Glossary
The essentials to decipher business terms, acronyms, and complex concepts of tech, software, and digital
Agentic AI
AI system capable of autonomously planning and executing a series of complex actions to achieve a goal.
Unlike traditional conversational AIs that simply answer questions, Agentic AI has action autonomy. It can break down a complex goal, interact with other software, correct its errors, and make decisions without human intervention.
Agile Methodology
Flexible, iterative, and collaborative project management approach favoring adaptation to change.
Unlike rigid traditional methods, Agile divides the project into small development cycles. It allows the product to be continuously adjusted based on user feedback and market evolutions.
ANSSI
French government agency in charge of cybersecurity and information systems defense.
The Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d'Information (ANSSI) is the national authority for cybersecurity in France. It supports critical administrations and businesses, defines security standards, and responds to major cyberattacks.
API (Application Programming Interface)
Software interface allowing two applications to communicate with each other.
An API (Application Programming Interface) exposes the functionalities or data of a software so that another program can use them in a secure and standardized way.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Set of theories and techniques developing computer programs capable of simulating human intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompasses Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Generative AI. It allows computer systems to learn, reason, perceive, infer, and solve complex problems autonomously.
Back Office
The portion of a company or software system dedicated to administration and internal operations, unseen by clients.
The Back Office includes the software tools (ERP, internal CRM, inventory management) and personnel responsible for administration, HR, accounting, and logistics, as opposed to the Front Office (which deals directly with customers).
Back-end
The invisible mechanics of a website: the server, the database, and the application logic.
The Back-end is the hidden part of an application. It handles data storage, security, user authentication, and business logic. It communicates with the Front-end to provide the necessary data for display.
Big Data
Extremely large, complex, and fast-growing datasets that require specific processing and analysis tools.
Extremely large, complex, and fast-growing datasets that require specific processing and analysis tools.
Biotechnology (Biotech)
The application of science and technology to living organisms to create new products or services.
Biotechnologies (or Biotech) combine biology with technology (often cutting-edge like AI or genomic analysis). They are heavily used in healthcare (mRNA vaccines, gene therapies), agriculture (GMOs, biopesticides), and the environmental industry.
Blockchain
Decentralized and secure digital ledger that records transactions in a transparent and unalterable way.
Blockchain is an information storage and transmission technology operating without a central controlling body. It secures exchanges using cryptography, making each added piece of data impossible to modify or delete. It is the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies.
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
The most powerful tech event in the world, organized annually by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) in Las Vegas.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the most influential tech event in the world. Historically focused on consumer electronics, it has become the global hub for breakthrough innovations (Artificial Intelligence, Web3, Green IT, autonomous vehicles, digital health). Organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), it gathers the world's biggest players, from tech giants to startups, every January in Las Vegas.
Cloud Computing
Delivery of computing services (servers, storage, software) over the Internet rather than on a local computer.
The Cloud allows access to data and applications from anywhere, paying only for what is consumed. It offers flexibility, security, and computing power impossible to match with traditional local servers.
Cookies
Small text files placed on your device by a website to remember information about you.
Cookies are used for technical reasons (keeping a session open), statistical purposes (audience analysis), or advertising (ad targeting). In Europe, the GDPR requires explicit user consent before dropping non-essential cookies (trackers).
Crypto-assets
Virtual assets stored on a decentralized ledger (blockchain), used as a medium of exchange or investment.
The term 'crypto-asset' is the legal and economic term favored by institutions to designate what the public calls 'cryptocurrencies'. These assets have no official legal tender but are traded peer-to-peer, protected by cryptographic algorithms.
CSPN
French certification (ANSSI) guaranteeing the robustness and security of a software or hardware product.
CSPN certifies that an IT product has successfully passed a time-constrained security evaluation (vulnerability testing, cryptographic analysis) by an independent laboratory (CESTI). It is a mark of trust required by many government administrations.
Cybersecurity
Practices and tools aimed at protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks.
Cybersecurity encompasses protection against hacking, ransomware, phishing, and data theft. It is a critical discipline for ensuring digital sovereignty, confidentiality, and business survival in the face of increasing cyber threats.
Deep Learning
Advanced AI technique inspired by the human brain (neural networks) to process complex data.
Deep Learning is a branch of Machine Learning that uses multi-layered artificial neural networks to solve highly complex problems such as speech recognition, computer vision, or machine translation.
DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
An alternative financial ecosystem built on blockchain and smart contracts, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without traditional banking intermediaries.
An alternative financial ecosystem built on blockchain and smart contracts, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without traditional banking intermediaries.
Design Thinking
A human-centered approach to innovation that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and rapid prototyping to solve complex problems.
A human-centered approach to innovation that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and rapid prototyping to solve complex problems.
DevOps & CI/CD
Method combining Development (Dev) and Operations (Ops) to accelerate and secure software delivery.
DevOps is a culture and set of technical practices (like Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment - CI/CD) aimed at automating the creation, testing, and production release of applications, thereby reducing bugs and accelerating updates.
Digital Assets
Any digital representation of value not issued by a central bank, which can be stored or traded electronically.
In a broad regulatory context, digital assets include utility tokens issued during an ICO and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum). These assets use distributed ledger technologies (blockchain) to secure transactions.
Digital Eco-design
An approach aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of a digital product or service right from the design phase.
In the digital realm, eco-design involves optimizing code, reducing image sizes, limiting server requests, and choosing green hosting providers. The goal is to extend the lifespan of devices (by avoiding software obsolescence) and minimize energy consumption.
Digital Sovereignty
The ability of a state or company to maintain control over its data and technologies.
Digital sovereignty refers to the power of control and decision over technological infrastructures (Cloud, AI, servers) and data. The goal is to avoid dependence on foreign powers (like the US Cloud Act) and to guarantee security, confidentiality, and strategic independence.
Digital Twin
Virtual replica of a physical object, process, person, or system.
A Digital Twin uses real-time data, AI, and Machine Learning to simulate, analyze, and predict the behavior of its physical counterpart. It is heavily used in industry (predictive maintenance) and increasingly as virtual personal assistants.
EdTech (Educational Technology)
The industry sector focused on developing technological solutions and tools to innovate and improve learning and educational systems.
The industry sector focused on developing technological solutions and tools to innovate and improve learning and educational systems.
Entrepreneurship
The act of creating, developing, and managing a business while assuming financial risks to generate value.
Entrepreneurship involves identifying an opportunity or need in a market and gathering the necessary resources (financial, human, technological) to build a viable and innovative organization.
Extraterritorial Legislation
Laws of a country that apply outside its own borders, often used to access data hosted abroad.
In the Cloud computing world, extraterritorial laws (like the US Cloud Act or FISA) allow authorities of a country to demand access to data stored by their companies (e.g., Microsoft, Google, AWS), even if that data is physically hosted in Europe. This is why European digital sovereignty is crucial.
Fine-Tuning
The process of partially re-training a pre-existing AI model on a specific dataset to adapt it to a particular domain or task.
The process of partially re-training a pre-existing AI model on a specific dataset to adapt it to a particular domain or task.
Framework
A software framework providing pre-built components and an architectural foundation to facilitate and standardize application development.
A software framework providing pre-built components and an architectural foundation to facilitate and standardize application development.
Front-end
The visible and interactive part of a website or application, with which the user interacts.
Front-end refers to all elements of a digital interface displayed on the user's screen (design, menus, forms, animations). It is typically built using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
GDPR
European law protecting the privacy and personal data of citizens.
The General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD in French) imposes strict rules on companies regarding the collection, storage, and use of user data, under penalty of heavy financial fines.
Generative AI (GenAI)
A type of artificial intelligence capable of generating new content (text, image, code) based on its training data.
A type of artificial intelligence capable of generating new content (text, image, code) based on its training data.
Green IT
A continuous improvement approach aimed at reducing the environmental, economic, and social footprint of information and communication technologies.
A continuous improvement approach aimed at reducing the environmental, economic, and social footprint of information and communication technologies.
Hallucination (AI)
A phenomenon where an AI model (like an LLM) generates false, inconsistent, or invented information while presenting it with certainty.
A phenomenon where an AI model (like an LLM) generates false, inconsistent, or invented information while presenting it with certainty.
Innovation
Implementation of a new idea to create value, whether technological, social, or usage-based.
Innovation is not limited to technology (disruptive innovation). It also encompasses incremental innovation (continuous improvement), managerial innovation, and usage innovation. It is the engine of competitiveness and business transformation.
Interoperability
The ability of different computer systems, software, or hardware to communicate and exchange data seamlessly.
The ability of different computer systems, software, or hardware to communicate and exchange data seamlessly.
Intrapreneurship
An innovation process where an employee acts like an entrepreneur within their company.
Intrapreneurship allows employees to lead and develop an innovative project (new product, service, or process) by leveraging the resources and structure of their company, thus combining the agility of a startup with the security of a large corporation.
IoT (Internet of Things)
Network of physical devices connected to the Internet, capable of collecting and exchanging data.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other systems over the Internet. Examples range from smartwatches to industrial sensors and home automation systems.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
Lightweight, text-based data format that is easy for humans and machines to read and write.
JSON is the de facto standard for structured data exchange on the web, particularly used in REST APIs for transmitting information between a server and a client.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
A quantifiable measure used to evaluate the success or progress of a project, process, or organization.
A quantifiable measure used to evaluate the success or progress of a project, process, or organization.
La French Tech
Ecosystem of French startups, supported by the state to promote French tech internationally.
La French Tech is a movement bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers to boost the startup ecosystem in France. It includes prestigious rankings like the Next40 and FT120, highlighting the most promising French technological companies (unicorns and future global leaders).
LLM (Large Language Model)
AI model trained on vast amounts of text to understand and generate human language.
A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence designed to process and generate text in a human-like way, thanks to deep learning on petabytes of data.
Machine Learning
Subfield of AI allowing computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed.
Machine Learning is an artificial intelligence technology based on algorithms capable of analyzing vast amounts of data, extracting patterns, and improving autonomously through experience.
Management
The art of directing, organizing, and motivating teams to achieve an organization's goals.
Modern management goes beyond simple administrative oversight; it includes leadership, change management, emotional intelligence, and agility to unite talents and maximize collective performance in an uncertain environment.
MBFA (Master in Banking, Finance, and Insurance)
High-level university degree training future senior executives in the banking and financial sector.
The MBFA Master's program (Banking, Finance, Insurance) is a program of excellence that prepares students for complex roles in corporate finance, investment banking, wealth management, and insurance. It combines financial engineering, risk management, and market economics.
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
A security system requiring more than one method of authentication from independent categories to verify the user's identity.
A security system requiring more than one method of authentication from independent categories to verify the user's identity.
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
The very first version of a product containing only the essential features to satisfy early users.
The goal of an MVP is not to launch a perfect product, but to confront it with the market as quickly as possible with minimal investment, in order to gather feedback and guide future development.
NFT (Non-Fungible Token)
A unique cryptographic digital asset recorded on a blockchain, proving ownership and authenticity of a specific digital or physical item.
A unique cryptographic digital asset recorded on a blockchain, proving ownership and authenticity of a specific digital or physical item.
NLP (Natural Language Processing)
Ability of a computer program to understand, interpret, and manipulate human language.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a field at the intersection of computer science, AI, and linguistics. It enables machines to read text, hear speech, interpret it, measure sentiment, and respond to it.
No-Code / Low-Code
Software development approaches that allow creating applications through visual interfaces with little (Low-Code) or no (No-Code) programming.
Software development approaches that allow creating applications through visual interfaces with little (Low-Code) or no (No-Code) programming.
On-chain
Any transaction or data directly recorded, validated, and secured on the blockchain.
An 'On-chain' transaction is written publicly and immutably on a blockchain's distributed ledger. It relies on the network's consensus mechanisms (like Proof of Work). It contrasts with 'Off-chain', where transactions are handled outside the main network to reduce costs and speed up exchanges.
Open Data
Digital data that can be freely used, modified, and shared by anyone for any purpose, often published by public institutions.
Digital data that can be freely used, modified, and shared by anyone for any purpose, often published by public institutions.
Open Source
Software whose source code is public, modifiable, and redistributable by anyone.
An Open Source project allows a global community of developers to collaborate, fix security flaws, and continuously improve the software in a transparent and often free manner.
OSINT (Open Source Intelligence)
Collection and analysis of publicly available information, especially on the internet.
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is a method of gathering information using public data (social networks, public records, online databases) for analysis, cybersecurity, or strategic intelligence purposes.
PASSI
ANSSI-certified company authorized to perform IT security audits.
The PASSI visa guarantees that a provider has the expertise, methodology, and ethics necessary to assess the security level of an information system. These audits typically include penetration tests (pentests), code reviews, or configuration audits.
PDIS
ANSSI-certified service provider ensuring the detection of security incidents (often via a SOC) for critical entities.
The PDIS (Security Incident Detection Provider) framework is a strict ANSSI requirement designed for Operators of Vital Importance (OIV) in France. It ensures the provider has a very high level of security, confidentiality, and technical expertise to monitor sensitive networks.
Phishing
A cyberattack technique involving fraudulent communications designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
A cyberattack technique involving fraudulent communications designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
Photonics
Branch of physics concerning the study and application of light generation, detection, and manipulation.
Photonics is the physical science of light generation, detection, and manipulation through emission, transmission, modulation, signal processing, and sensing. It is fundamental for fiber optics, lasers, and advanced sensors.
POC (Proof of Concept)
An early-stage demonstration of a product or idea aiming to prove its technical feasibility and viability before full development.
An early-stage demonstration of a product or idea aiming to prove its technical feasibility and viability before full development.
POS (Point Of Sale)
Computerized system used by merchants to ring up sales and process payments.
A Point of Sale (POS) is the time and place where a retail transaction is completed. In software, it refers to the connected terminals and checkout systems that manage inventory, loyalty programs, and real-time financial transactions.
PRIS
ANSSI-certified service provider for emergency response in the event of a proven cyberattack.
The PRIS framework certifies companies capable of assisting an organization victim of a complex cyberattack. Their missions include digital investigation (forensics), threat containment, and guidance for the secure reconstruction of the IT system post-incident.
Prompt Engineering
The art of designing precise instructions to get the best result from a generative AI.
Prompt Engineering involves formulating, optimizing, and refining queries (prompts) sent to an AI model (like ChatGPT or Midjourney) to maximize the relevance, quality, and accuracy of the generated responses.
QR Code
Two-dimensional barcode capable of storing data, quickly readable by a smartphone.
A QR Code (Quick Response Code) stores information (URL, text, contact, payment data) as a matrix of square dots. It is widely used to connect the physical world (posters, products) to the digital world (websites, apps).
Quantum Computing
A new generation of computing using the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems inaccessible to classical computers.
Unlike classical computing based on bits (0 or 1), quantum computing uses qubits capable of being both 0 and 1 simultaneously (superposition). It promises major breakthroughs in cryptography, drug discovery, and financial optimization, but also poses risks to the security of current data.
R&D (Research and Development)
Activities undertaken by companies to innovate and introduce new products and services.
R&D refers to systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge and to devise new applications, technologies, or innovative products.
RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)
Technique coupling a large language model (LLM) with a search database to provide accurate and sourced answers.
RAG helps reduce AI model hallucinations by forcing the model to first search for information in a closed documentary base (like a company's intranet) before generating its response.
Ransomware
Malicious software that encrypts a victim's data and demands payment of a ransom to restore access.
Malicious software that encrypts a victim's data and demands payment of a ransom to restore access.
ROI (Return on Investment)
Financial indicator used to evaluate the profitability of an investment or project.
ROI compares the money gained (or saved) to the money invested. In the digital world, it is crucial for justifying the budget allocated to building an app, a marketing campaign, or an AI tool.
RWA (Real World Assets)
Traditional physical or financial assets represented as digital tokens on a blockchain.
Real World Assets (RWA) refer to the process of 'tokenizing' tangible real-world assets (real estate, art, bonds, gold) so they can be traded easily, quickly, and with high liquidity on blockchains or Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Software distribution model where the application is hosted on the Cloud and accessed via a browser (e.g., Netflix, Gmail).
Unlike traditional software that must be installed and updated on a computer, SaaS operates on a subscription basis. The provider handles maintenance, security, and hosting.
Scrum
The most popular Agile framework, organized in short cycles called 'Sprints'.
Scrum structures work into iterations of 1 to 4 weeks (Sprints). It relies on three key roles: the Product Owner (defines vision), the Scrum Master (facilitates process), and the Development Team (builds the product).
SecNumCloud
Security visa issued by ANSSI to guarantee the highest level of requirements for cloud service providers in France.
The SecNumCloud framework ensures that the cloud provider meets draconian security standards, and guarantees technical and legal impermeability against extraterritorial laws (thus ensuring data sovereignty).
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Set of techniques aimed at optimizing a website's visibility in search engines.
SEO gathers technical, semantic and authority optimizations to improve a website's organic ranking on Google or Bing.
Smart Contract
A self-executing computer program stored on a blockchain that automatically enforces the terms of an agreement when predefined conditions are met.
A self-executing computer program stored on a blockchain that automatically enforces the terms of an agreement when predefined conditions are met.
SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises)
Businesses whose personnel numbers and revenue fall below certain limits.
SMEs are businesses that maintain revenues, assets, or a number of employees below a certain threshold. They are the backbone of most economies globally.
SOC (Security Operations Center)
Centralized team and facility responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
A SOC monitors the IT infrastructure (networks, servers, endpoints) 24/7. It uses advanced analytical tools to detect abnormal behaviors in real time, analyze cyber threats, and launch remediation procedures in the event of an attack.
Social Media
Online platforms enabling users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
Social media encompasses social networks (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and other community platforms. They have become an essential tool for corporate communication, digital marketing, and influence.
Software
A set of programs, procedures, and rules related to the operation of a computer system.
Software is a collection of instructions (source code) that tells a computer how to work. It includes application software (word processors, ERPs) and system software (like Windows or Linux operating systems) that control the hardware.
Sovereign Cloud
A cloud computing infrastructure localized and operated under the jurisdiction of its users' country, ensuring data independence and security.
A cloud computing infrastructure localized and operated under the jurisdiction of its users' country, ensuring data independence and security.
Stablecoin
Cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to a fiat currency (like the Euro or Dollar) to avoid volatility.
Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, whose prices fluctuate heavily, a Stablecoin maintains a stable value (e.g., 1 USDC = 1 Dollar). They are essential for facilitating trading, hedging against volatility, and bridging traditional finance with the crypto world.
Startup
A young innovative company with high growth potential.
A startup is a newly established business, often in the tech sector, designed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model to grow rapidly.
Tokenization
The process of converting rights to an asset into a digital token on a blockchain.
Tokenization allows physical assets (real estate, art, gold) or financial assets to be represented as digital tokens (RWA) on a blockchain. This ensures ownership security, allows the asset to be divided into small pieces (fractionalization), and facilitates instant global trading.
UI / UX Design
Design of the User Interface (UI - the visual) and the User Experience (UX - the feel and usability).
UX (User Experience) focuses on ergonomics, navigation, and user satisfaction during their journey. UI (User Interface) focuses on graphic aesthetics (colors, buttons, typography) to make the interface attractive and intuitive.
Web3
The new generation of the web, decentralized and based on blockchain technology.
Web3 (or Web 3.0) aims to give data control back to users. Unlike Web2, dominated by large centralized platforms (like Google or Meta), Web3 relies on cryptography, blockchains, and decentralized finance (DeFi) to create an internet owned by its creators and users.
Zero Trust
A cybersecurity framework based on the principle of strictly verifying every user and device, assuming no implicit trust whether inside or outside the network.
A cybersecurity framework based on the principle of strictly verifying every user and device, assuming no implicit trust whether inside or outside the network.