Glossary

Agile Development: A rapid, incremental approach to software development based on close onsite collaboration with clients, early development of prototypes, and feedback from clients and the market.
AI-OCR (AI-Optical Character Recognition): The use of AI to increase the accuracy of OCR systems, which read handwritten text, forms and documents, by utilizing deep learning to improve recognition of text with different fonts and image quality.
Big Data: A term for vast data sets that are too large to store, manage or analyze using traditional database management systems and processing applications. The ability to analyze big data is expected to yield new business insights and lead to the development of new services.
Blockchain: A new type of FinTech (see below) used to record transactions in virtual currencies such as Bitcoin. By dispersing data on computers distributed worldwide without centralized control, blockchains enable the creation of robust networks that are resilient to tampering and destruction.
Container Technology: A technology for realizing virtual operating environments with lower computer resources, achieved by building an application execution environment isolated from other processes on the operating system (OS). Creating spaces where applications are separated makes it possible to build a multiple-OS environment within a single OS environment.
Cloud Native: A system or application specifically designed to be used in cloud environments.
DX (Digital Transformation): Defined in 2004 by Professor Erik Stolterman of Umeå University in Sweden as "the change associated with the application of digital technology in all aspects of human society." DX describes how companies can harness new digital technologies to develop new business models and create value.
Edge Computing: A network technology that reduces communication lag by installing application servers in close physical proximity to terminal devices.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): An integrated approach to managing and allocating business resources (personnel, funds, facilities, information, etc.) to improve operational efficiency and optimize management. ERP also refers to integrated software applications that help companies achieve those objectives.
FinTech: A portmanteau of the words "finance" and "technology," FinTech refers to new IT tools in the financial sector. Common examples include online settlement technology and cloud-based household budget services. FinTech has attracted growing attention in recent years amid growth in the number of relatively small companies providing new services.
Ideathon / Hackathon: The words "hackathon" and "ideathon" are portmanteaus of the words "hack" (adapting or improving computer programs), "idea," and "marathon." At hackathons, computer engineers and other participants compete intensively in a fixed timeframe to develop programs or services with new capabilities or outcomes. At ideathons, teams discuss new ideas and collaborate on problem-solving.
IoT (Internet of Things): The embedding of various physical devices, not just computers, with Internet connectivity, creating networks that enable automated verification, control, and remote measurement.
Lift & Shift: "Lift" means migrating existing on-premise systems to the cloud to drive cloud utilization for digital transformation. "Shift" means migrating to a cloud-native mechanism to enhance cost-efficiency and productivity after moving to the cloud.
LOB (Line of Business): A line division that is directly linked to corporate performance as opposed to a business unit within a company or a so-called indirect functional department of a head office. In the case of diversified management companies, it corresponds to a business division.
Local 5G: System wherein companies other than telecom carriers are allotted 5G frequencies in a limited geographical area such as a manufacturing plant. This allows the use of a 5G network in a highly secure environment not connected to public networks.
Low-Code Development: A type of programming platform that requires minimal coding work. Low-code platforms have the potential to shorten application development times.
Microservice Architecture: The structuring of applications as a collection of microservices (such as settlement or ordering) and creating an architecture wherein microservices link to and communicate with each other. This offers high flexibility and adaptability as each individual microservice can be altered independently of the others.
MSS (Managed Security Service): A security service that monitors firewalls and other security systems in real-time 24/7 all year round, gathering data to analyze and defend against threats.
NFV (Network Function Virtualization): Virtualization technology that replicates network functions on standard servers. Currently, network functions are typically integrated with specialized servers, but NFV has the potential to virtualize network functions on standard servers without the need for specialized hardware.
Open Innovation: An innovation methodology for creating innovative products and business models by combining technologies and ideas of not only one company but also from outside that company.
Recurring Business: A business model capable of generating continuous profits (includes cloud services, operation services, and maintenance services).
RPA (Robotic Process Automation): Initiatives that use cognitive technology including rule engines, AI, and machine learning to carry out, on humans’ behalf, work that was traditionally done by humans.
SDN (Software-Defined Networking): A technology that controls telecommunications devices on a network such as routers and switches using a single layer of software, thereby allowing flexible and speedy changes to network structures and settings.
UI / UX (User Interface / User Experience): "UI" expresses how a system presents and displays information to the user and indicates user-friendliness with respect to operating the system and inputting information. "UX" reflects the experience and impression that users get from products and services.It includes not only usability but also all the experiences felt, from first meeting to separation.
Virtualization Technology: Technology that integrates or divides resources in servers and other hardware without any physical change in the hardware. The technology can create multiple virtual servers in a single physical server or create a single virtual hard disk from multiple disks.