Workflow Management

Based on the concept that business processes are actually sets of tasks done in a prescribed order (workflow) that combines information from various sources. Workflow management focuses on managing the flow of information as it is processed, shared, manipulated, and compiled from one participant to another in a way that is governed by rules or… Continue reading Workflow Management

Visual Programming Language

A programming language that uses, partially or entirely, visual representations such as graphics, icons, drawings, and animation. A visual language handles visible information, supports visual interaction, and allows programming of visual expressions.

Very large database (VLDB)

Sometimes used to describe databases occupying magnetic storage in the terabyte (1 trillion bytes) range and containing billions of table rows. Typically, these are decision-support systems or transaction processing applications serving a large number of users.

Versioning

The maintenance and storage of previous copies of a piece of information for security, diagnostics, and other interests. Versioning also pertains to the ability to create and manage different versions of the same information.

Use Case Analysis

A methodology used in systems analysis to identify, explain, and organize system requirements. It is made up of a set of likely sequences of interactions between systems and users in a specific environment and associated with a particular goal. Use cases can be applied at various stages of software development including planning, software design, development,… Continue reading Use Case Analysis

Unified Modeling Language (UML)

A standard analysis and design language created to assist in modeling complex software systems by using a common object-oriented notation. UML is rapidly becoming the de facto standard for describing and sharing system design data. Many software vendors have chosen UML as their notation for repository (see definition of repository) products to aid in sharing… Continue reading Unified Modeling Language (UML)

System Administrator

An individual responsible for maintaining a multiuser computer system such as a computer network. The duties of the system administrator typically include adding and configuring new workstations, establishing user accounts, installing system-wide software, performing computer virus protection procedures, and allocating computer storage space. The system administrator is often called the “sysadmin.” Small organizations usually have… Continue reading System Administrator

Structured Query Language (SQL)

A standardized language for querying information from a database. SQL was first introduced as a commercial database system in 1979 and has since been the favorite query language for database management systems running on minicomputers and mainframes. Increasingly, however, SQL is being supported by PC database systems because it supports distributed databases (see definition of… Continue reading Structured Query Language (SQL)

Stored Procedure

A set of structured query language (SQL) statements (see definition of structured query language) that is stored in the database with an assigned name and in compiled form so it can be shared by a number of programs. The use of stored procedures can be helpful in controlling access to data (end users may enter… Continue reading Stored Procedure