The real meaning of IT buzzwords

IT is complex, ask any IT Director who is responsible for network, servers, security, devices and apps.

Consequently many descriptor words and phrases have evolved in the IT and telecoms space, in order to quickly and succinctly convey a technical concept. For example, cloud computing, unified threat management, managed WAN, IP telephony, etc., etc.

Some of my favourites that commonly enter the sales pitch vernacular are:

• ‘Out of the box’ - not a reference to the result of heavy drinking nor a free toy from your favourite Kelloggs cereals, rather a service that is delivered as a standard option with no specific tailoring
• ‘Total IP based solution’ – a description that is so high level, it exists in the stratosphere and quickly you run out of oxygen thinking about its meaning. Hence, the recipient of the phrase needs to dig for the detail.
• ‘Business ready connectivity’ – another classic headliner. It’s almost like the fibre in the ground is alive and twitching in anticipation of all those voice and data packets.
• ‘Self-healing network’ – does that mean it sticks on its own plaster if it breaks?
• ‘A Security solution as solid as an England rugby player in medieval armour’ – sorry, I made that one up. You see, it can be contagious.

Another good example is 'enterprise grade' relating to any IT or telecoms service. This phrase has possibly irritated more IT Directors than salespeople would care to realise. Best to avoid giving the IT Director the chance to play buzz, word bingo when the salesperson is trying to close a deal!

But what does 'enterprise grade' actually mean? Of course it's all about interpretation, however the inference is that it's the same standard a large company, possibly FTSE 250 size, would adopt so this afford's it credibility.

It could be construed as complete waffle. So let's get to the point, ‘out with’ enterprise grade and ‘in with’ the reasons it's a reliable service because ‘xyz company already rely on it and its architectured in a way that ensures the target company considering its purchase, can rely on it.

More often than not the more detailed explanation gives the best impression of your proposition.

For conversations with substance about IT and telecoms solutions, have a chat with a provider that gives you the real story.