Learning Center

Like artificial intelligence, human beings progress through learning. Digital technology, the cloud and the internet in general are vast, fascinating subjects. This is why we dedicate this Glossary Directory to those who wish to discover, learn about or get started with current and future technologies. Develop new skills in areas such as cloud computing, IT security and big data using digital solutions.

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Application integration and modernisation

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly linked to the digital technologies we use every day, and has consistently improved their effectiveness. AI assimilates a lot of information with the data it receives. It then analyses this data to deliver the best possible action.

What is an API?

An application programming interface (API) is a software interface that enables multiple applications and services to exchange data. The API can also be used to launch access requests from one application to another, so different services can be connected to each other.

What is a REST API?

A REST API is a set of architectural rules for implementing web services. This type of API is often used as it increases simplicity, scalability, performance and reliability.

Big data

What is machine learning?

Machine learning is a form of automatic training that aims to improve the machine’s analytical capabilities, based on a high volume of data. For example, it enables companies to target their customers better using different techniques.
What is big data?

With the development of internet usage, the volume of data generated is exponential. Big data enables companies to collect, store, quantify and analyse massive volumes of data in all its forms.

What is data mining?

Data mining refers to the collection, analysis and comparison of data from different and often unconnected sources. The data extracted can be used for many purposes, like improving efficiency and predicting behaviour, for example.

What is deep learning?

Deep learning is a machine learning method through which the machine is able to learn and improve on its own. This technique is based on artificial neurones, image recognition technologies and language recognition.

Cloud computing

What is the Public Cloud?

Explore our cloud computing solution, which provides on-demand resources. The Public Cloud is adapted to suit all projects, and offers a number of tools for containerisation, network, data analysis, and much more.
What is load balancing?

Load balancing is one of the essential technologies to improve service availability. This intelligent load distribution between servers or applications enables the user to leverage the infrastructure’s full potential.
What is cloud storage?

You can store your data with total security using cloud storage. It is widely used, and perfect for all types of storage: block and object storage, cloud archiving, snapshots and instance backups.
What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing refers to access to IT services (network, storage, servers, analysis tools, databases, etc.) over the internet via a specialised provider. There are three types of cloud: public, private and hybrid.

What is a hybrid cloud?

Hybrid cloud is an infrastructure that combines the use of public, private and dedicated cloud servers. Solutions are connected to communicate and manage applications and workloads securely, and with optimal performance.

What is edge computing?

Edge computing is a network architecture where data is processed very close to where it is generated and often far away from the core of the network. Since the processing is performed at the edge, latency is reduced as a result. This is a commonly used method for real-time workload processing.

What is cloud hosting?

Cloud hosting uses a cluster of physical and virtual servers to host websites and web-based applications. As cloud hosting is not dependent on a single server, it allows for increased scalability and flexibility. The cloud hosting model also avoids the need to buy server equipment and the chore of managing an on-premises data centre.

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing has the potential to change the game while revolutionising the computing landscape. While quantum computing can quickly solve complex problems that conventional computing cannot effectively handle, quantum computing is far from meeting expectations and many challenges remain.

What is a private cloud?

A private cloud provides dedicated IT resources to a single user, delivering high levels of resource control, customisation, and increased security and compliance for an organisation’s data. It offers users the key benefits of the cloud, including scalability, elasticity and automation.

Connected objects

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents all the devices or machines that form a network of internet-connected physical objects to transfer, collect and exchange data.

What is automation?

Automation is a term for technological applications in which the human role is reduced. Automation enables users to make simple, repetitive tasks automatic, and also automate processes that increase a company’s efficiency.

Databases

What is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Michael Stonebraker. It is regularly enhanced by a number of experts, and can handle all types of databases — including the most complex ones.

What is a relational database?

A relational database is a structure using SQL that provides access to data points, and in which information is linked through tables.

Domains & Web Hosting

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the web address of any online website or application. When a web user enters a web address into a search engine, the domain name is what enables them to view the corresponding content.

What is cloud hosting?

A web hosting plan allows individuals or companies to store web data and publish websites online. More often than not, it’s a flexible service, offered by a hosting provider that offers a range of hosting options to companies of all sizes.

Infrastructure

What is a datacentre?

A datacentre is a physical site where computer equipment, like servers connected to the internet, are securely hosted. Their main function is to store, process and organise customer data — and this data can belong to individuals or businesses.

What is a dedicated server?

Dedicated servers are physical computers located in a datacentre, with all servers’ resources allocated exclusively to a single client. Dedicated servers are powerful, highly flexible and used as the foundation for many complex IT projects.

What is a bare-metal server?

Bare metal servers are physical services based on a server and allocated to an individual customer. Each server is a physical device without a hypervisor preinstalled, and all of its resources are dedicated to the single client.

Virtualisation

What is a virtual private server?

A virtual private server (VPS) is a virtual server created from a physical machine. The server’s resources are fully allocated to you, guaranteeing total freedom in terms of how you choose to configure it. This technology can also be adapted to suit your projects.
What is virtualisation?

Virtualisation is a type of technology that enables users to create and run virtual machines or applications from a physical server. These virtual machines include the features and hardware power of the server they were created from, while offering a high degree of scalability.

What is a virtual server?

A virtual private server resides on hardware that is shared with other virtual servers, each running its own operating system and applications. Generally offered by a hosting provider or cloud provider, it is inherently flexible and quick to set up.

Security and compliance

What is data encryption?

Data encryption encompasses all methods of encrypting sensitive or personal information in order to ensure its confidentiality. The data can only be read with an encryption key.

What is data security?

Data security encompasses all of the best practices in terms of protection that must be put in place to guarantee the confidentiality, sovereignty and integrity of the data stored on an IT infrastructure.