A glossary of information and communication technology (ICT) and public sector terms to help suppliers more credibly engage with government.
Term | Definition |
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Proof Of Concept and Prototypes | A Proof of Concept (PoC) is a small-scale demonstration or experiment that is designed to test the feasibility of a concept or idea. A PoC typically involves creating a small, functional version of a product or system in order to test its basic functionality and to determine whether it is worth pursuing further development. On the other hand, a Prototype is a more advanced version of a product or system that is used to test its overall functionality, performance, and usability. A prototype typically includes more features and functionality than a PoC and is used to gather feedback from users and stakeholders in order to refine and improve the product or system. |
Public Non-Financial Corporation | A public non-financial corporation (PNFC) is a government-owned entity that operates as a business but is primarily engaged in the production or delivery of non-financial goods and services, such as education, healthcare, and utilities. PNFCs are distinct from public financial corporations, which are primarily engaged in financial intermediation or the provision of financial services. PNFCs are typically created to provide important public services or infrastructure that may not be efficiently provided by the private sector, and are expected to operate on a commercial basis, generating revenues from the sale of their goods or services. |
Public Tender | A procurement process where a government agency or public sector organisation invites businesses and suppliers to submit a competitive bid for the supply of goods or services. The tender is publicly advertised, and all interested parties can submit a proposal or bid to provide the goods or services requested. The winning bidder is usually the one who meets the evaluation criteria set out in the tender documentation and offers the best value for money. |
Public university or research institution | A higher education institution that is established and funded by the government. |
Radar | A detection system that uses radio waves to determine the location, speed, and other characteristics of objects in its field of view. The word "radar" stands for "radio detection and ranging." A radar system consists of a transmitter that emits radio waves, an antenna that directs the waves towards the object to be detected, and a receiver that detects and analyses the waves that bounce back from the object. Radars are used in a wide range of applications, such as air traffic control, weather forecasting, maritime navigation, and military surveillance. |
Radio | A form of wireless communication that enables the transmission of audio signals over long distances through the use of radio waves. Radio technology is used for a wide range of applications, including broadcasting, mobile communication, satellite communication, navigation, and military communication. Radio communication involves the use of radio transmitters and receivers that convert electrical signals into radio waves and vice versa. |
Recording | The process of capturing, storing, and managing audio, video, or digital data for later retrieval or playback. It involves the use of various recording technologies, such as audio recorders, video cameras, and digital recorders, to capture and store information for future reference. Recording in the ICT context also involves the use of various software and tools to manage, edit, and distribute recorded content. |
Records Destruction | The secure and proper disposal of digital records or information that is no longer needed or required to be retained by an agency. The process involves permanently deleting, erasing, or destroying the information in a manner that ensures it cannot be recovered or accessed by unauthorised individuals. |
Records Management | The process of organising, storing, maintaining, and disposing of an organisation's records in a systematic and efficient way. This includes both physical and electronic records such as emails, documents, photographs, and audiovisual materials. The purpose of records management is to ensure that records are accessible when needed, accurate, complete, and secure throughout their lifecycle. It involves creating and following policies and procedures for recordkeeping, including identifying what needs to be recorded, how long it needs to be kept, and how it should be disposed of once it is no longer needed. |
Records Storage | The process of securely storing and managing digital records for future use or reference. This includes documents, files, data, and other types of information that are kept for legal, regulatory, historical, or business purposes. Records storage typically involves implementing an organised system for indexing, storing, and retrieving records, as well as ensuring their security and accessibility. |