Back to Basics: Your Guide to Tech Terms

This month, we're diving into the basics of technology. As an MSP, we can lose sight of how confusing the acronyms and jargon we use in technology can be. So, we are going to tackle that issue with our glossary of tech terms, then we're going to talk about how your business might use emerging technologies, and lastly, we'll dive into best practices for adopting new, innovative technology successfully. It's all about getting back to basics!  

Key Takeaways

• Confused by acronyms like MFA, SaaS, or ZTNA? Our plain-language glossary helps small and midsize businesses understand key IT terms so they can make informed decisions and better communicate with IT support providers.

• Understanding managed services terminology—from co-managed IT to cybersecurity frameworks like MDR and SOC—enables business leaders to partner more effectively with their Managed Services Provider (MSP) and plan technology investments confidently.

• By learning foundational terms across cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, and compliance, SMBs can navigate the evolving tech landscape with clarity and avoid costly misunderstandings or mismatched solutions.

Understanding key terms and acronyms can help small to mid-sized businesses make informed decisions and better communicate with their IT partners. At Exigent Technologies, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. We've put together this essential glossary of IT terms to demystify the jargon and help you navigate the acronym-riddled technology landscape. Still confused? Your managed services provider should always be able to provide guidance and full explanations (in plain English!) 

The Essential IT Glossary for SMBs

It's a common joke in the technology industry that no one loves an acronym more than IT vendors. Complicated names and weird acronyms can be a hurdle to business decision makers trying to understand what they need and what an IT partner is talking about when they pitch solutions. Hopefully, this extensive list will help.

Managed IT & Support

• Managed Services Provider (MSP) – A company that remotely manages IT infrastructure and end-user systems under a subscription model. With managed services, engineers will help customers around the clock with issues ranging from password resets to major disruptions.
• Co-managed or Co-sourced IT – A model where an MSP works collaboratively with an organization's internal IT staff, each with a specific set of responsibilities. For example, with co-managed IT, an in-house team may handle all support tickets while the MSP monitors infrastructure and handles cybersecurity, or vice versa.   
• Service Level Agreement (SLA) – A contract defining the level of service a provider will deliver, including response times and performance guarantees.
• Helpdesk – A support service for IT issues, typically categorized into tiers based on complexity.
• Break/Fix – A reactive IT model where support is provided only when something breaks, as opposed to proactive managed services. See our comparison chart

Cybersecurity

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – A security measure requiring multiple forms of verification (e.g., password + mobile code).
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – A model that assumes threats exist inside and outside a network, requiring continuous verification.
• Phishing – A type of cyberattack where criminals use deceptive communication, such as emails, to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal information [Bonus: Vishing is a similar type of attack where a scammer calls the victim and pretends to be from a legitimate source and Smishing is when it happens via text message.]
• Malware – Short for malicious software, refers to any intrusive software designed to harm or exploit computer systems.
• Firewall – A security solution that monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic. Often offered "as-a-service" and managed by your IT partner. 
• Ransomware – Malware that encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
• SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) – A system that collects and analyzes security data for threat detection.
• EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) – Security software that detects and responds to threats on endpoints such as laptops and servers.
• XDR (Extended Detection and Response) – A security solution integrating multiple sources (endpoints, networks, cloud) for advanced threat detection.
• MDR (Managed Detection and Response) – A security service providing continuous monitoring and response to cyber threats. Often paired with a SOC for additional protection)
• IAM (Identity and Access Management) – A framework ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive systems and data.
• Security Operations Center (SOC) – A team that monitors client environments and cybersecurity alerts to more quickly identify and stop cyber attacks.
• CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) – A security enforcement point that sits between an organization's on-premises infrastructure (or user devices) and cloud service and acts like a gatekeeper between the two.
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) – An email authentication protocol designed to protect organizations from email spoofing and phishing attacks.
• SAT (Security Awareness Training) – Employee training that helps teach your team how to ID and respond to potential phishing and other social engineered threats.
• Dark Web – Hidden, unindexed part of the internet where bad actors typically trade in stolen data.

Learn other essentials for improving cybersecurity

Cloud & Infrastructure

• Cloud Computing – Delivery of computing services (storage, servers, software) over the internet.
• Public vs. Private Cloud – Public cloud is shared (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure); private cloud is dedicated to a single organization. See our comparison sheet to learn more
• Hybrid Cloud – A mix of on-premises, private, and public cloud solutions for flexibility and scalability.
• Virtualization – The creation of virtual versions of servers, networks, or storage to optimize resources.
• Backup & Disaster Recovery (BDR) – Solutions to protect data and ensure redundancy and recovery in case of disruption.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) – Infrastructure (servers, storage, networking) hosted in the cloud and managed by a provider.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service) – A cloud computing model where a third-party provider delivers a complete platform for developing, running, and managing applications.
• SaaS (Software as a Service) – Cloud-based applications accessed via the internet (e.g., Microsoft 365, Salesforce).
• DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service) – A cloud-based solution ensuring business continuity in case of system failure.
• VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) – A technology delivering virtual desktops from a central server.
• Business Continuity – A more encompassing approach to backup and disaster recovery that is often supported by incident response plans and clear documentation about the roles and responsibilities of each department during a significant business disruption, regardless of source (natural, failure, power outage, breach, etc)

Check out our ebook to understand the benefits of business continuity

Networking & Connectivity

• VPN (Virtual Private Network) – An encrypted connection that secures internet traffic and protects privacy.
• SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) – A solution that converges networking and security functions into a unified, cloud-based delivery model. Learn the difference between VPN and SASE
• Bandwidth – The maximum rate of data transfer over a network connection.
• Wi-Fi 7 – The latest generation of wireless networking for faster speeds and better efficiency.
• Latency – The amount of time it takes for a data packet to travel from the source to its destination across a network.
• NOC (Network Operations Center) – A centralized team monitoring and managing IT infrastructure for performance and security.
• LAN (Local Area Network) – A network connecting devices within a single location (e.g., an office).
• WAN (Wide Area Network) – A geographically distributed network that interconnects multiple LANs. Can span across cities, countries, and even continents.
• SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) – A technology that dynamically chooses network paths based on availability and performance in real-time.
• DNS (Domain Name System) – A system that translates website names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses.
• IP (Internet Protocol) – A set of rules governing how data is sent over the internet.
• IPv4 & IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 4 & 6) – Addressing systems used for identifying devices on a network.

Business & Productivity Software

• Microsoft 365 – A cloud-based suite of productivity tools including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
• Google Workspace – Formerly G Suite, this is Google's cloud-based productivity and collaboration platform. Includes Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Chat, Meet, Calendar, and more.
• VoIP (Voice over IP) – Technology for making voice calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines.
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management) – Software for managing customer interactions (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) – A system integrating core business processes such as finance, HR, and supply chain.
• SaaS (Software as a Service) – Cloud-based software accessed via subscription, eliminating the need for local installations.
• UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) – A cloud-based platform integrating voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools.
• PBX (Private Branch Exchange) – A private telephone network used within a company.

Compliance & Regulations

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) – A U.S. law regulating healthcare data security.
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – European data protection rules that impact businesses handling EU citizens' data.
• SOC 2 Compliance – A security framework for service providers managing customer data.
• PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) – Security requirements for businesses handling credit card transactions.
• CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)– sets five levels of cybersecurity maturity and protects federal contract information.
• DFARS – applicable to all Department of Defense contractors that process controlled information as part of federal contracts.
• SHIELD Act – improves electronic data security for all employers or organizations that collect private information on New York State residents.
• CCPA/CPRA (California Consumer Privacy Act / California Privacy Rights Act) = applies to businesses with operations in California or handling personal data of California residents.
• SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) – applies to publicly traded companies in the U.S. and includes internal controls over financial reporting.
• NIST: The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a federal agency within the Department of Commerce that provides a framework and standardized approach to managing cyber risk.

Emerging Tech & Trends

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) – Computer systems that perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as learning and decision-making.
• ML (Machine Learning) – A subset of AI that enables systems (machines) to learn from data and improve over time.
• IoT (Internet of Things) – A network of connected devices that communicate and share data (e.g., smart thermostats, sensors).
• Blockchain – A decentralized, secure digital ledger used in cryptocurrency and other applications.
• Edge Computing – Processing data closer to its source (e.g., IoT devices) to reduce latency.
• 5G – The latest generation of mobile networks offering faster speeds and lower latency.
•  RPA (Robotic Process Automation) – Software that automates repetitive business processes.
• NFT (Non-Fungible Token) – A digital asset stored on a blockchain representing unique items like artwork or collectibles.

Technology is constantly evolving, and staying informed about key IT terms can help your business make smarter, more strategic decisions. At Exigent Technologies, we're here to guide you through the complexities of IT with our consultative approach and white-glove service. If you have questions about any of these terms or how they apply to your business, contact us today.