I

iceberg diagram

SEE chart, iceberg diagram.

IDEF0 function modeling notation (IDEF0)

A specific style of notation for business process flow diagrams in process models. SEE ALSO Integrated DEFinition.

IDEF1X data modeling notation (IDEF1X)

SEE data modeling notation, IDEF1X.

IDEF2 simulation modeling notation (IDEF2)

A style of notation for modeling resource behavior over time in a simulation. SEE ALSO Integrated DEFinition.

IDentifier (ID)

1. The label (value, name, handle, ...) used to unambiguously refer to individual instances of a population. It is represented by a key in the records or relations of a database. There must be a 1:1 relationship between the values of the key, and the members of the population in the user world. Identifiers define keys (primary keys, candidate keys).
2. A class word assigned to attributes or columns containing unique identity values for that instance or row.
3. DCMI element in element set Instantiation: a unique reference to a resource. SEE ALSO Dublin Core Metadata Initiative.

identifying relationship

SEE relationship, identifying.

IE data modeling notation (IE)

SEE data modeling notation, Information Engineering.

image

A class word, abbreviated usually to img.

image management

The process of managing image files stored electronically.

impact analysis

Identifying the potential consequences of changing an object to its related objects.

implementation

Installing and converting to use of a software application.

inaccurate

Adjective. Not complying with a standard, model, or rule. Having defects or errors.

inconsistent

Adjective. Having disagreement or disparity among things or parts of things. Having internal contradictions.

increment

A portion of a complete implementation, considered as its own discrete project, but part of an overall implementation program.

incremental implementation

SEE Phased Implementation.

incremental load

Data propagation to a target database limited to the data that has changed in the source database since the last load.

index

1. Generally, a cross-reference created to find something that matches some selection criteria.
2. In data management, a data structure which cross references a set of values from the same domain to the places (records or rows) where each value appears, generally within a single file (SEE join index). An index is usually ordered according to the values in the domain. In general, an index can have multiple references (or pointers) for each value, unless the index is on an identifier, in which case there is a one-to-one relationship between the values and the record identifiers. An index is used to improve retrieval performance on a file; it does not add any new information to the database.
3. Verb. To create a cross-reference list.

index, bitmap

An indexing technique in which a separate structure stores the references to the data as bit arrays.

index, block

Describes an index where every key relates to a block in a data file, using the lowest search key in the block.

index, b-tree

A binary search tree index that stores index pointers in block partitions according to the values themselves. It simulates a binary search tree and uses corresponding search methods to give performance of the order of Log(base2)N, rather than N as in conventional indexes.

index, clustered

An indexing technique in which the actual data is physically stored in the order of the index values, rather than having the index in a separate structure pointing to the data rows. Only one clustered index may exist on an object at a time.

index, covering

An index where the values of the data are stored in the index, allowing data retrieval from the index itself, instead of the data object.

index, dense

Describes an index where every row in the indexed structure relates to a value in the index.

index, global

A type of index that either is related to a non-partitioned table, or is not partitioned even though the underlying table is partitioned.

index, inverted

An index structure that stores locations of keywords within a set of files, and possibly the location within the file, rather than a list of possible values, in order to provide speedy searches for words or phrases. Mostly used for content searches through multiple files, such as a search for the term “DAMA” within several web pages or documents.

index, local

A type of partitioned index where the index block corresponds to one and only one data block.

index, non-clustered

An indexing technique in which the actual data is stored in random order, not physically in the order of the index. Files can have multiple non-clustered indexes, and each non-clustered index will take up space as an object.

index, reverse

An indexing technique in which the value being indexed is reversed (reversing the characters or reversing the digits) before being sorted. This is especially useful for indexing sequence numbers, where the most significant digit rarely changes, but the least significant digit always does.

index, sparse

Describes an index where every possible value in the indexed object relates to a pointer in the index, and few of those values actually appear in the indexed file or object, so that the index is mostly empty. See also index, block.

index, unique

An index on an identifier, or attribute(s) defined as unique, in which case there can only be one pointer for each value entry in the index.

indexed file organization

A method of storing data such that the index key controls the physical order of the data within the file.

Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM)

Alternate form: block index

A form of disk file management that uses indexes to assign storage information and retrieve data from the disk. Originally the name IBM assigned to its partial or block indexing scheme. Has since taken on a more generic usage.

indicator

1. An attribute type that is considered to be binary: On or Off, True or False, Yes or No.
2. A class word, abbreviated usually to ind.

induction

In data management, the process of creating categories from instances.

inference

Reasoning from known propositions.

inferential model

A model in which some of the data is inferred by actual data points.

information

1. Generally, understanding concerning any objects such as facts, events, things, processes, or ideas, including concepts that, within a certain context and timeframe, have a particular meaning.
2. The interpretation of data based on its context, including the

(DAMA-DMBOK Guide, 1st edition, pg. 2.)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Synonymous with Information Technology, used predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in the UK education system.

information architecture

SEE architecture, information.

information asset

Data in any form or media placed into meaningful context for users, collected in relation to business or research activity.

Information Asset Management (IAM)

Formal management of data, and organization of the users of that data, that provide context and create information assets.

Information Awareness Office (IAO)

Established by the U.S. DARPA to collect and integrate personal information of U.S. citizens and residents, primarily targeted for data mining to detect threats to the country.

information chaos

Chaos in information that may be relevant and timely, but is interpreted incorrectly, inconsistently, or incompletely.

information consumer

A person or group that receives data and uses it to create information. A more descriptive term for a data consumer, since the consumer creates and uses information by interpreting data in context.

information directory

A collection of the meta-data that relates to Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence systems within an organization, providing some context to the meta-data to make it usable and searchable by business professionals in natural language terms. The directory includes business meta-data including definitions, domains, examples, relationships, functions, rules, advisories, and equivalents in other environments. It also may include technical meta-data about datatypes, lengths, number of distinct values, transformation rules, and replication schedules.

Information Engineering (IE)

In data modeling, a record-based data modeling scheme and notation developed by Clive Finkelstein in the 1970s and popularized by James Martin.

information engineering objective

To get the right data, to the right people, in the right place, at the right time, in the right form, at the right cost, so they can make the right decisions, and take the right actions. The operative term is the right data. (Brackett 2011)

information flow modeling

Depicts the complete flow of information from source to target. In Data Warehousing, shows the flow of data from all sources through intermediate structures into final targets where the data is turned into information.

Information Lifecycle Management (ILM)

An approach to manage the flow of a system's information from creation through usage to purge.

Information Management (IM)

The management of data in context, with relevance and timeframes, for business benefit.

information mapping

A technique of dividing and categorizing information for ease of comprehension and recall.

information model

A model showing information structure, usually at a conceptual or logical level.

information needs analysis

The identification and study of the information needs required to satisfy a particular business driver.

information overload

The state where the rate or amount of input to a system or person outstrips the capacity or speed of processing that input successfully.

information policy

A statement of principles and guidelines for information management.

Information Quality (IQ)

1. The degree to which information consistently meets the requirements and expectations of knowledge workers in performing their jobs. Larry English, Improving Data Warehouse and Business Information Quality, p. 478.
2. In the context of a specific use, the degree to which information, as prepared from the data, meets the requirements and expectations for that use.

information quality decay rate

The rate that information loses relevance over time if not refreshed and reviewed.

information quality management

A form of data quality management, although with an added emphasis on managing the quality of the context in which data appears as well as the quality of the data itself.

Information Resource Management (IRM)

SEE information management.

Information Services (IS)

SEE Information Technology.

information stewardship

SEE data stewardship.

Information Supply Chain (ISC)

The full set of data and processes - technical, procedural, and organizational - that

Information System (IS)

1. Generally, an automated or manual organized process for collecting, manipulating, transmitting, and disseminating information. SEE ALSO application.
2. In data management, a system that supports decision-making concerning some piece of reality (the object system) by giving decision-makers access to information concerning relevant aspects of the object system and its environment.

Information Systems (IS)

SEE Information Technology.

information systems architecture

SEE architecture, information systems

Information Systems Planning (ISP)

The first phase in an Information Engineering methodology. The goal of an ISP is to define an enterprise architecture. ISP is usually performed as a separate project, defining several subsequent projects. SEE ALSO Business Systems Planning.

Information Technology (IT)

1. A broad subject concerned with technology and other aspects of managing and processing information, especially in large organizations. IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and retrieve information.
2. The department of an organization that deals with computer hardware, application software systems, and data. SEE ALSO Management Information Systems.

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

A framework of supplier independent best practice management procedures for delivery of high quality IT services.

information value chain analysis

A process to link conceptual and logical data models to process models, applications, organizations, roles and/or goals, to provide context, relevance, and timeframes.

information warehouse

IBM's approach to data warehousing that supports the implementation of either central, functional, or decentralized warehouses. It may provide information, but it does not contain information by itself. SEE ALSO Data Warehouse.

infrastructure

The underlying foundation of a system or organization. SEE ALSO infrastructure, IT.

infrastructure, data warehouse

A combination of technologies and the interaction of technologies that support a Data Warehousing environment.

infrastructure, IT

1. The complete set of hardware, operating system, and software products implemented in support of the application software of an enterprise.
2. The IT organization responsible for design, implementation, maintenance, operation, and support of the IT infrastructure.

inheritance

1. Generally, to receive by succession.
2. In data modeling, the sharing of the attributes and behaviors of parent class (supertype entity).

in-memory architecture

SEE architecture, in-memory.

inner join

SEE join, inner.

inner query

SEE subquery.

INSERT

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

installation

Moving a software product or application into a production computing environment.

instance

1. An individual member of a population, such as a value in the domain of values for an attribute, or an individual entity record in a file. (Everest 2010) SEE ALSO entity instance; attribute; object.
2. A set of facts describing an actual entity occurrence at a point in time or during a period of time. The data about an occurrence may vary in different instances.

instantiate

Verb. To create an instance of a software object or database row/record.

instantiation

1. An instance of a software object or database row/record.
2. The name of a DCMI element set (Date, Format, Identifier, Language). SEE ALSO Dublin Core Metadata Initiative.

Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP)

A nonprofit consortium of professional associations (including DAMA International) with the common goal of assessing, credentialing, and improving the skills and standards of students and individuals employed in the Business, Computer, Information, and Communications Technology industries. The ICCP handles exam administration and delivery of the CDMP exams and recertification.

Institute for Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

A professional organization for engineers, including software engineers.

institutional mandate

Set of rules or other formal set of instructions assigning responsibility as well as the authority to an organization for the collection, processing, and dissemination of information

intangible asset

SEE asset, intangible.

integer

A natural whole number (positive or negative) or zero. From the Latin integer for “intact, untouched”. Contrast with real number.

integrate

Verb. To form or blend into a whole; to unite with something else; to incorporate into a larger unit; to bring into common organization. (Brackett 2011)

integrated data resource

A data resource that is fully integrated within a single, organization-wide, common data architecture and is deployed as necessary to meet the business information demand. It contains one version of truth about the business(Brackett 2011)

Integrated DEFinition (IDEF)

ICAMS (Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing) DEFinition Languages, developed for the U.S. Air Force. There are several of these modeling languages.

IDEF0 describes functional modeling notation.

IDEF1X describes data modeling notation.

IDEF2 describes simulation model notation.

IDEF3 describes process description capture.

IDEF4 describes object-oriented design.

IDEF5 describes ontology description capture.

IDEF6 describes design rationale capture.

IDEF7 describes information system auditing (not developed).

IDEF8 describes user interface modeling.

IDEF9 describes business constraint discovery.

IDEF10 describes implementation architecture modeling (not developed).

IDEF11 describes information artifact modeling (not developed).

IDEF12 describes organization modeling (not developed).

IDEF13 describes three schema mapping design (not developed).

IDEF14 describes network design.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

A software application or suite of integrated applications that are used to design, develop, and test application code.

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)

A disk system where the disk controller is integrated into the drive itself, rather than remotely.

integration

1. The unified state of multiple components into one whole, complex system.
2. The process of unifying multiple components into one complex system.

integration test

SEE test, integration.

intellectual capital

SEE intellectual property.

Intellectual Property (IP)

1. Intangible assets of an enterprise created by its knowledge workers including information about tangible assets, documents, ideas, patents, inventions, trade secrets, brands, software and databases, and generally expressed in some copyable storage form.
2. The name of a DCMI element set (Contributor, Creator, Publisher, Rights). SEE ALSO Dublin Core Metadata Initiative.

intelligence

1. Verb. The ability to understand and apply to practice.
2. In common use, a collection of data about something or someone.

intelligent agent

A software routine that waits in the background and performs an action when a specified event occurs. For example, agents could transmit a summary file on the first day of the month or monitor incoming data and alert the user when certain transactions have arrived.

intelligent key

SEE key, intelligent.

intensional

Adjective. Describes a set of valid values defined by conformity to rules. Each time the rules are executed, the result set may be different from the time before. For instance, the set of customers with overdue balances is an intensional set. SEE ALSO domain; extensional; Master Data Management.

intensional set

A set where membership is defined by explicit rule(s) applied to members of a larger set. The operands of the rule would be attributes of the (entity) instance being considered for membership. Opposite of extensional set.

interactive query

A query formed through the interaction between a human and the (computer) system. The system can assist the user in formulating a query. The query may then be executed (usually is) or stored for later execution.

interdependency

1. The degree to which a set of attributes influence each other's values.
2. In data quality, the degree to which one attribute or row influences the values of other attributes or rows.

interface

The connection to and means of communication between people and systems, or between different systems.

Interface Definition Language (IDL)

The standard API for calling CORBA services.

International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)

The international standards organization that determines generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

A global network that identifies what international standards are required by business, government, and society, develops them in partnership with the sectors that will put them to use, and delivers them to be implemented worldwide. ISO is the world’s leading developer of international standards. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 163 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system. Some 50,000 experts contribute annually to a portfolio of over 15,000 standards. In collaboration with its partners the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T), ISO established the World Standards Cooperation (WSC) effort as the focus for standards in the field of information technology.

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

A unique commercial book identification number based on the Standard Book Numbering code that is applied to books and book-like products that are published internationally.

International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

International Telecommunications Union (formerly CCITT), a branch of the United Nations that sets and manages the representation of phone numbers (among other things in the industry). It specifies that the universal representation of phone numbers shall only use dots (periods) as a separator, and be in the form of nnn.nnn.nnnn within each country. That number is then preceded by numeric country and region codes. Hyphens and parentheses are to be discontinued.

internet archive

A non-profit digital library offering free access to uploaded books, music, and archived web pages.

internet bookmark

The address to an Internet site that has been saved with a name or a tag.

Internet Protocol (IP)

A set of standard mechanisms for routing and communication used for transmitting data across networks.

internet tagging

The process of adding attributes to sites on the internet in order to enable grouping or filtering.

Internet, The

The global set of computers linked over public networks addressing each other through DNSs and URL addresses, using HTTP for their primary access protocol and HTML to display information.

interoperability

The ability of various types of computers and programs to work together and share data across different platforms.

interpolation

The use of a formula to estimate an intermediate data value.

interpretive language

A computer language that compiles source instructions one at a time as needed at run time.

interrogative

1. Generally, a question; a sentence that generates a reply.
2. In language, a part of speech that is used to show a question: Who, What, When, Where, How, Why are all interrogatives.
3. Adjective. Of or relating to questions.

INTERSECT

A SQL set operator that intersects two tabular SELECT answer sets with consistent column structures into one answer set table where only rows that match using the join conditions are included.

intersection entity

SEE data entity, associative.

interval number

A numeric scale in which the numbers have no arithmetic zero point or origin. Thus, it is only meaningful to add and subtract them, not multiply or divide. We cannot say that 60 degrees is twice as hot as 30 degrees. Examples are date, time, and temperature, except for Kelvin, which does have a meaningful absolute zero.

intranet

A subset of the Internet used internally by an organization. Unlike the larger Internet, intranets are private and accessible only from within the organization. The use of Internet technologies over a private network.

intrinsic

Adjective. Describes a property which is specific and essential to, and inseparable from, only one thing or event, and which is independent of any other property.

Inventory Configuration

Zachman Framework cell name, intersection of What/Inventory Sets and Component Assemblies/Technicians as Implementers.

Inventory Definition

Zachman Framework cell name, intersection of What/Inventory Sets and Business Concepts/Executive Leaders as Owners.

Inventory Identification

Zachman Framework cell name, intersection of What/Inventory Sets and Scope Contexts/Strategists as Theorists.

Inventory Instantiation

Zachman Framework cell name, intersection of What/Inventory Sets and Operations Instance Classes/Workers as Participants.

Inventory Representation

Zachman Framework cell name, intersection of What/Inventory Sets and System Logic/Architects as Designers.

Inventory Sets

Zachman Framework column name, matches What.

Inventory Specification

Zachman Framework cell name, intersection of What/Inventory Sets and Technology Physics/Engineers as Builders.

inverted index

SEE index, inverted.

inverted list

An index structure that stores locations to records in a database file by mapping the contents of the database file itself as a list.

Ishikawa diagram

SEE chart, cause-and-effect diagram.

ISO 9000

International standards for quality management, specifying guidelines and procedures for documenting and managing business processes, and providing a system for third-party certification to verify those procedures are followed in actual practice.

ISO/IEC 11179

International ISO/IEC Standard on meta-data registries addressing the semantics of data, the representation of data, and the registration of the descriptions of data.

isodemographic map

SEE chart, area cartogram.

IT Architect Body of Knowledge (ITABOK)

SEE Body of Knowledge, IT Architect.

IT governance

The process of making decisions about IT investments, the IT application portfolio, and the IT project portfolio. (DAMA-DMBOK Guide, 1st edition, pg. 38.)

IT infrastructure

SEE infrastructure, IT.

IT portfolio management

1. The budgeting, funding, issue and risk management, and overall tracking mechanism for all IT projects and programs.
2. The formal process for managing IT assets including application software, infrastructure software and hardware, internal staff, and external consulting, and how they support business processes and strategies, outside of program or project management.

IT Steering Committee

The governing body of senior executives responsible for aligning IT goals, objectives, strategy, architecture and projects with enterprise goals, objectives and strategy, for oversight of IT functions and projects, including project prioritization and funding.

iterative

Adjective. Describes an approach to building something by repeating a procedure.