Tech Jargon Decoded
Finally, a glossary that doesn’t need a glossary
A
Technology that enables machines to simulate human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
A tool that helps your team work faster and smarter by doing tasks like writing, analyzing, or organizing information for you.
A hardware device that allows wireless devices to connect to a network.
Access Point (Wi-Fi)
The thing that actually gives you Wi-Fi in different parts of your building. Not enough of these = dead zones and complaints.
The technology rules that keep everyone building things the same way instead of creating a digital free-for-all.
The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
Automation
What It Means
Making sure the right people can get into the right places, and everyone else stays out.
Definition
Letting technology handle repetitive work so your staff can focus on residents instead of busywork.
A type of artificial intelligence that can act independently to make decisions, plan actions, and complete tasks toward a goal with minimal human input.
AI Agent
A set of rules or step-by-step instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.
Algorithm
AI that doesn’t just help… it does the work for you. Think of it like a digital employee that can take a task, figure out the steps, and execute it without constant direction.
Figuring out whether you're actually ready for AI before buying a bunch of AI tools.
When AI gives skewed or unfair results because of the data it learned from.
Getting your organization ready to actually use AI successfully, not just talk about it.
The “brain” behind AI tools that decides what answer or output you get.
The logic behind how a system makes decisions. It’s basically the “recipe” that tells technology what to do and how to do it.
Finding out exactly what technology you own, where it is, and what's connected to your network.
Going beyond knowing what technology you have to understanding whether it's being used, protected, and maintained properly.
Finding all your digital doors and windows before a hacker does.
Systematic errors in AI outputs caused by biased training data or algorithms.
AI Bias
A system trained on data to recognize patterns and perform tasks such as predictions or content generation.
AI Model
Established guidelines and requirements that define how an organization's technology systems should be designed, implemented, and integrated.
Architecture Standards
The process of identifying and cataloging hardware, software, devices, and other technology assets within an organization's environment.
Asset Discovery
The collection and analysis of detailed information about technology assets to understand their status, usage, security, and lifecycle.
Asset Intelligence
The continuous process of identifying, monitoring, and reducing potential points where attackers could gain access to an organization's systems or data.
Attack Surface Management (ASM)
Security measures that determine who is allowed to access specific systems, data, applications, or physical locations.
Access Control
The process of preparing an organization, its people, data, systems, and processes to effectively adopt and use artificial intelligence.
An evaluation of an organization's technology, data, governance, workforce, and processes to determine its preparedness for AI adoption.
AI Enablement
B
The maximum rate at which data can be transmitted over an internet connection.
Bandwidth
How much internet your building can handle at once before everything slows down.
A copy of data stored separately to be used in case of data loss or system failure.
Backup (Data Backup)
You call IT when something breaks… they fix it… and then you wait for the next thing to break.
When something serious breaks, everyone needed to fix it gets on one call and works together until it's resolved.
The person who helps make sure your software actually works for the way your organization operates.
The plan for keeping the organization running when something goes seriously wrong.
Software applications that support core business operations such as HR, finance, and clinical systems.
Business Systems
All the tools your team uses every day to run the community, whether they work well together or not.
Making the software you already have work better for your organization.
What It Means
Definition
A cyberattack in which criminals impersonate executives, employees, or trusted vendors to trick someone into transferring money or sensitive information.
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
A scammer pretends to be your boss or vendor and sends a very convincing "I need this payment ASAP" message.
A discipline focused on building relationships between technology teams and business leaders to ensure technology supports organizational goals.
Business Relationship Management (BRM)
Making sure IT understands what the business actually needs instead of making technology decisions in a bubble.
A coordinated emergency call that brings together technical specialists and relevant stakeholders to resolve a major incident.
Bridge Call
A technology professional who evaluates business systems, processes, and requirements to help technology better support organizational needs.
Business Analyst (BA)
The planning and processes used to keep essential business operations functioning during and after a disruption.
Business Continuity
The process of evaluating and improving software systems, integrations, workflows, and processes to better support business operations.
Business Systems Optimization
C
A network of remote servers used to store, manage, and process data over the internet.
Cloud
Your data lives somewhere online instead of on a physical server in your building.
The rules for using the cloud safely, consistently, and without letting costs get out of control.
Following the rules so your organization stays secure, avoids fines, and protects sensitive information.
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks or unauthorized access.
Cybersecurity
Keeping hackers out and preventing one wrong click from turning into a major problem.
A cybersecurity health check that finds your weak spots and helps determine what to fix first.
What It Means
Making sure your technology can handle tomorrow's needs, not just today's.
Definition
The process of maintaining consistent and accurate settings for technology systems, devices, and applications.
Configuration Management
The ability of devices and systems to connect and communicate with each other over a network.
Connectivity
Making sure your technology is set up correctly and stays that way.
Everything works together and stays connected without constant issues or downtime.
Hackers take an old stolen password and try it everywhere to see where else it works.
The process of forecasting future technology resource requirements based on expected growth, demand, and usage.
Capacity Planning
The policies, standards, and controls used to manage how cloud services and resources are selected, used, secured, and monitored.
Cloud Governance
Adherence to laws, regulations, and standards that govern data security and privacy.
Compliance (HIPAA, etc.)
A cyberattack that uses stolen usernames and passwords from previous data breaches to attempt access to other accounts.
Credential Stuffing
A comprehensive evaluation of an organization's cybersecurity controls, risks, vulnerabilities, policies, and overall security posture.
D
The process of examining data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights.
Data Analytics
Turning all your data into useful information so you can make better decisions instead of guessing.
An incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential data is accessed or disclosed without authorization.
Data Breach
When the wrong people get access to your data… and it becomes a very big problem.
The rules that make sure your organization's data is trustworthy, protected, and used responsibly.
Fake audio or video that can make it look or sound like a real person said or did something they never did.
Digital Employee Experience (DEX)
Deepfake
A set of policies and procedures for restoring systems and data after a major disruption or failure.
Disaster Recovery
Your plan for getting everything back up and running after something goes seriously wrong.
Making sure all your devices are secure, updated, and working properly without constant headaches.
Where all your important information lives so it can be stored, found, and used when needed.
What It Means
Definition
The administration and control of devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones within an organization.
Device Management
How easy, fast, or frustrating technology makes someone's workday.
An organized collection of structured data stored electronically for easy access and management.
Database
The framework of policies, processes, and standards used to ensure data is accurate, secure, and properly managed throughout its lifecycle.
Data Governance
AI-generated or manipulated audio, video, or imagery designed to convincingly imitate a real person.
The overall experience employees have when interacting with the technology, applications, and digital tools required to perform their jobs.
E
The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access.
Encryption
Scrambling your data so only the right people can read it.
Any device that connects to a network, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Endpoint
Every device your staff or residents use that connects to your systems.
The big-picture blueprint showing how all your technology fits together.
The process of transferring an issue to a higher level of support when it cannot be resolved at the initial level.
Escalation (IT Support)
What It Means
Teaching your team how to spot suspicious emails before someone clicks the wrong thing.
Calling in the cavalry when a normal support ticket isn't going to cut it.
Definition
When your issue gets passed up the chain because it’s more complex than expected.
Large-scale software designed to support and integrate core business processes across an organization.
Enterprise System
A computing approach that processes data closer to where it is generated rather than in a central location.
Edge Computing
Big, all-in-one systems that run major parts of your organization… for better or worse.
Handling data closer to the source so things work faster and more efficiently.
A strategic framework that aligns an organization's technology systems, applications, data, and infrastructure with its business objectives.
Enterprise Architecture
Education designed to teach users how to recognize and respond appropriately to malicious emails and other email-based threats.
Email Security Training
A formal process for rapidly involving additional technical resources and leadership during a critical technology incident.
Emergency Escalation
F
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules.
Firewall
The gatekeeper that decides what gets in and out of your network.
A backup system that automatically takes over when the primary system fails.
Failover
Your backup plan that kicks in instantly so things keep running.
A central server used to store and manage files for multiple users on a network.
File Server
A shared place where your organization’s files are stored and accessed.
Really fast and reliable internet… when it’s available.
Using data to make smarter predictions about what’s likely to happen next.
What It Means
Definition
A high-speed internet connection that uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data.
Fiber Internet
The use of data and algorithms to predict future trends or outcomes.
Forecasting (AI/Data Forecasting)
G
A framework of policies, processes, and controls used to manage and guide an organization’s technology decisions.
Governance (IT Governance)
The rules and structure that make sure your technology decisions are smart, secure, and aligned with your goals.
Internet service capable of delivering speeds of one gigabit per second.
Gigabit (Internet)
Fast internet that can handle lots of users and devices at the same time.
Parasol's cybersecurity people, processes, and tools working together to help protect your organization.
What It Means
AI that can write, design, or create things for you… like emails, reports, or ideas.
Definition
AI that can create new content such as text, images, or audio based on patterns in data.
Generative AI
Parasol Alliance's managed cybersecurity offering designed to help senior living organizations reduce cyber risk and strengthen security.
H
A service that provides technical support and troubleshooting for users.
Help Desk
The people you call when something isn’t working (and hopefully they answer quickly).
A U.S. law that sets standards for protecting sensitive patient health information.
HIPAA
The rules that make sure resident health data stays private and secure.
A computing environment that combines on-premises infrastructure with cloud-based services.
Hybrid Cloud
A mix of local systems and cloud systems working together.
The actual equipment, like computers, servers, and devices you can touch.
A map that shows exactly where your Wi-Fi is strong, weak, or basically nonexistent.
What It Means
Definition
The physical components of a computer or network system.
Hardware
A visual representation of wireless signal strength and coverage throughout a physical environment.
Heat Map
I
The underlying hardware, software, networks, and systems that support an organization’s technology.
Infrastructure (IT Infrastructure)
The foundation that everything else runs on. If this is weak, everything else struggles.
A network of physical devices connected to the internet that collect and share data.
IoT (Internet of Things)
Making sure the right people have the right access, and removing that access when they no longer need it.
Automation that can use AI to understand information and make smarter decisions instead of just following the same steps.
Smart devices like sensors, wearables, or call systems that connect and send data automatically.
Your device's digital street address, helping information find its way to the right destination.
Figuring out whether you have the right IT people, skills, roles, and processes for where your organization is going.
What It Means
Making your systems communicate so your team isn’t stuck doing manual work between them.
Definition
The process of connecting different systems or applications to work together.
Integration
A unique numerical identifier assigned to a device connected to a network that allows it to communicate with other devices.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)
The policies, processes, and technologies used to manage digital identities, user access, and permissions throughout their lifecycle.
Identity Governance & Administration (IGA)
The combination of automation technologies and artificial intelligence to perform or improve business processes.
Intelligent Automation
The structured process of identifying, responding to, resolving, and documenting technology incidents.
Incident Management
Parasol Alliance’s Wi-Fi design service
A cybersecurity risk originating from someone with legitimate access to an organization's systems or data.
Insider Threat
An evaluation of technology assets, their condition, age, support status, and anticipated replacement needs.
Figuring out what technology you have, how old it is, and what you're going to need to replace.
An evaluation of an organization's IT staffing, skills, processes, governance, capabilities, and overall technology maturity.
The process IT follows to get things back to normal when something breaks.
Future-ready wireless infrastructure for senior living communities
A security problem caused by someone who's already allowed inside, either intentionally or accidentally.
J
Variability in data transmission timing over a network.
Jitter
What causes choppy audio or video during calls.
What It Means
Definition
K
A centralized repository of information, documentation, and solutions.
Knowledge Base
A library of answers people can use instead of asking the same questions repeatedly.
What It Means
The metrics that tell you whether something is actually working.
Definition
A measurable value used to evaluate progress toward a specific goal.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
L
An AI model trained on massive amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like language.
Large Language Model (LLM)
The technology behind ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI assistants.
The technology that powers many of your building's critical systems outside of traditional computers.
What It Means
Definition
Building technologies that operate on low-voltage wiring, including nurse call systems, cameras, access control, and telecommunications.
Low Voltage Systems
M
A branch of AI that enables systems to learn from data and improve performance over time.
Machine Learning (ML)
Technology that gets smarter by learning from experience.
The practice of outsourcing technology management and support to a third-party provider.
Having experts manage your IT so you don't have to.
A security process requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
What It Means
Bad software designed to do bad things to your technology.
Definition
More than just a password, usually a code, app notification, or security key.
The "brain" behind an AI tool.
A cybersecurity service that continuously monitors, detects, and responds to threats.
Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
Data that provides information about other data.
Metadata
A team watching for cyber threats around the clock.
Making sure your systems aren't carrying five different versions of the same information.
Making sure your systems aren't carrying five different versions of the same information.
How long something typically works before it breaks again.
How long it usually takes IT to get a problem completely fixed.
Information about information.
A trained AI system used to make predictions, generate content, or analyze information.
Model (AI Model)
Having someone continuously watching your technology for signs that something isn't right.
Malicious software designed to damage systems, steal information, disrupt operations, or gain unauthorized access.
Malware
A discipline for creating and maintaining consistent and authoritative records of critical organizational data across systems.
Master Data Management (MDM)
A discipline for creating and maintaining consistent and authoritative records of critical organizational data across systems.
Master Data Management (MDM)
A reliability metric measuring the average operating time between failures of a system or component.
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
A metric measuring the average amount of time required to fully resolve a technology incident.
Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR)
Continuous monitoring of technology systems or security environments to identify problems, suspicious activity, and potential threats.
Managed Monitoring
A social engineering attack that repeatedly sends multi-factor authentication requests in hopes that a user eventually approves one.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Fatigue
Getting bombarded with login approvals until you finally tap "Accept" just to make them stop.
An evaluation of technology systems, infrastructure, risks, and integration requirements associated with a merger, acquisition, or organizational transition.
Mergers & Acquisition Assessment & Integration Roadmap
Before taking on another organization or community, figuring out what technology you're inheriting and how you'll bring it all together.
N
A branch of AI focused on understanding, interpreting, and generating human language.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
What allows AI to understand and communicate in plain English.
A collection of connected devices that share information and resources.
Network
The digital roads that connect all your technology.
Measures used to protect networks and data from unauthorized access and attacks.
Network Security
The network's bouncer. It checks who's trying to get in before opening the door.The digital roads that connect all your technology.
Designing and maintaining the digital roads that keep all your technology connected.
Giving IT visibility into what's happening across the network so problems are easier to spot.
Keeping hackers out of your systems.
The technology that helps AI recognize patterns and make decisions.
What It Means
Definition
A machine learning model inspired by how the human brain processes information.
Neural Network
A communication system that allows residents to request assistance from staff.
Nurse Call System
The technology residents use to call for help when they need it.
A security technology that controls which users and devices can connect to a network based on predefined policies.
Network Access Control (NAC)
The design, implementation, management, and troubleshooting of computer networks and connectivity infrastructure.
Network Engineering
The ability to understand the health, performance, and behavior of a network using data collected across network systems.
Network Observability
O
Technology systems hosted and maintained within an organization's physical location.
On-Premise (On-Prem)
Technology that lives in your building instead of the cloud.
Figuring out who should do what and how everyone should work together.
An artificial intelligence company that develops advanced AI models and tools.
OpenAI
One of the companies behind ChatGPT.
What It Means
Definition
The process of improving systems or processes to maximize performance and effectiveness.
Optimization
A period when a system, service, or network becomes unavailable.
Outage
Making things work better, faster, or more efficiently.
When technology stops working and everyone notices.
The process of structuring roles, responsibilities, teams, and workflows to achieve strategic objectives.
Organizational Design
P
A simulated cyberattack performed to identify security vulnerabilities.
Penetration Testing
Hiring ethical hackers to find weaknesses before criminals do.
A cyberattack that tricks individuals into revealing sensitive information.
Phishing
Fake emails, texts, or websites trying to steal your information.
Deciding which projects deserve your time and money instead of trying to do everything at once.
The use of data, statistics, and AI to forecast future outcomes.
Predictive Analytics
Using data to predict what might happen next.
Letting technology handle routine work automatically.
Making sure a technology project actually gets from "great idea" to "done."
What It Means
Definition
The use of technology to automate repetitive business tasks.
Process Automation
Instead of guessing thousands of passwords for one person, hackers try the same common password on lots of people.
The process of evaluating, prioritizing, and managing projects and initiatives based on strategy, resources, risk, and value.
Portfolio Management
A cyberattack that attempts a small number of commonly used passwords across many user accounts.
Password Spraying
A software update designed to fix bugs, address security vulnerabilities, or improve the performance of a system or application.
Patch
The planning, coordination, execution, and oversight of a defined initiative to achieve specific objectives within established constraints.
Project Management
A small fix that keeps your software safer and working properly.
Q
A request for information from a database or system.
Query
Asking a system to find specific information.
A list of tasks or requests waiting to be processed.
Queue
The line of work waiting to be completed.
A fake QR code that sends you somewhere you really don't want to go.
What It Means
Definition
A phishing attack that uses malicious QR codes to direct users to fraudulent websites or other harmful destinations.
Quishing (QR Code Phishing)
R
Malicious software that encrypts data and demands payment for its release.
Ransomware
A cybercriminal locking your files and demanding money to unlock them.
Backup systems or components designed to maintain operations if a primary system fails.
Redundancy
A backup for your backup.
The practice of continuously observing technology systems from a remote location.
Remote Monitoring
Keeping an eye on systems without being physically onsite.
Looking at technology through a resident's eyes to see what's working, what's frustrating, and what's missing.
Someone pretends to care about you online, gains your trust, and eventually starts asking for money or information.
What It Means
Definition
A social engineering scam in which a criminal builds a fake romantic or emotional relationship with someone to manipulate them into sending money or revealing sensitive information.
Romance Scam
An evaluation of the technology, connectivity, digital services, and support available to residents within a senior living community.
The process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing potential threats.
Risk Assessment
Finding problems before they become emergencies.
A structured process for identifying the underlying cause of an incident or recurring problem
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Instead of just fixing what broke, figuring out why it broke in the first place.Someone pretends to care about you online, gains your trust, and eventually starts asking for money or information.
S
A platform that collects and analyzes security data across systems.
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
A security command center that watches for suspicious activity.
An authentication method that allows one login to access multiple applications.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
One password instead of ten.
Phishing, but delivered by text. "Your package couldn't be delivered. Click here" is a classic example.
Hacking the person instead of the computer.
What It Means
Succession Planning
Support Ticket
Think of it as the "brain" or central hub that keeps your applications, files, and systems running.
Bringing networking and security together so people can connect safely from different locations.
A security checkpoint between your users and the online resources they're trying to reach.
Definition
Technology that automates cybersecurity workflows and responses.
SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response)
A networking device that connects multiple devices within a network and directs data to the correct destination.
Strategic Roadmap
Security software that can take action when threats are detected.
Making a fake call, email, or website look like it came from someone you trust.
A step-by-step plan for where your technology is going.
Making sure important knowledge and responsibilities don't disappear when someone leaves.
The official record of your IT problem so it doesn't disappear into someone's inbox.
The traffic controller for your network, making sure information gets to the right computer, printer, or device.
A computer or system that stores, manages, and delivers data, applications, or services to other devices on a network.
Server
The team you contact when your technology isn't cooperating.
The expectations for how quickly and reliably a technology service should be delivered.
A long-term plan outlining technology priorities, projects, and goals.
Switch (Network Switch)
A documented request used to track a technology issue, question, or service need from submission through resolution.
The process of identifying and developing people who can assume critical roles when current team members leave or transition.
A cloud-based architecture combining networking and security capabilities to provide secure access to applications and resources.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
A cloud-based security framework combining multiple security services to protect access to applications, websites, and data.
Secure Service Edge (SSE)
A form of phishing conducted through SMS or text messages.
Smishing
The use of psychological manipulation to trick people into revealing information, transferring money, or providing unauthorized access.
Social Engineering
A centralized technology support function that receives, tracks, troubleshoots, and resolves user issues and service requests.
Service Desk
An agreement or established service standard defining expectations such as response times, availability, or resolution targets.
Service Level Agreement (SLA)
The falsification of an email address, phone number, website, or digital identity to make it appear to come from a trusted source.
Spoofing
T
An organization's collective mindset and behavior toward technology.
Technology Culture
How people feel about, use, and embrace technology.
Managing technology from the day you buy it until the day you finally replace it.
The delivery of healthcare services through telecommunications technology.
Telehealth
Meeting with a healthcare provider without leaving your room.
The process of identifying cybersecurity threats before they cause harm.
Threat Detection
Spotting suspicious activity before it becomes a problem.
The small chunks of words AI reads and writes.
Figuring out what your problem is, how urgent it is, and who should handle it.
What It Means
Personal tech support for residents so staff don't have to become the unofficial iPhone, printer, TV, and Wi-Fi help desk.
Figure out where your technology is today, where it needs to go, and build the plan to get there.
Definition
A unit of text processed by an AI model.
Token (AI)
The process of planning, acquiring, maintaining, upgrading, and retiring technology throughout its useful life.
Technology Lifecycle Management
Parasol Alliance's resident technology support program designed to provide hands-on assistance with personal devices, connectivity, applications, and other everyday technology needs.
Tech@Home
A comprehensive evaluation of an organization's technology environment followed by a multi-year plan for priorities, investments, improvements, and innovation.
The initial process of reviewing, categorizing, prioritizing, and assigning technology support requests.
Ticket Triage
U
A user's overall experience when interacting with a product, system, or service.
User Experience (UX)
How easy or frustrating something is to use.
What It Means
Definition
V
Technology that immerses users in a computer-generated environment.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Putting on a headset and being transported somewhere else.
The creation of virtual versions of servers, storage, networks, or operating systems.
Virtualization
Running multiple systems inside one physical system.
Phishing over the phone. The caller sounds convincing, creates urgency, and tries to get you to act before you think.
A secure, encrypted connection that allows users to access a private network over the internet.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A secure tunnel that lets you safely connect to your organization's network when you're working remotely.
A cybersecurity check-up looking for weaknesses.
What It Means
Definition
A security assessment that identifies weaknesses in systems and networks.
Vulnerability Scan
A social engineering attack that uses phone calls or voice technology to impersonate a trusted person or organization and obtain sensitive information or money.
Vishing
W
An assessment of a physical environment used to evaluate Wi-Fi coverage, signal strength, interference, and access point placement.
Wireless Site Survey (Wi-Fi Design)
Mapping your building to figure out where Wi-Fi works, where it doesn't, and where equipment needs to go.
How work gets done from start to finish.
What It Means
Definition
A sequence of tasks used to complete a process or objective.
Workflow
X
A cybersecurity platform that combines security data from multiple systems to improve threat detection and response.
XDR (Extended Detection and Response)
A smarter, broader approach to cybersecurity monitoring.
What It Means
Definition
Y
A physical security device used for multi-factor authentication.
YubiKey
A tiny security key that helps prove you're really you.
What It Means
Definition
Z
A software flaw discovered before a fix or patch is available.
Zero-Day Vulnerability
A security hole hackers know about before it can be fixed.