IT acronyms you must know to thrive in 2024

If you have a phone, then you’re already familiar with many common acronyms. You know that BRB means “be right back” and that LOL means “laugh out loud.” If you spend any time around teenagers, you might be learning new acronyms every day. For instance, did you know that IMHO means “in my humble opinion”?

While a quick Google search can decode the average text message acronym, these abbreviations in the world of IT can be a little more complex. But don’t worry — as always, we’re here to help!

We’re going to give you the full run-down of every need-to-know IT acronym out there. In an industry with so much shorthand, it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. So the next time you feel like screaming “OMG, IDK!”, turn to this handy cheat sheet instead.

AI

In today’s digital world, AI (or Artificial Intelligence) is growing increasingly popular. For instance, take the currently trending ChatGPT tool. In the IT space, AI and other automation can help you generate scripts and escape mundane tasks in order to focus your department’s energy on what’s really important: creating innovative solutions and fixing complex problems.

API

An API is a set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs enable integration between systems, facilitating data exchange and functionality across platforms.

CPU

The acronym of CPU is Central Processing Unit, also known as simply a processor, a main processor, or a central processor. In other words, a CPU is the primary part of any digital computer system. On a broad level, it’s usually composed of an arithmetic-logic unit, a control unit, and a main memory. It carries out instructions specified in programs.

CRM

Remember SaaS that we were talking about a second ago? Well, Salesforce’s initial SaaS offering was a CRM tool – which stands for Customer Relationship Management. It’s a technology used to manage all your company’s relationships and interactions with both customers and potential customers.

CRM is especially relevant for MSPs who work with a number of different clients. But it’s important for in-house IT departments too because CRM tools can help IT providers manage contacts, agent productivity, users, and more. It can span the whole customer relationship lifecycle from marketing to sales to digital commerce and customer service.

DNS

This acronym stands for Domain Name System — in other words, the internet’s process of converting alphanumeric names into numeric IP addresses. DNS allows computers to translate human-readable language into a machine-readable form.

As most IT professionals know, every server that’s connected to the internet has a public IP address. When a user types a web address (URL) into a browser, DNS servers return the public IP address associated with the domain name in the URL. That allows the computer to connect to the specified server and access web pages according to the URL.

FTP

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a standard protocol used to transfer files between computers over a network, like the internet. It allows users to upload, download, and manage files on a remote server.

HTTP

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is the protocol used by web browsers to communicate with servers. It facilitates the transfer of data (like web pages) over the internet and is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web.

IT

It seems remiss not to include the titular acronym of our field, but we really hope you know this one already. IT stands for Information Technology. It refers to the processes of creating, processing, storing, securing, and exchanging all forms of electronic data through computers, storage, networking, and any other physical or cloud-based infrastructure or devices.

Now that we’ve gotten the obvious one out of the way, let’s move on to some of the more specific acronyms in the IT.

IoT

IoT stands for Internet of Things. It refers to the network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity, allowing them to collect and exchange data. IoT enables smart devices, such as home appliances or industrial equipment, to interact and operate autonomously.

IP

IP means Internet Protocol. IP is the primary protocol used for sending data across networks, like the internet. It assigns unique addresses to devices and ensures data packets are routed correctly from source to destination.

LAN

The acronym is Local Area Network. LAN is a network that connects computers and devices within a limited area, such as a home, school, or office. It allows sharing of resources like files, printers, and internet access.

MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication is a security system that requires multiple forms of identification before granting access. It typically combines something you know (password), something you have (token), and something you are (biometrics).

MSP

This one is debatably the most important acronym in the IT world! MSP stands for Managed Service Provider. MSPs allow companies to outsource certain services – like IT, for example – to a business that specializes in that area. In the field of IT, providers usually fall into one of two categories: internal IT departments and MSPs.

MSPs in the IT space provide IT expertise to an organization using MSP software. Working with an MSP instead of creating an internal IT department is one way for companies to cut costs. For that reason, MSPs will typically have a number of clients, as they’re often not on staff full-time with any one company.

MPLS

Multiprotocol Label Switching is a routing technique that directs data from one node to another based on short path labels rather than long network addresses. This enhances the speed and efficiency of traffic flow across wide area networks (WANs).

NMS

NMS, or Network Monitoring Software, can help you monitor and manage the traffic flow over a network. You can use NMS to monitor both the hardware and software components in any given network, which can help you learn more about clients’ networks and devices and troubleshoot when problems arise. You may also be able to put proactive fixes in place.

NSS

An NSS, or Network Security Scan, is an important security protocol that is party of a Network Discovery tool. It can help keep your network safe from various threats. It’s an important piece of vulnerability management that scans an entire network as well as its nodes, checking for security vulnerabilities and loopholes.

OID

Object Identifier is a globally unique identifier used to name objects or entities in a structured way. It is commonly used in networking and telecommunications, particularly in protocols like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), to identify managed objects in a MIB (Management Information Base).

OS

An Operation System is the software that manages hardware and software resources on a computer. It provides a user interface and controls applications, storage, and memory. Popular OS examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

PSA

If you’re thinking that PSA means “public service announcement,” you’re not entirely wrong. But when it comes to IT, PSA stands for Professional Service Automation. It’s a type of technology that gives IT service providers the ability to manage and automate administrative tasks like billing, invoicing, time tracking, and more.

RAM

Random Access Memory is a type of computer memory that stores data temporarily while tasks are being processed. It allows for fast access and manipulation of data, making it essential for system performance.

RMM

One of the most crucial computer networking acronyms out there is RMM, which stands for Remote Monitoring and Management. IT professionals commonly use software with RMM functions in order to remotely manage computers, networks, and related services.

A top-tier RMM software package will allow for scripting, automation, patch management, reporting, and more. If you choose an effective RMM option, you’ll be able to lower your overhead, making it possible for you to provide services that are more reliable at an increasingly competitive price point.

SaaS

Salesforce is often considered the original SaaS, or Software as a Service. It’s a distribution model through which customers can access software over the internet, either through a web browser or an application. For instance, Atera’s software offerings can be considered SaaS.

SIEM

Security Information and Event Management systems collect and analyze security data from multiple sources, detecting and responding to threats in real time. They help organizations enhance security, meet compliance requirements, and manage incident responses

SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol is a standard protocol used for managing and monitoring network devices such as routers, switches, servers, and printers. It enables network administrators to collect information about device performance, configure devices, and receive alerts about potential issues. SNMP operates using a client-server model, where the managed devices act as agents that provide information to a central management system, facilitating efficient network management and troubleshooting.

SQL

Structured Query Language is a standard programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. It allows users to retrieve, update, insert, and delete data within database systems.

SSH

Secure Shell is a protocol used to securely access and manage remote computers over a network. It encrypts the connection, ensuring secure file transfers and command execution between hosts.

SDD

Solid State Drive’s are storage devices that use flash memory to store data, offering faster read/write speeds and durability compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs).

UEM

Unified Endpoint Management refers to platforms that provide centralized management of devices such as PCs, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. It simplifies IT management by unifying security, configuration, and monitoring tasks.

VPN

A Virtual Private Network creates a secure, encrypted connection over a public network (like the internet), allowing users to send and receive data privately. It’s widely used for remote access to corporate networks and online privacy.

WAN

A Wide Area Network connects computers and networks across large geographical areas, like cities or countries. The internet is the largest example of a WAN, connecting millions of devices globally.

A brand-new acronym: PWA

Alright, you caught us. This isn’t actually an acronym in the IT space – but maybe it should be! PWA stands for Partner With Atera, which is exactly what you should do if you’d like to harness the power of automation and take your IT department or MSP’s work to the next level. Learn more about everything we can offer today!