Glossary
100 public-sector technology terms
A
- A/B testing A/B Testing A method of comparing two versions of a page, where some visitors see version A, others B, and it is monitored which performs better.
- Access management Access Control A security mechanism that defines who can access which data or functions in the system.
- Accessibility (WCAG) Web Accessibility (WCAG) International standards that ensure a website can also be used by people with disabilities.
- Agile (Agile methodology) Agile A flexible project management methodology where work is carried out in short cycles (sprints) with regular feedback.
- API Application Programming Interface An application interface that allows different systems to exchange data automatically, e.g. between a website and a register.
- API Gateway API Gateway A middleware server that manages all API requests — authentication, rate limiting, routing.
B
- Backlink Backlink A link from another website to your website — the more quality backlinks you have, the higher your Google ranking.
- Backup copy Backup A copy of the website files and database that allows the website to be restored after a failure, attack or error.
- Bounce rate (Bounce Rate) Bounce Rate The percentage of visitors who view only one page and leave — a high figure indicates a content or UX problem.
- Business registers (BRIS) Business Registers Interconnection System (BRIS) Official national registers of companies and other legal entities; the EU BRIS system interconnects them so company data can be searched across borders.
C
- CDN Content Delivery Network Content delivery network — a global network of servers that speeds up website loading for users around the world.
- CI/CD Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment An automated process in which code changes are tested automatically and deployed to the production environment.
- Cloud computing Cloud Computing Provision of IT resources (servers, storage, applications) over the internet from the cloud, paying only for use.
- CMS (Content Management System) Content Management System Software that allows website content to be created, edited and managed without programming knowledge.
- Communication plan Communications Plan A document that defines an organisation’s communication goals, channels, audience, message tone and schedule.
- Containerisation Containerization Technology (e.g. Docker) that packages an application with all its dependencies into an isolated container that runs anywhere.
- Content strategy Content Strategy A long-term plan that defines what content to create, who it is for, and how it will help achieve the organisation’s goals.
- Contrast Contrast The degree of colour difference between text and background that determines readability — WCAG requires at least a 4.5:1 ratio.
- Conversion Conversion The desired action a visitor takes on a website: filling in a form, downloading a document, ordering a service.
- Core Web Vitals Core Web Vitals Three Google metrics (LCP, FID, CLS) that assess website speed, interactivity and visual stability.
- CSS Cascading Style Sheets A style language that defines a website’s visual appearance: colours, fonts, spacing, animations.
- Cybersecurity Cybersecurity A set of technologies and practices that protects systems, networks and data from digital threats.
D
- Data migration Data Migration The process of transferring data from an old system to a new one is a common step when updating a website or changing platform.
- Data visualisation Data Visualisation Presenting data using visual tools — charts, graphs, maps — so that the information is easier to understand.
- Database Database A structured data repository where a website stores all its content: articles, users, settings.
- DDoS attack DDoS Attack A cyberattack in which a website is flooded with thousands of artificial requests until it becomes unavailable.
- Design system Design System A set of standardised components (buttons, colours, fonts) that ensures a consistent website appearance.
- Digital maturity Digital Maturity An organisation’s readiness level to use digital technologies effectively in its operations and services.
- Digital transformation Digital Transformation Changing organisation processes, culture and services using digital technologies to increase efficiency.
- Digital twin Digital Twin A virtual model of a physical object or process that reflects reality in real time and allows scenario modelling.
- DNS Domain Name System The Domain Name System converts a website name into the server IP address so that the browser can find it.
- Domain Domain Name A unique website address, for example your-council.eu, allowing users to find the website easily.
E
- eGovernment eGovernment The use of digital technology to run public administration and deliver public services online, from clear information to fully digital procedures.
- eID login gateways Government login gateway (eID) A national single sign-on service that confirms who a user is before they use online public services; eIDAS-Nodes connect these services across EU borders.
- Electronic service E-Service A public service delivered online — from submitting a request to receiving the result, without a physical visit.
- Electronic signature Electronic signature A digital way to approve a document or agreement; under eIDAS, a qualified electronic signature has the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature.
- Email marketing Email Marketing A communication strategy that uses email to inform, engage and invite a target audience to act.
- ETL Extract, Transform, Load Data processing process: extracting from the source, transforming into the required format, and loading into the target system.
F
- Firewall Firewall A security system that filters network traffic and blocks malicious requests before they reach the website.
- Font pair Font Pairing A combination of two fonts on a website — one for headings, the other for body text — creates a professional look.
- Framework (Framework) Framework A programming framework is a set of ready-made tools and structure that speeds up website or application development.
- Frontend and Backend Frontend & Backend Website division into two parts: frontend — what the user sees; backend — server logic and data.
- FTP File Transfer Protocol File Transfer Protocol used to upload website files to a server or download them.
G
H
- Heatmap Heatmap A visualisation showing where visitors most often click, scroll or linger their gaze on a website.
- Hosting Web Hosting Website hosting service on a server, ensuring that the website is accessible online around the clock.
- HTML HyperText Markup Language The main markup format for websites, defining the page structure: headings, paragraphs, links.
- HTTP/HTTPS HyperText Transfer Protocol (Secure) Protocols by which the browser and server exchange data. The HTTPS version encrypts the connection and is mandatory.
I
- Information architecture Information Architecture Website content organisation structure: how pages are arranged, linked, and how the user can find them.
- Inherited system (Legacy System) Legacy System An old, outdated IT system that is still in use because replacing it is expensive or complicated.
- Interoperability Interoperability The ability of different IT systems to exchange data and work together, even if they were created by different manufacturers.
- IT strategy IT Strategy A long-term plan defining how an organisation will use information technology to achieve its goals.
K
M
- Malware Malware Program code designed to damage a system: viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware.
- Menu hierarchy Menu Hierarchy Organising the menu structure by levels: main items, subcategories and deeper-level pages.
- Meta description Meta Description A short page description (up to 160 characters) shown in Google search results below the link title.
- Microservices Microservices An architectural style in which an application is built from small, independent services, each performing one function.
- Middleware (Intermediary software) Middleware Software that sits between two systems and helps them communicate, even though they speak different “languages”.
- MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Minimum Viable Product The first product version with minimal but sufficient features, allowing it to start being used and feedback to be gathered.
N
- Navigation Navigation The website menu and link structure that helps visitors find their way between pages and access the information they need.
- News portal News Portal A website section for regularly publishing an organisation’s news, announcements and updates.
- Newsletter Newsletter A regular email newsletter sent to subscribers with news and updates.
P
- Personal data Personal Data Any information that can identify a specific person: name, e-mail address, IP address, personal identification number.
- PHP PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor Server-side programming language used by WordPress and many websites for generating dynamic content.
- Plugin (Plugin) Plugin An additional programme module that expands the website’s functionality without changing the main code.
- Press Centre Press Centre Website section for the media: press releases, photos, logos, contacts for public relations.
- Project management Project Management A set of processes, methods and tools designed for successful project planning, execution and on-time delivery.
- Prototype Prototype An interactive website mock-up that lets you test the user journey and functionality before programming.
R
S
- Search Console Google Search Console Free Google tool showing how a website appears in search and which queries bring visitors.
- Self-service portal Self-Service Portal An online platform where users can carry out actions themselves: submit requests, track status, receive documents.
- SEO Search Engine Optimisation Website optimisation for search engines so that it reaches higher positions in Google results.
- Server Server A computer or virtual machine where website files, the database and email are stored and processed.
- Service for citizens Citizen Service A public service focused on citizens’ needs — from obtaining information to making a decision.
- Session Session One visit by a user to a website — from opening the first page until leaving or a period of inactivity.
- Sitemap (website map) Sitemap An XML file with a list of all website pages, helping Google find and index content faster.
- SLA (Service Level Agreement) Service Level Agreement A contract between the service provider and the client that defines quality standards: uptime and response time.
- Social media Social Media Online platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) where organisations communicate with their audience and publish content.
- SSL Secure Sockets Layer A security protocol that encrypts data transmission between the browser and the server, shown by a padlock icon.
- SSL certificate SSL Certificate A digital certificate that verifies a website’s identity and enables an encrypted HTTPS connection.
- SSO (Single sign-on) Single Sign-On An authentication method that lets you use several systems with one login, without re-entering a password.
- Structured data Structured Data Standardised code format (Schema.org) that helps Google better understand the website content and show additional information.
- System integration System Integration Connecting different IT systems so they can exchange data and operate as a single whole.
T
- Technical debt Technical Debt The cost an organisation pays in the future because of quick but non-optimal technical decisions made in the past.
- Traffic (Traffic) Web Traffic Total website visitor count over a given period, broken down by source: organic, direct, social.
- Two-factor authentication Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) An additional layer of security that requires not only a password, but also a second verification step (a code from a phone).
U
- UI (User Interface) User Interface The visual part of a website that the user interacts with directly: buttons, menus, forms, colours.
- User segmentation User Segmentation Grouping visitors into categories based on characteristics (age, device, behaviour) for more targeted communication.
- UX (User Experience) User Experience The overall impression a person gets when using a website: whether it is easy to find information and convenient to use.
W
- Webhook Webhook Automatic notification from one system to another when a certain event occurs — e.g. submission of a new request.
- Website analysis Web Analytics Collection and analysis of website visitor data to help understand how people use the website.
- Wireframe (Framework) Wireframe A simplified page layout showing the arrangement of elements without colours or graphics — like a building blueprint.
- WordPress WordPress A widely used open-source content management system that underpins many websites.