Attribute
Definition: An item associated with an element that describes, modifies, or provides extra information about the element content (think of it as an adjective describing the element). (As defined by the SIF Association.) What This Means: Attributes are defined for each element ...
Atomic
Definition: Anything atomic is at the lowest or simplest level possible. An atomic operation, or atomicity, implies an operation that must be performed entirely or not at all. For example, if machine failure prevents a transaction to be processed to completion, ...
Asynchronous
Definition: Asynchronous describes events that are not coordinated in time. What This Means: To the user of an information system, this is almost irrelevant. Whether a piece of information travels by its own schedule or in sync with others is for the ...
Associated Link
Definition: Associated Link is the user-defined name of the Associated Link related to the Link URL. What This Means: A term that is functional for users of ESP's metadata dictionary tool, called DataSpecs. DataSpecs is used when developing an education agency's data ...
Assessment
Definition: Any systematic method of obtaining evidence from tests, and other sources, used to draw inferences about characteristics of people, objects, or programs for a specific purpose. An assessment is a standardized measure of proficiency, academic success; a test. What This Means: ...
ASP (Application Service Provider)
Definition: An application service provider hosts software applications on its servers at its location. An organization registers to use the application and accesses it over the Internet or a private connection. What This Means: Instead of paying the expense to buy hardware ...
Application Layer
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model that guides software developers and hardware vendors in the design of network communications products, the application layer (the top layer) defines standards for interaction at the user or application program level. What ...
Application
Definition: An application refers to a software program. What This Means: An application automates one or more functions. Examples of an application include a student information system (creating and maintaining for enrollment, attendance, grade reporting, etc.), a human resources system (hiring, certifying, ...
API (Application Programming Interface)
Definition: An application programming interface is a language and message format used by an application to call another part of the system into action. What This Means: Every application does not have to do everything when APIs are used to call upon ...
American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC)
Definition: The American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC), is a nonprofit organization focused on helping all organizations adapt to changing environments through benchmarking and metrics, best practices, knowledge management, performance improvement, and professional development. What This Means: The APQC has targeted improvement ...
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