8129.0 - Business Use of Information Technology, 2009-10 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 25/08/2011   
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GLOSSARY


ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)

A networking technology that transfers data in packets or cells of a fixed size.

Automated Link

The exchange of messages or instructions via the internet or other computer network in an agreed format that allows its automatic processing without the individual message or instruction being manually entered.

Back-End Systems

Computer systems used to manage non-internet aspects of the business (e.g. for accounting, stock control or ordering).

Broadband

Defined by the ABS as an 'always on' internet connection with an access speed equal to or greater than 256kbps.

Cable

Broadband internet technology that uses the cable television (CATV) infrastructure. The connection uses a coaxial cable or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) and is typically used as the 'last mile' or 'access network' technology. Cable includes Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) where a coaxial cable has been used for the 'last mile'.

Dial-up (analog)

Connection to the Internet via modem and dial-up software utilising public switched telecommunications network.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

More properly referred to as xDSL as this covers several digital technologies (e.g. Asymmetric DSL or ADSL and Symmetric DSL or SDSL) for fast two-way data connections over the public switched telecommunications network.

Fixed Wireless Broadband

A terrestrial point-to-point microwave or radio link, generally building to building or tower to building, which allows subscribers within the receiving building to access the internet. Sender and receiver must generally be within line-of-sight and no more than 22 kilometres apart, although newer generations of this technology have overcome some of these obstacles. Examples of technologies included as fixed wireless are fixed WiMAX, LMDS and MMDS.

Frame Relay

Communications protocol used to ensure that data is delivered correctly over a packet-switching system transmitting at up to 2Mbps.

Internet

A world-wide public computer network. Organisations and individuals can connect their computers to this network and exchange information across a country and/or across the world. The internet provides access to a number of communication services including the World Wide Web and carries email, news, entertainment and data files.

Internet Income

Income resulting from orders received via the internet for goods or services.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

A digital access technique for both voice and data. It is a digital alternative to an analog public switched telephone service and carries data or voltages consisting of discrete steps or levels, as opposed to continuously variable analog data. ISDN enables digital transmission over the public switched telecommunications network.

Mobile Wireless Broadband

An internet connection which provides short range, high data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a network. Examples include mobile WiMAX and 3G accessed through a datacard, USB modem, tablet SIM card or any other device used to connect a computer to a cellular network (excluding a mobile handset).

Order

A commitment to purchase goods or services.

Other Broadband

Includes ATM and Frame Relay.

Web Presence

Web presence includes a website, home page or, in the case of a presence on another entity's website, it is included providing the business has substantial control over the content. A website or home page is an electronic document that is accessed via a unique address on the World Wide Web. The document provides information in a textual, graphical or multimedia format. Web presence excludes on-line listings or directories.