Glossary

Includes principles, models and methods for identifying common services and functionality offered by information systems. The aim is to structure services and functionality in consistent components that each support separate standards, functions and levels of responsibility in various parts of the organization (in which the information systems are to function). Further, each component shall comply in a proper manner with and to the standards, functions and levels of responsibility in the organization as a whole. (CEN/TC251 PT1-013)

"Express package ". A method for dynamic allocation of bandwidth using a fixed package.

Communications channels that are capable of transmitting a wide range of frequencies. Videoconferencing, cable TV, microwaves and satellite are examples of broadband technology. This technology is capable of transmitting a high volume of information in a very short space of time, but is currently a more expensive alternative to telephony, which uses a narrower bandwidth.

A codec is the 'heart' of a videoconference system. The name is a short form for Coding-Decoding. Coding/decoding includes conversion and not least the compression and decompression of video signals that are distributed over the network, whether these are ISDN or IP. The codec manages all participant couplings and all image and sound signals. One can connect diverse video and audio equipment, such as cameras, VCR's, microphones, PC's etc. All equipment that can deliver a video signal can be connected.

Separated signals represented by bits (that are either "on" or "off") in comparison to analogue signals that are continuously variable. Digital signals are used in both electronic and light-based systems. Digital technology makes it possible to compress signals for more efficient transmission.

A cryptographic transformation of an electronic document, which is added
to the document. A digital signature allows a recipient of a signed document to
verify the content and origin of the document. The signature protects against
forgery of the document by both sender and recipient, and ensures that the
sender cannot deny sending the document or the content of the document.

Short form of "Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport".

A data communications service for the transmission of EDI and e-mail that is not directly on-line.

Hardware is the physical content of PCs. The expression was coined as a method of separating the "case" and the electronic circuitry and components in a PC from the programs one installs to enable the sum of the parts to perform tasks.

Technology to gather, re-work, store and distribute information as text, data, sound, images and video in digital form. Is often split into software, hardware and netware. Used in computing, electronic, broadcasting and tele-products.

Internal business networks based on Internet communications solutions and user programs

An Internet protocol is the method or protocol enabling data transfer between PCs via the Internet. Every PC has a minimum of one unique IP address.

Unit of measurement for data transmission.

A data communications network that is geographically limited (approx. 1 km. in radius) enables the rapid connection of terminals, microprocessors and computers in buildings in the vicinity. Ethernet and FDDI are examples of standard LAN.

A network that appears as a single entity as a result of common communications standards. A common address structure and a set of unique logical addresses that unambiguously identifies all who are linked to the network. The logic network can be realised on the basis of a number of different physical networks such as local networks and tele-networks, and can utilise varying tele-services.

An electronic unit that converts serial data from a PC and an audio signal suitable for transmission via a tele-network.

Branch of medicine concerning development of children, on childhood illnesses and their treatment.

Sick, abnormal

Normal, well.

Short form of Research and Development

A machine that connects two or more networks, each of which works with different access control methods. Also known as a gateway.

Formal, technical or health standards, guidelines or descriptions for defined matters. Standards are developed on the basis of broad professional agreement (consensus) and are adopted formally at national or international level.

Security services in electronic networks carried out by independent organisations and technical units that are 'trusted' by other parties to supply and protect security related functions and tasks on their behalf..

Third generation mobile telephones

Computer language for marking documents that contain structured information. Intended among other things for use on the Internet. Unlike HTML, it has no fixed syntax and is easier to use.

The contact interface between the user and the computer's operative system and programs. Simply put, the display on the screen.