Technology Acronyms Explained

Tech acronyms are FUBAR!

At Matrix, we're sick of it too - Here is a list of common technology acronyms explained in a manor that actually makes sense:

SD-WAN

**Warning: Marketing Fluff

Software-defined wide area network is a specific application used to manage WAN connections. True SD-WAN must support multiple connection types, allow for dynamic path selection and VPN, and provide a simple management interface.

IaaS

Infrastructure as a service refers to online services that virtualize computing services. The provider will host software, storage, applications, etc. for end users. This allows for superior resiliency and flexibility. Generally, IaaS is billed for resources consumed – a plus for seasonal businesses.

 

PaaS

Platform as a service is a specialized service primarily used by software developers. The service usually includes the specific operating system, programming language, database, and server allowing the end user to concentrate on creation and not maintenance.

 

UCaaS

**Warning: Marketing Fluff

Unified Communications as a service allows communication and collaboration applications – typically housed within a phone system framework. Two benefits for this model: 1) costing as an Operating expense instead of a Capital expense, and 2) you tend to pay only for the resources used.

 

SaaS

Software as a service allows software to be used on a subscription basis. The programs are centrally hosted, allowing for easy upgrades and deployment. The programs are generally accessed by the end user via the Internet.

CRM

Customer Relationship Management refers to software that a company would use to manage customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. Most systems also allow for reporting, analysis, retention strategies, growth planning, and data sharing across channels.

BYOD & BYOC

Bring Your Own Device/Computer refers to the policy of permitting employees to bring personally owned devices to their workplace and to use those devices to access privileged company information and applications. 

BCaaS

**Warning: Marketing Fluff

Business Continuity as a Service has the core belief that data backup is no longer sufficient. Some businesses need true automated continuity, not just to recover files as they existed in the past, but that will allow disaster mitigation.

MDM

Mobile Device Management is a way to allow BYOD without breaching corporate policies. It primarily deals with corporate data segregation, securing emails and documents, and enforcing corporate policies. MDM implementations may be either on-premises or cloud-based.

STaaS

Storage as a Service is an architecture model in which a provider provides digital storage on their own infrastructure. Storage as a Service is often used to solve offsite backup challenges.

SEaaS

Security as a Service is a business model in which a service provider sells their security services on a subscription basis.

DaaS

Desktop as a Service is a cloud service in which the back-end of a virtual desktop infrastructure is hosted by a cloud service provider.

 

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Matri