P2P
Peer to peer. An architecture whereby the user's computer also acts as a server to other users.
Package
A general term, which usually refers to shrink-wrapped (or off the shelf) software e.g. MS Office.
Packet
A packet is a unit of data that is routed between an origin and a destination on the internet or any other packet switched network. When any file (email, graphics etc.) is sent from one place to another on the internet the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) layer divides the file into "chunks" of an efficient size for routing. Each of these packets is separately numbered and includes the Internet address of the destination. The individual packets for a given file may travel different routes through the Internet. When they have all arrived, they are reassembled into the original file (by the TCP layer at the receiving end).
Pay Per Click
An online advertising concept whereby companies such as Google and Microsoft allow customers to advertise alongside their search engine results. When users click on an advert, which takes the user to the customer's website, the customer pays Microsoft. So the customer only pays when the users click on their adverts.
Payment Service Provider
See PSP.
PC
Personal Computer. Today it is a reference to a desktop computer that meets IBM's original PC specification. See Wintel.
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. A hand-held computing device. Today these devices include phone technology as well as email management and office-like applications.
PKI
Public Key Infrastructure. A framework for conducting secure transactions online.
Platform
Usually taken to mean the computer hardware plus the installed operating system. So being platform independent implies that the application concerned is not constrained by your choice of hardware or operating system.
Platform independent
An application that is portable between different platforms.
Portability
A characteristic associated with software, data (and sometimes even users), which implies that they can be moved from one platform to another with little or no modification.
Portal
A website which is designed to be a user's main point of entry to the web. Portals attempt to achieve this by providing assistance, usually in navigation (Yahoo, Google) or information (FT.com).
Privacy
A term used to describe the need to protect personal data held on computers. This is a big growth area.
Programmer
This individual writes and (on many occasions) tests software.
Programming language
This is the tool used by developers to write software.
Project
A project is a non-business-as-usual activity that is focused on a specific outcome, for example a new system. Often constrained by time and money.
Project Manager
The person that acts as the link between line management and a project.
Proprietary
Something that is Under the control of a single company.
Protocol
In the world of networking, it is software that enables communication between different computers. For example, TCP/IP is a series of protocols, which enable two computers to communicate over the web.
PSP
Payment Service Provider. An organization that manages online payments on behalf of the merchant. Players include WorldPay and Netbanx.
Public Key Infrastructure
See PKI.
Quad Play
A term used to capture services that embrace the Internet, wireless communications, wired communications and broadcast media. The cable TV providers and telcos are pushing this. See Triple Play.
Quality Assurance
General term. But used in technology organisations to define the people and the processes used to ensure that a consistently high level of service/product is maintained. See IT Governance.
Quantum computing
A research area that is investigating the application of quantum mechanics to the building of computers. If achieved Moore's law would leave by the nearest window.
RAD
Rapid Application Development. This is an approach to software development that makes use of prototyping. The philosophy is to get the users involved in the development and to focus more on the business need as opposed to the system engineering. See Waterfall and Agile.
RDBMS
Relational Database Management Systems. A generic term for database products that utilise relational technology. They are characterized by their use of SQL. Examples being Oracle 10G and MS SQL Server.
Real-time
A term used to describe the concept of happening now. Car brake management systems are real-time systems as are foreign exchange data feeds for investment bankers. If these systems do not respond immediately there will be some negative consequences for the user.
Real-time enterprise
A term used to describe an organization that is responsive to changes in the marketplace. This is seen as a good characteristic in fast moving markets. See On Demand.
Regression Testing
Testing that takes place after software has been modified to ensure that unmodified aspects of the system have not been effected.
Relational Database
A relational database is one that was designed to minimize the amount of storage required. The concept is underpinned by mathematical rigour (Set theory). More easily recognisable by its use of SQL. Also known as an RDBMS.
Replication
The act of copying data from one database to another, typically on a different server. Usually done to ensure that there is a copy of the data should the server fail.
Robot
A term used to describe a computer that performs mechanical functions, eg. spraying assembly line workers. Watch the film 'I, Robot' to see how this can become problematic.
Router
An intelligent internetworking device. Used to bind the various networks that make up the Internet together.