Decoding Tech Speak: A Manager’s Guide to Understanding Tech Jargon

Welcome to the first instalment of our series, “Tech Talk for Managers.” Today, we’re diving into the world of tech jargon. As a non-technical manager, you might often find yourself lost in a sea of technical terms and acronyms. Fear not! This guide is designed to help you navigate and understand the common lingo used in the tech world, enabling better communication with your development teams.

Understanding the Basics and Beyond

We start with foundational terms and then expand into more detailed concepts:

• Frontend and Backend: The frontend is what users interact with; the backend is the server-side, where data processing occurs.
• API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
• Database: Where data is stored; think of it as a digital file cabinet.
• UI (User Interface): The visual elements through which users interact with a tech product.
• UX (User Experience): Focuses on the user’s overall experience and satisfaction with the product.
• Framework: A platform that provides a foundation for developing software applications.

Demystifying Development Processes

Understanding different methodologies helps in managing tech projects:

• Agile and Scrum: Agile is an iterative approach, focusing on collaboration and rapid releases, while Scrum is a subset that uses short “sprints” for project management.
• Waterfall: A sequential project management method where each phase must be completed before the next begins.
• Kanban: A visual project management method that emphasises continuous delivery.
• DevOps: Combines software development and IT operations for faster and more efficient outcomes.
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Practices that automate the preparation and deployment of software updates.

Project Management Jargon

Further terms that are essential in tech project management:

• Sprint: A set time period in Agile for completing specific tasks.
• Stand-up: A brief daily meeting used in Scrum to update on progress.
• User Story: A feature description from an end-user perspective in Agile.
• Backlog: A list of tasks or features to be worked on.
• Epic: A large body of work in Agile, broken down into smaller tasks.
• Velocity: Measures the amount of work a team can complete in a sprint.

Cybersecurity Terms for Managers

Basic cybersecurity knowledge is vital:

• Phishing: A technique used to steal user data, typically via email.
• Encryption: Converting data into a code to prevent unauthorised access.
• Firewall: A security system that monitors and controls network traffic.
• Malware: Malicious software designed to harm or exploit systems.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts internet traffic to protect online identity.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): An added security layer requiring two types of identity verification.

This article has equipped you with a foundational understanding of tech jargon, paving the way for more effective communication and collaboration with your tech teams. Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll delve into the Software Development Life Cycle and its relevance to your role. Embrace these terms as tools to lead confidently in a tech-driven business environment.