Industry Terminology
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Cache – A place where data can be stored to avoid having to read the data from a slower device such as a disk.
Caching – A process in which frequently accessed data is retrieved from RAM, rather than from hard disk.
Carousel Index Pin – The pin used by the robotic mechanism during initialization for calibration of the encoders.
Catalog Market Makers (also known as Aggregator Markets) – Static pricing mechanism that permits an aggregated community of buyers to quickly scan offerings by price and comparison shop.
CCNUMA – Cache Coherent Nonuniform Memory Access. A method of extending SMP by interconnecting groups of four processors such that applications suffer little degradation as systems scale to higher numbers of CPUs Developed by Data General.
CD-ROM – Compact Disk Read-Only Memory. A version of the standard compact disk intended to store general-purpose digital data; provides 556-MB capacity at 1013 corrected bit error rated compared to 635-MB at 109 for the standard CD.
CD-RW – Compact Disk – Rewritable. A version of CD technology which will permit recording, erasing and rewriting of data.
CGI – Computer Graphics Interface. A program that is run on a Web server, in response to input from a browser. The CGI script is the link between the server and a program running on the system; for example, a database. CGI scripts are used with interactive forms.
Channel Conflict – What happens when a company's Old-Economy supply chains start competing with its New-Economy supply chains. Often gives rise to corporate identity crises.
Circuit-switched – A type of network connection which establishes a continuous electrical connection between calling and called users for their exclusive use until the connection is released.
Click-and-Mortar – Flip side of brick and mortar. A click-and-mortar has both an online retail channel as well as a physical retail store.
Client – A node that requests network services from a server. Typically a PC.
Client/Server Computing – Architectural model that functionally divides the execution of a unit of work between activities initiated by an end user or program (client) and those maintaining data (servers). Originally thought to make mainframes obsolete.
Cluster – Group of processors interconnected by a high-speed network (typically dedicated) for increased reliability and scalability.
COLD – Computer Output to Laser Disk. Microfiche replacement system.
Compression - The process of reducing the information content of a signal, or the data size of a file so that it occupies less space on a transmission channel or storage device. Most text files can be compressed to about half their normal size. Graphics can be compressed to 10 percent of their original size.
Cookies – A file sent to a web browser by a web server that is used to record activities.
Coprocessor – A chip designed specifically to handle a particular task, such as math calculations or displaying graphics on-screen. A coprocessor is faster at is specialized function than the main processor is, and it relieves the processor of some work. A coprocessor can reside on the motherboard or be part of an expansion card, as with an accelerator.
Coaxial Cable – A type of cable that contains two conductors. The center conductor is surrounded by a layer of insulation, which is then wrapped by a braided-metal conductor and an outer layer of insulation.
CPU – Central Processing Unit. The CPU interprets and executes the actual computing tasks.
Crash – A problem that causes a program, or the entire operating system, to unexpectedly cease responding.
CRM - Customer Relationship Management. (Sometimes referred to as eCRM, "electronic" Customer Relationship Management.)
Cross-platform – Refers to software primarily, that will work on more than one platform.
CSU/DSU – Channel Service Unit / Data Service Unit. Components for the connection of customer-premise computer equipment to a network.
Cyberspace – Refers to a “virtual meeting place” of the electronic universe of information available through the Internet.