Mobile Computing Definitions

2-in-1 tablet (hybrid tablet, convertible tablet)

A 2-in-1 tablet, also known as a hybrid or convertible tablet, is a tablet PC that also functions as a notebook

2D barcode (two-dimensional barcode)

A 2D (two-dimensional) barcode is a graphical image that stores information horizontally as one-dimensional barcodes do, as well as vertically.

3G card

A 3G card is a modem that allows a computing device to access the Internet wirelessly through a cellular provider's 3G network.

4G (fourth-generation wireless)

4G is the short name for fourth-generation wireless, the stage of broadband mobile communications that supersedes 3G (third-generation wireless) and is the predecessor of 5G (fifth-generation wireless).

802.11

802.11 is an evolving family of specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs) developed by a working group of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)....(Continued)

802.11d

802.11d is a communications specification for use in countries where systems using other standards in the 802.11 family are not allowed to operate.

802.11h

The 802.11h specification is an addition to the 802.11 family of standards for wireless local area networks (WLANs). 802.11h is intended to resolve interference issues introduced by the use of 802.11a in some locations, particularly with military radar systems.

802.11i

802.11i is a standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs) that provides improved encryption for networks that use the popular 802.11a and 802.11b (which includes Wi-Fi standards).

802.11n

802.11n is an addition to the 802.11 family of standards. The goal of 802.11n is to increase wireless local area network (WLAN) speed, improve reliability and extend the range of wireless transmissions. 802.11n uses multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) technology and a wider radio frequency channel.

802.11x

802.11x refers to a group of evolving wireless local area network (WLAN) standards that are under development as elements of the IEEE 802.11 family of specifications, but that have not yet been formally approved or deployed.

802.15

802.15 is a communications specification that was approved in early 2002 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEE-SA) for wireless personal area networks (WPANs).

Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)

Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) is a feature of the Windows Server operating system (OS) that extends end users' single sign-on (SSO) access to applications and systems outside the corporate firewall.

Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS)

Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) is a standard system for analog signal cellular telephone service in the United States and is also used in other countries. It is based on the initial electromagnetic radiation spectrum allocation for cellular service by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1970. Introduced by AT&T in 1983, AMPS became one of the most widely deployed cellular system in the United States. (Continued...)

Amazon Cloud Drive

Amazon Cloud Drive is an online storage service that allows users to upload and access music, videos, documents and photos from Web-connected devices.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Android 3.0 Honeycomb is a mobile operating system owned by Google and designed specifically for tablet PCs.

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS)

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is a version of Google’s mobile operating system.

Android 9 Pie

Android 9 Pie is the most recent version of Google’s mobile operating system.

Android for Work

Android for Work is a program for devices running on the Google Android mobile operating system that allows IT to manage and secure business applications on a work-specific profile.

Android Open Source Project (AOSP)

The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is an initiative created to guide development of the Android mobile platform.

Android Oreo

Android Oreo 8.0 is the eighth major update to the Android operating system that contains newer features and enhancements for application developers.

Android OS

Android OS is a Linux-based mobile operating system that primarily runs on smartphones and tablets.

Android Studio

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android application development.

antenna

An antenna is a specialized transducer that converts radio-frequency (RF) fields into alternating current (AC) or vice-versa.

app

App is an abbreviated form of the word "application."  An application is a software program.

app refactoring (application refactoring)

App refactoring is the restructuring of existing computer code to improve its performance, readability, portability or code adherence without changing the code's intended functions.

app store (application store)

An app store (application store) is an online portal through which software programs are made available for procurement and download.

app wrapping (application wrapping)

App wrapping is the process of applying a management layer to a mobile app without requiring any changes to the underlying application.

Apple 3D Touch

Apple 3D Touch is a pressure-sensitive feature first included in iPhone 6s and 6s Plus that triggers different actions based on how much force the user puts on the screen.

Apple AirDrop

Apple AirDrop is a feature on iOS and OS X devices that allows users to transfer data over the same Wi-Fi network from one Apple device to another.

Apple Bonjour

Apple Bonjour is a group of networking technologies designed to help devices and applications discover each other on the same network.

Apple Business Manager

Apple Business Manager (ABM) is an online portal for IT administrators who deploy Mac OS, iOS and tvOS devices in an enterprise or educational setting.

Apple Configurator

Apple Configurator is a free Mac OS X tool for configuring and deploying iOS devices in the enterprise by using a physical USB connection.

Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP)

The Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP) is an online service that automates the enrollment and configuration of Apple iOS devices in an organization’s mobile device management software.

Apple iOS

Apple iOS is a proprietary mobile operating system that runs on mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Apple iPad Pro

Apple iPad Pro is the company's large, powerful, high-resolution tablet, aimed at users who require graphics-heavy applications and a PC-like screen and interface.

Apple iTunes

Apple iTunes is software that allows computer users to purchase, download and manage music, videos, applications and other media.

Apple iWork

Apple iWork is a productivity software suite for computers and mobile devices running Mac OS X and iOS operating systems (OSes).

Apple Joint Venture

Apple Joint Venture is an IT support and training service geared toward small and midsized businesses.

Apple Live Photos

Apple Live Photos, first available on the iPhone 6s, turn pictures into short videos by capturing movement and sound in the seconds before and after a user takes a photo.

Apple Managed Open In

Apple Managed Open In is a security feature released in the Apple iOS 7 mobile operating system that allows IT to configure which applications employees can use to access data.

Apple OS X Mavericks

Apple OS X Mavericks is version 10.9 of the second-generation Macintosh computer operating system.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a contactless mobile financial transactions service developed for Apple devices.

Apple Smart Keyboard

Apple's Smart Keyboard is a detachable, full-size, text input device designed for the iPad Pro. Its conductive material means the keyboard never has to be charged, and it can be unfolded to function also as a protective cover.

Apple TV (Apple TV 4)

Apple TV is a set-top box that allows end users to stream multimedia content from the Internet over a television.

Apple User Enrollment

Apple User Enrollment (UE) is a form of mobile device management (MDM) for Apple products that supports iOS 13 and macOS Catalina.

Apple Watch

Apple Watch is Apple's entry into the smartwatch market. It pairs with an iPhone to let users send texts, make calls, manage schedules, navigate and much more.

Apple Watch OS (Apple Watch operating system)

The operating system for Apple Watch is designed to take advantage of the wearable nature of the device with features such as Glances that cater to the smaller screen and its location on the user's wrist.

Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT)

Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) is a set of freely downloadable program utilities and related documents from Microsoft for ensuring compatibility among application programs in Windows operating systems, especially in a large network environment.

application sandboxing

Application sandboxing, also called application containerization, is an approach to software development and management and mobile application management (MAM) that limits the environments in which certain code can execute.

automated speech recognition (ASR)

Automated speech recognition (ASR) is a technology that allows users of information systems to speak entries rather than punching numbers on a keypad.

AWS Device Farm

AWS Device Farm is an Amazon Web Services (AWS) mobile app testing service for Android or Fire OS-based devices.

wireless access point

A wireless access point (wireless AP) is a network device that transmits and receives data over a wireless local area network (WLAN). Typically, wireless routers are used in homes and small businesses where all users can be supported by one combined AP and router.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES)

BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) is a middleware program that allows BlackBerry devices to access corporate messaging and collaboration software such as Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise.

BlackBerry Hub

BlackBerry Hub is a BlackBerry 10 application that lets users access and respond to emails, text messages and social network activity.

bluesnarfing

Bluesnarfing is the theft of information from a wireless device through a Bluetooth connection.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a telecommunications industry specification that describes how mobile devices, computers and other devices can easily communicate with each other using a short-range wireless connection.

Bluetooth 4.0

Bluetooth 4.0 is a version of the Bluetooth wireless networking standard that consumes less power than its predecessors.

Box (Box.net)

Box is an online file-sharing, storage and collaboration service provider that caters to individual users as well as businesses.

BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless)

BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless) is Qualcomm's open source application development platform for wireless devices equipped for code division multiple access (CDMA) technology.

bring your own everything (BYOx)

Bring your own everything (BYOx) is a term that refers to employees' use of personal technology to perform work tasks.

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) is an initiative within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) created to promote the development and adoption of broadband throughout the United States, particularly in unserved and underserved areas. BTOP, which will disburse $4.7 billion in a number of categories, is expected to create jobs, advance technology and boost the economy.

BYOT (bring your own technology)

Bring your own technology (BYOT) is a policy that allows employees or students to use their own personal electronic devices at work or scho

camcorder (camera recorder)

A camcorder (camera recorder) is a portable electronic recording device capable of recording live-motion video and audio for later playback.

captive portal

A captive portal is a Web page that the user of a public-access network is obliged to view and interact with before access is granted. Captive portals are typically used by business centers, airports, hotel lobbies, coffee shops, and other venues that offer free Wi-Fi hot spots for Internet users.

cell phone jammer

A cell phone jammer is a device that blocks transmission or reception of signals, usually by creating some form of interference at the same frequency ranges that cell phones use... (Continued)

Cisco Borderless Networks

Cisco Borderless Networks is the brand name for a set of hardware and software technologies which allow "anyone, anywhere, anytime, and on any device" to connect to an organization's network.

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a security policy management platform that provides secure network access to users and devices.

Citrix XenMobile

Citrix XenMobile is mobile management software that provides mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM) and cloud file-sharing capabilities.

cloud drive

A cloud drive is an umbrella term used to describe any Web-based service that provides storage space on a remote server.

cloudbook

A cloudbook is a thin client notebook computer with a browser operating system (OS) and interface.

CloudOn

CloudOn is a web-based collaboration tool that allows users to open, review and edit Microsoft Office documents on any computing device that has a Google Chrome or Apple Safari browser.

coaxial antenna

A coaxial antenna is a variant of the dipole antenna, designed for use with an unbalanced feed line.

common short code (CSC)

Common short codes (CSC) are short telephone numbers, usually consisting of five digits, that are used to address SMS and MMS messages from cellular telephones. Common short codes may also be called mobile short codes or short numbers... (Continued)

configuration profile (CP)

A configuration profile (CP) is an XML file that an IT administrator can use to customize settings on an end user's Apple iOS or Mac OS X device.

consumer device

Consumer device is an industry term for Internet-capable mobile computers that are marketed to individuals, not businesses.

consumerization of IT

The consumerization of IT refers to how software and hardware products designed for personal use migrated into the enterprise and were used for work purposes.

contextual computing

Contextual computing, also called context-aware computing, is the use of software and hardware to automatically collect and analyze data about a device's surroundings in order to present relevant, actionable information to the end user.

COPE (corporate-owned, personally enabled)

COPE (corporate-owned personally-enabled) is a business model in which an organization provides its employees with mobile computing devices and allows the employees to use them as if they were personally-owned notebook computers, tablets or smartphones.

corporate mobility policy

A corporate mobility policy is a set of guidelines, established by a corporation, that govern the use and security of mobile devices such as smartphones, PDAs and tablets within the corporate network.

cross-platform mobile development

Cross-platform mobile development is the creation of software applications that are compatible with multiple mobile operating systems.

CYOD (choose your own device)

CYOD (choose your own device) is an alternative model to BYOD (bring your own device) that involves allowing employees to select the device they want from among a limited number of options. CYOD is an example of the COPE (corporate-owned, personally-enabled) model.

device-agnostic (device agnosticism)

Device agnosticism, or device-agnostic, is the capacity of a computing component to work with various systems without requiring any particular adaptations.

digital audio broadcasting (DAB)

digital pen

A digital pen is a battery-operated writing instrument that allows the user to digitally capture a handwritten note or drawing.

digital video broadcasting (DVB)

Digital video broadcasting (DVB) is a set of standards that define digital broadcasting using DVB satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasting infrastructures.

direct broadcast satellite (DBS)

Direct broadcast satellite (DBS) refers to satellite television (TV) systems in which the subscribers, or end users, receive signals directly from geostationary satellites.

disappearing e-mail

Disappearing e-mail is a message sent using a type of distribution management tool for e-mail.

distributed antenna system (DAS)

A distributed antenna system (DAS) is a way to deal with isolated spots of poor coverage inside a large building by installing a network of relatively small antennas throughout the building to serve as repeaters.

downlink and uplink

These terms should not be confused with downstream and upstream.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud storage provider (sometimes referred to as an online backup service) that is frequently used as a file-sharing service.

dual persona (mobile device management)

Dual persona, in a mobile management context, is the provisioning and maintenance of two separate and independent end user environments on a single mobile device. Dual persona technology addresses one of the challenges of the bring your own device trend: how to exercise IT control over employees' personal devices without infringing on their right to privacy.

e-paper (radio paper or electronic paper)

E-paper (sometimes called radio paper or just electronic paper) is a portable, reusable storage and display medium that looks like paper but can be repeatedly written on (refreshed) - by electronic means - thousands or millions of times.

eBook

An eBook is an electronic version of a traditional print book that can be read by using a personal computer or by using an eBook reader.

EFSS (Enterprise file sync-and-share)

Enterprise file sync-and-share is a service that allows users to save files in cloud or on-premises storage and then access them on desktop and mobile devices.

electromagnetic interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is unwanted noise or interference in an electrical path or circuit caused by an outside source.

electronic ink

Electronic ink is a liquid substance, in development at MIT's Media Lab in partnership with a company called E Ink, that responds to electrical impulses to enable changeable text and image displays on a flexible surface.

electronic newspaper

An electronic newspaper is a self-contained, reusable, and refreshable version of a traditional newspaper that acquires and holds information electronically.

end user policy

An end user policy is a set of directives that describes what actions employees must take -- or avoid -- in order to protect corporate assets

end-user computing (EUC)

End-user computing (EUC) refers to the devices, applications and data that workers need to perform their jobs, and the technologies used to deploy, manage and secure those resources.

enterprise app store (enterprise application store)

An enterprise app store is a web portal through which end users can access, download and install corporate-approved software applications.