S

Sales Intelligence (SI)

Technologies, applications, and practices for the collection, integration, analysis, and presentation of information to help salespeople keep up to date with clients, prospect data and drive business. In addition to providing metrics for win-loss and sales confidence , SI can present contextually relevant customer and product information.

sample      

1. Generally, a limited part or subsection of something intended to represent the qualities of the whole.
2. In data analysis, a selected subset of data from a population, used to better understand the entire population. Samples should be representative of the entire population.
3. Verb. To select a subset of data to test in order to deduce patterns, which then can be compared to the whole for accuracy. Sampling typically has shorter processing windows, and therefore can be tested more often until a pattern is defined.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)

A United States law enacted in 2002 establishing stringent financial reporting and auditing requirements for publicly traded companies doing business in the U.S. It was designed to make executives more responsible and accountable for oversight of their companies. The act covers issues such as auditor independence, corporate governance, internal control assessment, and enhanced financial disclosure. The act also covers security of, and access to, computer systems.

Other countries have also adopted the principles of Sarbanes Oxley. In Canada Bill C198, in the UK Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act of 2004.

satisficing

Verb. To choose the first sensible solution, rather than examining all alternate solutions before deciding. Combines the ideas of “satisfy” and “suffice”.

scalability

The ability to scale to support larger or smaller volumes of data and more or less users. The ability to increase or decrease size or capability in cost-effective increments with minimal impact on the unit cost of business and the procurement of additional services.

scalar

A data attribute of zero dimensions; a constant value. SEE ALSO array; matrix.

scale

1. Generally, an expression of size, volume or scope; magnitude, expressed as a ratio of the representation to the actual size.
2. Verb. In architecture, to change in size or capability according with requirements with minimal effort or resource impact.
3. In a numeric figures, the number of places to the left of the decimal place. SEE ALSO precision.

Scaled Vector Graphics (SVG)

An XML-based file format for describing images in terms of two-dimensional shapes, usually for interactive or animated graphic applications.

scatter diagram

SEE chart, scatter plot.

scenario modeling

The design of a dynamic process or financial model to support “what if” analysis, predicting outcomes when variables are changed.

schema

1. Generally, a diagrammatic representation of the structure, framework, or population of instances of something.
2. In data management, a data structure.
3. In some database software, a synonym for an instance of a DBMS.
4. In XML, the set of allowable XML tags, usually expressed in DTD or XSD.

schema diagram

A data model diagram that expresses the structure of a data model in graphical terms, depicting types, but not including any actual or sample data values, i.e., instances. (Everest 2010)

schema, database

The stored physical database definition derived from a set of DDL statements. The database schema contains all the information that defines the logical database and its physical storage.

schema, snowflake

A variation of a star schema in which the dimension tables are normalized, to remove all transitive dependencies.

schema, star

A set of relational tables representing multi-dimensional data, comprised of a single, central fact table surrounded by a single level of de-normalized dimension tables. Star schemas implement dimensional data structures with de-normalized dimensions. Snowflake schemas are an alternative to star schemas, containing at least one dimension normalized at least one level. The star schema and processes for managing them were invented by Ralph Kimball and first implemented in Red Brick, since purchased by Informix, and then IBM.

schema, XML

A set of XML tag definitions used to define and document XML applications.

scope

1. Generally, the boundary within which something has control, power, or obligation.
2. In project management, the definition of the business or technology impacted by a project's intended work.

Scope Contexts

Zachman Framework row name, matches Strategists as Theorists.

scorecard

An Business Intelligence application that helps manage an organization’s performance by reporting a standard set of performance measurements against objectives, internal targets and industry benchmarks. SEE ALSO Balanced ScoreCard.

scrap and rework

The activities and costs required to dispose of something, and recreate it from scratch, saving nothing from the prior effort.

scrum

An iterative, incremental methodology for project management often seen in agile software development, a type of software engineering.

search engine

An information retrieval system designed to search data sets and return results based on input criteria.

second Normal Form (2NF)

SEE normal form, second.

secondary key

SEE key, alternate.

secret key encryption

SEE encryption, private key.

securability

The ability to provide differing access to individuals according to the classification of data and the user’s business function, regardless of the variations.

Secure Electronic Transactions (SET)

An encryption program.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

A security technology commonly used to secure server-to-browser transactions.

security

The prevention of unauthorized access to a database and its data, and to applications that have authorized access to databases.

SELECT

A SQL statement (command) that specifies data retrieval operations for rows of data in a relational database.

selection criteria

1. Generally, the features and characteristics used to narrow choices within a larger field. For example, when evaluating product alternatives.
2. In data queries, the data values used to select records to form a subset of instances/records/rows of a file or table, expressed as a Boolean expression.

Self-Organizing Map (SOM)

A type of neural network that uses unsupervised learning to produce two-dimensional representations of an input space.

semantic

Adjective. Having to do with meaning, usually of words and/or symbols (the syntax). Part of semiotic theory.

semantic data integration

Data integration based on semantics as opposed to based on structure. SEE ALSO data integration.

Semantic Data Model (SDM)

SEE data model, semantic.

semantic equivalence

The degree to which data stored in multiple places is semantically equal in value. For example, one database might use the code value F to designate female gender, another might use the code value 1 to designate female gender; these code values are semantically equal, because they stand for the same thing. The measure of semantic equivalence is the percentage of records appearing in both databases whose values are semantically equal.

semantic layer

A representation of data using business terms to enable ease of understanding and use.

semantic mapping

An association of meaning to entities and attributes. SEE ALSO meta-data, business.

semantic network

SEE chart, semantic network.

Semantic Web, The

The next-generation Internet in which all content is tagged with semantic tags defined in published ontologies. Interlinking these ontologies will allow software agents to reason about information not directly connected by document creators. A project currently under the direction of the Web's original creator, Tim Berners-Lee of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

semantics

The study of the meaning behind the syntax (signs and symbols) of a language or graphical expression of something. The semantics can only be understood through the syntax. The syntax is like the encoded representation of the semantics. SEE ALSO syntax.

semiotic theory

A theory describing the relation between signs and symbols, and their interpretation. It consists of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. (Brackett 2011)

semiotics

The branch of linguistics concerned with signs, symbols, syntax, and semantics, and their use in communication.

sequence

1. Generally, the order of things, or an ordering of things, often numbered.
2. In data management, a database object that generates numbers in order.

sequence chart

SEE chart, sequence.

Sequential Access Method (SAM)

A method of retrieving or touching data in some linear order.

server

1. A software service that provides standard functions for clients in response to standard messages from clients.
2. The physical computer hardware from which services are provided.

service

A software component invoked via a message. The message may come from outside the service’s environment, and the results returned by the service may be delivered outside the service’s environment (to the requesting component on a different platform).

Service Integration Maturity Model (SIMM)

Developed by IBM, a model for evaluating an organization's security maturity in seven levels, from Silo to Dynamically Reconfigurable Services.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

The part of a contract between two parties that outlines the delivery of services within defined timeframes.

serviceability

The ability to determine the existence of problems, diagnose their causes, and repair and/or solve the problems. (DAMA-DMBOK Guide, 1st edition, pg. 134.)

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)

An application architecture organized around the use of services, especially web services.

Service-Oriented Development Architecture (SODA)

SEE service-oriented architecture.

Service-Oriented Integration (SOI)

Performing enterprise application integration (EAI) using service-based technology.

set theory

The branch of mathematics that studies collections of objects, and the manipulation of those sets.

Shewhart cycle

The “plan-do-check-act” cycle of continuous improvement developed by Walter Shewhart and popularized by W. Edwards Deming. Also known as the Deming Cycle.

Short Message Service (SMS)

Text messaging.

shredding

The parsing of an XML document into constituent parts to be stored atomically in a relational database.

sigma

1. A Greek letter (∑) that stands for the sum of a group of numbers.
2. In statistics, a shorthand term for standard deviation. The Greek letter omicron (ό) is used to stand for the standard deviation of an entire population and the lower case English letter (s) is used to stand for the standard deviation of a sample set. SEE ALSO six sigma.

signal-to-noise ratio

The ratio of meaningful data to nonsense within a data stream.

similarity analysis

A process in which the degree of similarity between any two records are scored, most often based on weighted approximate matching between a set of attribute values in the two records. If the score is above a specified threshold, the two records are a match and most likely represent the same entity. (DAMA-DMBOK Guide, 1st edition, pg. 310.)

Simple API for XML (SAX)

An event-based interface for processing XML documents.

Simple HTML Ontology Extension (SHOE)

An early project to extend HTML with semantic tags, superseded by RDF.

Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)

A wrapper specification from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for requests for web services that facilitates interoperability between a broad mixture of programs and platforms.

simplex

Adjective. Describes a system that allows communication between two endpoints in only one direction. SEE ALSO half duplex; full duplex.

simulation model

A model that shows the expected operation of a system based solely on the model.

simultaneous update

A process of automatically searching for other objects that may need updating based on the update of one object.

single key encryption

SEE encryption, private key.

single-variable model

A model showing evaluation based on one variable.

sink

In data flow diagrams, where data leaves the data flow, without any definition of the target. SEE ALSO source.

situational awareness

The perception of an environment's state and conditions at a point in time.

six sigma

1. Generally, a rigorous and disciplined statistical analysis methodology to measure and improve a company’s operational performance, practices and systems.
2. In many organizations, simply a measure of quality near perfection.
3. In data quality, a level of quality in which six standard deviations of a population fall within the upper and lower control limits of quality, allowing no more than 3.4 defects per million parts or transactions.

sixth Normal Form (6NF)

SEE Normal Form, sixth.

slice

A subset of a multi-dimensional array corresponding to a single value for one or more members of the dimensions not in the subset. (DAMA-DMBOK Guide, 1st edition, pg. 236.) SEE ALSO dice.

slice and dice

A data analysis function provided by multi-dimensional tools. Typically refers to allowing a user to filter and sort data in multiple ways.

Slowly Changing Dimension (SCD)

SEE dimension, slowly changing.

Small Computer Storage Interface (SCSI)

An interface for attaching disk drives to a CPU, usually on a small computer, via an input/output bus.

snaky chart

SEE chart, snaky.

snapshot

The state of an object, a system, or a collection of attributes regarding a state at a particular point in time.

snapshot fact

SEE fact table, snapshot.

snowflake schema

SEE schema, snowflake.

snowflake table

SEE table, snowflake.

social Business Intelligence

Alternate form: Social BI

SEE Business Intelligence, social.

software

Computer programs, including operating systems, utilities, tools, Database Management Systems and application programs. Software is intellectual property that imposes semantic meaning on input from humans and devices.

Software As A Service (SAAS)

A distribution method for software through a network interface.

Software Configuration Management (SCM)

The control of changes made to software and documentation of an information system in development and operational maintenance. Source code/component library management and source code version control are each part of software configuration management.

Software Development Kit (SDK)

A set of tools that enable development of system modifications or customizations that will be more likely to properly interface or interact with existing system processes.

software engineering

SEE Systems Development LifeCycle.

Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK^®)

SEE Body of Knowledge, Software Engineering.

Software Engineering Institute (SEI)

An IT research organization at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, funded by the US Department of Defense.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A data storage device that uses memory to persist data. Also known as thumb drives, ram drives, or flash drives.

sound

A class word, abbreviated usually to snd.

soundex

An algorithm developed to index sounds in order to sort or search text with like sounds.

source

1. In data management, a specific data set, meta-data set, database, or meta-data repository from where data or meta-data are available.
2. In data flow diagrams, where data enters the data flow. SEE ALSO sink.
3. DCMI element in element set Content: the origination of a resource. SEE ALSO Dublin Core Metadata Initiative.

source code

Human-readable procedural or declarative programming statements that can be compiled into equivalent machine-readable code.

Source Code Management (SCM)

The management of change to software instruction sets over time.

source database

SEE database, source.

spark line chart

SEE chart, spark line.

SPARQL endpoint

A SPARQL endpoint enables users (human or other) to query a knowledge base via the SPARQL language. Results are typically returned in one or more machine-processable formats. Therefore, a SPARQL endpoint is mostly conceived as a machine-friendly interface towards a knowledge base. Both the formulation of the queries and the human-readable presentation of the results should typically be implemented by the calling software, and not be done manually by human users.

SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language (SPARQL)

An RDF query language standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

sparse index

SEE index, sparse.

Spatial OLAP (SOLAP)

SEE OnLine Analytical Processing, Spatial.

Special Interest Group (SIG)

A community with a shared purpose of promoting some specific subject of interest.

specialization

The process of dividing an entity or object class into subtypes based on differing attributes, relationships and behaviors. The resulting subtypes inherit the characteristics of their more generalized supertype. Contrast with generalization.

specification

The formal documentation of requirements, data definitions and design descriptions to direct further development.

spectrogram

SEE chart, spectrogram.

spider

SEE web crawler.

spider chart

SEE chart, radar.

sponsorship

To support or aid, but not lead, another in an effort.

spread

The extent of variation in a set of items. SEE ALSO standard deviation.

spreadmart

A concept describing the use of spreadsheets to approximate Business Intelligence applications. Due to the limitations of spreadsheet applications, multiple redundant applications are developed, and spread across an organization, making it difficult to impose standards and formal support.

spreadsheet

A two-dimensional format for representing and storing information having columns and rows. A spreadsheet can be used to store a relational table or flat file, assuming the columns have headings and the rows represent entity instances. NOTE: Every flat file or table can be represented in a spreadsheet, but not every spreadsheet is a relational table, even though it consists of columns and rows.

SQL compliant

Conformity to current ANSI or ISO standards for SQL specifications.

SQL query tool

An end-user tool that accepts SQL to be processed against one or more relational databases.

SQL set operator

Set operators are commands in SQL that allow result sets from SELECT statements to be combined. There are four set operators in SQL: UNION, UNION ALL, INTERSECT, and EXCEPT (also known as MINUS).

staging area

SEE data staging area.

stakeholder

An organization, person, process, or system that can be affected by a change to a system or process.

stakeholder map

SEE chart, stakeholder map.

stakeholder rating map

SEE chart, stakeholder rating map.

standard

A model or example established by authority, custom or general consent, used in measurement and comparison of quality, value, quantity or extent.

standard deviation

A widely used measure of variability that measures the spread in a set of items; the square root of the variance from the mean; a percent of items in a set fall within a range of the mean plus or minus a standard deviation. SEE ALSO sigma; six sigma.

Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML)

An early document markup language, since superseded by HTML and XML.

Standard Industrial Code (SIC)

A widely used standard taxonomy for classifying businesses as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor, replaced by the new NAICS taxonomy.

standard query

A stored, reusable SQL query that can be issued with or without modification as dynamic SQL to the database. Frequently users provide different parameter values to variables in the standard query to deliver different result sets.

star schema

SEE schema, star.

state

1. Generally, the way something is at a point in time as described by its attributes. State is something that is, as opposed to something that happens. Opposite of behavior.
2. In modeling, a stage in the lifecycle of an entity or object class. Transition to a state is triggered by an event. A state is represented by a status code attribute value.
3. Part of a state transition diagram, which is data-centric, versus a data flow diagram, which is process-centric.

state diagram

SEE state transition diagram.

State Transition Diagram (STD)

A representation of the various valid states in the lifecycle of an entity or object class. State transition diagrams are valuable supplemental additions to a data model beyond entity-relationship diagrams. SEE ALSO Data Flow Diagram.

static query

A stored, precompiled SQL query, optimized for access against a particular database design.

statistical analysis

The examination of data to see patterns of probability or effects from causes.

Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX)

A set of technical standards and content-oriented guidelines, together with an IT architecture and tools, to be used for the efficient exchange and sharing of statistical data and meta-data. SDMX is a committee sponsored by multiple global financial institutions.

Statistical Quality Control (SQC)

Procedures and methods for measuring process quality, identifying unacceptable performance, variance and taking corrective action.

steward

Originally from the old English term sty ward; a person who was the ward of the sty. These people watched over the stock and were responsible for the welfare of the stock, particularly at night when the risks to the welfare of the stock were high. (Brackett 2011)

stewardship

The careful, responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care on behalf of others. SEE ALSO data stewardship.

stochastic

Adjective. Involving some chance, randomness, or uncertainty. For example, stochastic analysis.

stock and flow diagram

SEE chart, stock and flow.

Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU)

A detailed and specific product type used by inventory control systems.

stop-lighting

A technique using colored circles to identify the content of a data attribute. The colors are defined by a set of predefined thresholds. SEE ALSO scorecard.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

A network system that stores data within the network, but separate from exterior networks that allow attachment by application servers.

Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA)

An alliance of institutions that focuses on promoting storage network industry standards.

stored procedure

A precompiled code routine stored within a Database Management System.

Strategic Business Intelligence

Alternate form: Strategic BI

The application of BI tools to provide metrics to executives, often in conjunction with some formal method of business performance management, to help determine if a corporation is on target for meeting its goals and objectives. Used to support long-term corporate goals and objectives. (DAMA-DMBOK Guide, 1st edition, pg. 208.)

strategic data steward

A role accountable for data quality within a major subject area, resolution of business rule and data quality issues, and identification of coordinating and operational data stewards. A member of the Data Governance Council. SEE ALSO executive data steward.

Strategists as Theorists

Zachman Framework row name, matches Scope Contexts.

strategy

A set of decisions that set a direction and define an approach to solving a problem or achieving a goal.

strategy canvas

SEE chart, parallel coordinates.

strategy map

SEE chart, strategy map.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)

A type of analysis that provides companies with both internal and external factors that could affect the long-term success of the company.

structural meta-data

SEE meta-data, structural.

structure

A hierarchical classification for identifying relationships between categories.

structure, hierarchical

A data structure made up of hierarchical relationships between entity types. A hierarchical structure is not a tree structure since the parent entity type and child entity type in any hierarchical relationship need not be from the same population (not homogeneous).

structure, tree

Alternate form: tree-based structure

A hierarchy of things from the same population. The things could be

In the first case, it is the instances that form a tree structure, and in the second, it is the types that form a tree structure. The latter is called a hierarchical data structure.

structured

Adjective. Arranged in a definite pattern of organization; manner of construction; the arrangement of particles or parts in a substrate or body, arrangement or interrelation of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole; the aggregate of attributes of an entity in their relationships to each other, the composition of conscious experience with its attributes and their combination. (Brackett 2011)

structured data

SEE data, structured.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

A standard language for accessing relational, Open DataBase Connectivity, Distributed Relational Database Architecture, or non-relational compliant database systems. The dominant database language, used to define, control, manipulate and access relational data. Originally just an abbreviation for SEQUEL, but later acquired the acronym of “Structured Query Language” (when IBM could not trademark the name SEQUEL), explaining why is it still pronounced 'sequel' today.

style sheet

A set of structured hints to be applied to a family of documents to create a particular type of display.

subject

1. A topic or central idea.
2. DCMI element in element set Content: the area of focus of a resource. SEE ALSO Dublin Core Metadata Initiative.

subject area

1. Generally, a discipline or branch of knowledge.
2. In data modeling, a group of related entities or tables, logically grouped for presentation and analysis as a view to part of a data model.

Subject Matter Expert (SME)

A person with significant experience and knowledge of a given topic or function.

subject-oriented data resource

A data resource that is built from data subjects that represent business objects and events in the real world that are of interest to the organization. (Brackett 2011)

subquery

A query called within another query.

subscribe and publish

A style of system interaction and data distribution in which consumer applications or persons indicate their interest in certain kinds of data from certain sources when certain events occur. When the events occur, the consumers receive the data via a message. This approach is an alternative to continual polling or scheduled batch interfaces.

subtype

A specialized subset of occurrences of a more general entity type, having one or more additional attributes or relationships not inherent to other occurrences of the entity. SEE also supertype; generalization; specialization; primitive.

summarization table

Tables created along commonly used access dimensions to speed query performance, although the redundancies increase the amount of data in the warehouse. SEE ALSO aggregate data.

super

Adjective. Over and above, higher in quantity, quality, or degree; exceeding a norm, in excessive degree or intensity, surpassing all or most others of its kind; situated or placed above, on, or at the top of; having the ingredient present in a large or unusual large proportion; constituting a more inclusive category than that specified; superior in status, title, or position. (Brackett 2011)

superkey

See key, superkey.

supertype

A more generalized entity of which some occurrences belong to a more specialized subtype. SEE ALSO subtype; generalization; specialization; primitive.

supply chain

The optimal flow of product from site of production through intermediate locations to the site of final use.

supply chain analytics

The process of extracting and presenting supply chain information to provide measurement, monitoring, forecasting and management of the chain.

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

The process of ensuring optimal flow of inputs and outputs.

supply demand curve

SEE chart, supply demand curve.

Support Vector Machine (SVM)

A modeling technique that assigns points to classes based on the assignment of previous points, and then determines the gap dividing the classes where the gap is furthest from points in both classes. SEE ALSO predictive modeling.

surrogate key

SEE key, surrogate.

swim lane chart

SEE chart, swim lane.

symmetric encryption

SEE encryption, private key.

Symmetrical Multi-Processing (SMP)

In computer architecture, the “shared everything” approach to parallel computing. Describes a computer system where all resources are shared, including data storage, memory, and processors. Each task may be processed using any shared resource. Growth is achieved by adding more resources, up to the limits of the hardware. Possible bottlenecks include memory bus contention. Contrast with Massively Parallel Processing.

synchronous

Adjective. Describes a style of communication in which the requestor waits for a reply.

synonym

1. A term that has the same or nearly same value as another term, but has a different label. Contrast with homonym.
2. In a database, an object that serves to refer to another object, encapsulating rights or protecting ownership.

syntax

The rules governing the encoded representation of a set of semantics, using certain constructs, notations, and grammar. SEE ALSO semantics.

synthesis

Verb. To put together; the combination of parts or individual items to form a whole; the production of a substance by the union of components, or groups to form a whole. (Brackett 2011) SEE ALSO analysis.

system

An interacting and interdependent group of component items forming a unified whole to achieve a common purpose.

system dynamics simulation

A dynamic form of visualization that combines causal loop diagrams and stock and flow diagrams to create a simulation of the workings of a system from one point in time to another.

System Logic

Zachman Framework row name, matches Architects as Designers.

system of record

A system that stores the 'official' version of a data attribute.

system test

SEE test, system.

systems analyst

An IT or business professional responsible for identifying, understanding and specifying business information requirements and system functional requirements, defining business process models, participating in data modeling and information value chain analysis, defining test strategies and test plans to verify requirements. Systems analysts also serve as liaisons between IT and business units and as facilitators for organizational and cultural change. SEE ALSO business analyst; business systems analyst.

Systems Development LifeCycle (SDLC)

The phases and activities common to software development projects. Common phases include: Initiation, Concept Development, Planning, Requirements Analysis, Design, Development, Integration and Testing, Implementation, Operations and Maintenance, and Disposition.

Systems Modeling Language (SysML)

An extension of UML that adds notation for additional resources such as hardware, software, and facilities.

systems thinking

The ‘fifth discipline” of a learning organization, which sees problems in the context of the whole system, applications in the context of the entire value chain, and data as a shared, reusable enterprise resource. SEE ALSO knowledge management.