Information

Literally, "data about data.” Metadata describes how and when and by whom a particular set of data was collected, and how the data is formatted. Metadata is essential for understanding information stored in data warehouses. Information about a component or a model and describes the business rules of the data: That is, how the data is going to be used.

A class of tools that can extract and present multidimensional data from different points of view. Designed for managers looking to make sense of their information, OLAP structures data hierarchically -- the way managers think of their enterprises. OLAP functions include trend analysis, drilling down to more complex levels of detail, summarization of data and data rotation for comparative viewing.

When a user is interacting directly with the application. Each time the user enters information or requests information is considered to be a transaction. Most types of self service are examples of OLTP, like bank ATM’s and enrolling in your benefits online.

Information that can be used to identify or distinguish an individual, such as name, address, social security number, or email.

Networks in which devices or nodes are interconnected directly with each other, allowing data and information to flow between them without relying on a central infrastructure.