IT Acronym List
Here, you'll find a list of commonly used technology acronyms and definitions. Some of them are specific to Miami, but others are general-knowledge terms across the tech community. As always, please reach out to muit-comm@miamioh.edu for more information or clarification about any of these.
Other Resources
Acronym | Full Form | Comments |
---|---|---|
2FA/TFA | Two-factor authentication | The second layer of identification needed to log into Miami accounts, usually a code sent to smartphones or obtained via a fob device. |
AD | Active Directory | Microsoft-developed directory service for Windows domain networks. |
ADOT | Academic Directors of Technology | Technical staff employed by each of the academic divisions. |
BDM | Banner Document Management | Imaging and documentation service used by staff and faculty to image, store, share, and manage documents. |
BI | Business Intelligence | The process of making informed business decisions by using data-driven analytics and technologies to project outcomes and glean actionable information. |
BSoD | Blue Screen of Death | Fatal system error on Windows machines. Usually hardware or driver related; includes a stop code that can be used to figure out what went wrong. |
CAB | Change Advisory Board | Reviews all high- and medium-risk changes and approves or sends them back for further review and clarification. |
CAS | Central authentication system | The red-background login screen in front of Miami services like BannerWeb, GMail, myMiami, and others. |
DBA | Database Administrator | IT professional that oversees database operations, including configuration, database design, capacity planning and more. |
DAR | Degree Audit Report | Real-time document that checks classes students have taken against the list of classes they need to graduate with their chosen degrees. Can be accessed via BannerWeb. |
DC | Domain Controller | The server that is running Windows Server OS and has Active Directory Domain Services installed. |
DHCP | Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol | A network protocol enabling servers to automatically and dynamically assign IP addresses to devices or nodes on a network. |
DNS | Domain Name System | The way IP addresses are assigned to domain names. For instance, MiamiOH.edu is a domain name that is assigned to a certain IP address, which is how the web browser accesses the site. |
IA | Institutional Analytics | The use of reports, data warehouses, data dashboards, analysis, and other information products to make timely data-driven decisions across all departments and divisions. |
IPA | Intrusion Prevention Appliance | One part of the Intrusion Prevention System. |
IPS | Intrusion Prevention System | Program that analyzes and monitors network traffic in order to discover suspicious activity and prevent transmission of said risky activity. (Different from a firewall.) |
IT | Information Technology | |
KB | Knowledge Base | Our one-stop shop online repository of tech know-how. Got a tech question? Find a tech answer. |
LCD | Liquid Crystal Display | |
LT | Leadership Team | Unit leaders within IT Services. |
MBP | MacBook Pro | |
MCIS | Miami Computing and Information Services | Former name for what is currently IT Services. |
MCS | Miami Computing Services | An additional abbreviation for MCIS. |
MInE | Miami Information Environment | Legacy tool that provided web access for operational reports. Was decommissioned in 2017 and replaced by BI tools. |
MNB | Miami Notebook | A program through the Miami Bookstore that sells laptop computers to students (now called the Student Laptop Program). |
MUTV | Miami University Television | |
MWB | Malwarebytes | Anti-malware software. |
OBIEE | Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition | System used by Institutional Analytics to store data and provide dashboards for analyzing data. |
PGP | Pretty Good Privacy | A commercial product used to provide encryption for laptop computers owned by the University. |
RCM | Responsibility Center Management | A model of operation that emphasizes transparency in goals and resources and improves two-way communication between project stakeholders. |
SLA | Service Level Agreement | Contract between service provider and customer that details what services and performance standards will be provided for the duration of the relationship. |
SCCM | System Center Configuration Manager | Microsoft product and systems management software that manages large groups of machines running various operating systems. |
SQL | Structured Query Language | A standard language that is essential for database manipulation, retrieval, and control. |
STAC | Student Technology Advisory Committee | Group of IT leaders that determines which student tech fee projects will be funded and the amounts that will be granted. See more information about the student tech fee grant. |
VoIP | Voice over Internet Protocol | Phone services provided via the internet. |
VPN | Virtual private network | Encrypted network via which faculty, staff, and students can access firewall-protected Miami information while off campus. |