Glossary

Tech terms, explained simply

Plain-language definitions of the terms you'll encounter when working with software. No jargon, no fluff.

SaaS & Subscriptions

SaaS (Software as a Service): Software you access over the internet and pay for monthly or yearly, rather than installing it on your computer. Examples: Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot.
Related: Per-seat pricing, Annual contract
Per-seat pricing: A billing model where you pay for each user who needs access. A team of 10 at $50/seat/month costs $500/month.
Annual contract: A one-year commitment to a software subscription, usually at a discount compared to monthly payments. Often includes auto-renewal.
SaaS sprawl: When a company accumulates too many overlapping software subscriptions, leading to wasted spend and data silos.
Vendor lock-in: When switching away from a software vendor becomes difficult or expensive because your data and workflows are tied to their system.
Shadow IT: Software and services employees sign up for without IT approval. Creates security risks and hidden costs.

Custom software: Software built specifically for your business needs, as opposed to off-the-shelf products. You own it and can modify it freely.
Build vs. buy: The decision between building custom software or purchasing an existing solution. Factors: cost, fit, maintenance, timeline.
Technical debt: The accumulated cost of shortcuts in software development. Like financial debt, it compounds over time and must eventually be paid down.
API (Application Programming Interface): A way for different software systems to communicate. Enables integrations between your tools.
MVP (Minimum Viable Product): The simplest version of a product that can be released to test an idea. Build only what's essential, then iterate.
Handover: The process of transferring ownership and knowledge of a software project to the client or their team.

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): Requiring more than just a password to log in, such as a code from your phone. Essential for business security.
SSO (Single Sign-On): Using one login to access multiple applications. Improves security and user experience.
Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. Recovery without backups is often impossible.
Phishing: Fake emails or websites designed to trick you into revealing passwords or sensitive information.
SOC 2: A security compliance framework for service providers. Demonstrates proper handling of customer data.
HIPAA: US healthcare privacy law. Software handling patient data must meet specific security and privacy requirements.
Endpoint detection: Security software that monitors computers and devices for threats. More advanced than traditional antivirus.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Software for tracking customer interactions, sales pipelines, and communication history. Examples: Salesforce, HubSpot.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): Integrated software for managing business operations: accounting, inventory, HR, and more.
Workflow automation: Using software to automatically perform repetitive tasks. Examples: sending follow-up emails, updating records, creating reports.
Integration: Connecting different software systems so they can share data automatically.
Data migration: Moving data from one system to another. Requires careful planning to avoid data loss or corruption.
Fractional CTO: A part-time Chief Technology Officer who provides strategic tech leadership without full-time cost.

If these definitions raised more questions than answers, let's talk. Get a free audit of your current software setup.