WMS

See Web Map Service.

WO

See work order.

workflow

A specific set of actions appropriate to a particular set of circumstances. The solution can be customized to trigger appropriate workflows, for example connecting to emergency response systems.

work order (WO)

A record that contains information about work that must be performed.

WSDL

See Web Service Definition Language.
See Web Services Description Language.

X

XML: See Extensible Markup Language.
XML schema: A mechanism for describing and constraining the content of XML files by indicating which elements are allowed and in which combinations. XML schemas are an alternative to document type definitions (DTDs) and can be used to extend functionality in the areas of data typing, inheritance, and presentation.