Glossary of Terms

A way for different software systems to talk to each other and share information automatically.

A network of servers that helps our website load faster for you, no matter where you are.

The system we use to manage and update our website and digital content.

The system that lets you type our website name instead of a string of numbers.

Every website has a domain name (like ivonne.ca), and DNS records are the behind-the-scenes settings that make it all work. You will almost never see them, but they are the reason typing a website name takes you to the right place. There are a few common types: one tells the internet where your website lives, another tells it where to deliver your email, and another lets you prove to services like Google that you actually own the domain. If you have ever been asked to "update your DNS" or "add a record" when setting up a website, email, or online tool — that is what they are talking about. You usually change them through whoever you bought your domain from (like GoDaddy or Google Domains).

Technology that determines your approximate location to provide relevant local information.

Google Workspace is Google's business suite that gives your team professional email using your own domain (e.g., you@yourbusiness.com), shared calendars, cloud file storage with Google Drive, video meetings with Google Meet, and tools like Docs and Sheets — all managed from one place. It replaces the need for separate email hosting, file servers, and collaboration tools.

The system that manages your work login. When you sign in to your work email and that same login lets you access other work apps automatically, that's your identity provider doing the work behind the scenes. Think of it as the master key system for your organization.

Smart devices like our automated lighting and climate control that enhance your experience.

Behind-the-scenes software that helps our different systems talk to each other.

A secure way to connect different online accounts without sharing passwords.

Technology that reads text from photos or scanned documents automatically.

A limit on how quickly systems can exchange information.

Website design that automatically adjusts to look great on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Online software that we subscribe to rather than install on our computers.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of making your website easier for Google and other search engines to find, understand, and recommend to people searching for what you offer. It includes things like having the right words on your pages, making sure your site loads quickly, and keeping your Google Business Profile accurate and up to date.

The automatic sharing of information between our different systems to keep everything up to date.

A dedicated portion of a powerful computer in the cloud that runs our systems.

An automatic notification that instantly tells our other systems when something happens.