R3
|
The collective term for Sap’s range of
enterprise applications. Now known as mySAP.
|
RAD
|
Rapid Application Development. This is
an approach to software development that makes use of prototyping. The philosophy is to get the users involved
in the development and to focus more on the business need as opposed to the
system engineering. See Waterfall and Agile.
|
Rational Rose
|
A popular object oriented ALM tool
developed by Rational Corporation.
|
Rational Unified Process
|
A software development methodology
developed by the Rational Corporation.
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RDBMS
|
Relational Database Management
Systems. A generic term for database products that utilise relational
technology. They are characterized by
their use of SQL. Examples being Oracle 10G and MS SQL Server.
|
Real-time
|
A term used to describe the concept of
happening now. Car brake management systems are real-time systems as are
foreign exchange data feeds for investment bankers. If these systems do not
respond immediately there will be some negative consequences for the user.
|
Real-time
enterprise
|
A term used to describe an
organization that is responsive to changes in the marketplace. This is seen
as a good characteristic in fast moving markets. See On Demand.
|
Red Hat
|
A company that sells Linux related
services. Such companies are known as a Linux distro (a ‘cool’ way of saying
distributor).
|
Regression Testing
|
Testing that takes place after
software has been modified to ensure that unmodified aspects of the system
have not been effected.
|
Relational Database
|
A relational database is one that was
designed to minimize the amount of storage required. The concept is
underpinned by mathematical rigour (Set theory). More easily recognisable by
its use of SQL. Also known as an RDBMS.
|
Replication
|
The act of copying data from one
database to another, typically on a different server. Usually done to ensure
that there is a copy of the data should the server fail.
|
REXX
|
IBM’s system scripting language. Now
an international standard. But now available in open source form. Old school.
|
RIP
|
See Regulation of Investigatory
Powers.
|
Robot
|
A term used to describe a computer
that performs mechanical functions, eg. spraying assembly line workers. Watch
the film ‘I, Robot’ to see how this can become problematic.
|
Robotics
|
A term used to describe the science
and technology associated with the design of robots.
|
ROI
|
Return on Investment. This is a
well-established financial metric that is often clumsily applied to IT spend.
|
Router
|
An intelligent internetworking device.
Used to bind the various networks that make up the Internet together.
|
RPG/2
|
Report Program Generator. A programming language developed by IBM,
which started life in 1965. Now
associated with IBM’s I-Series. And now exhibits object oriented
characteristics. Old school.
|
Ruby
|
Is an open source cross-platform
programming language based on Perl and Smalltalk. It also shares features
associated with Python and Lisp.
|
Ruby on Rails
|
A set of tools and technologies to
facilitate the building of web applications written in the Ruby language.
Known more commonly as Rails.
|
RUP
|
See Rational Unified Process.
|
