Definitions:
- Machine Learning (ML): A subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that involves the development of algorithms and statistical models that enable computers to improve performance on a specific task through experience. Machine learning algorithms build models based on sample data, known as training data, to make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed to perform the task.
- Machine Learning Operations (MLOps): A set of practices and tools designed to manage the machine learning lifecycle, including development, deployment, and monitoring. MLOps aims to streamline the process of taking machine learning models from the development stage to production, ensuring consistency, scalability, and reliability. It integrates machine learning with DevOps practices.
- Managed Services: Services provided by a third-party vendor to manage an organisation's IT infrastructure, including cloud services, network management, and data storage. Managed services allow businesses to outsource the day-to-day management of their IT systems, freeing up internal resources and ensuring optimal performance and security.
- MapReduce: A programming model and an associated implementation for processing and generating large data sets with a distributed algorithm on a cluster. MapReduce consists of two main functions: the Map function, which filters and sorts data, and the Reduce function, which performs summary operations. It is a core component of the Apache Hadoop framework and is used for big data processing.
- Markup Language: A set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. Markup languages define the structure and presentation of text using tags. Examples include HTML (HyperText Markup Language) for web pages and XML (eXtensible Markup Language) for data interchange.
- Microservices: An architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services. Each microservice is responsible for a specific business function and can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. Microservices architecture enables greater flexibility, scalability, and resilience in application development, making it well-suited for cloud computing and DevOps practices.
- Middleware: Software that lies between the operating system and the applications running on it. Middleware facilitates communication and data management between distributed applications, enabling different software components to work together seamlessly. It includes technologies such as application servers, message brokers, and data integration tools.
- Mobile-First Design: A design approach that prioritises the user experience on mobile devices. Mobile-first design ensures that websites and applications are optimised for smaller screens and touch interfaces before considering larger desktop screens. This approach is crucial in the era of mobile-dominant internet usage, ensuring that digital products are accessible and user-friendly on smartphones and tablets.
- Model Monitoring: The process of continuously monitoring the performance and behaviour of machine learning models in production. Model monitoring involves tracking key metrics such as accuracy, latency, and data drift to detect any issues or degradation in model performance. It is essential for maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of machine learning models over time.
- Multi-Cloud: The use of cloud computing and storage services from multiple public cloud providers in a heterogeneous environment. Multi-cloud strategies enable organisations to optimise costs, enhance redundancy, and avoid vendor lock-in by leveraging the strengths of different cloud platforms. It involves managing and integrating services from multiple cloud providers to achieve specific business objectives.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user's identity for a login or other transaction. MFA typically combines two or more of the following: something the user knows (password), something the user has (token), and something the user is (biometric verification). This approach enhances security by adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access.
- Multi-Tenancy: A software architecture in which a single instance of an application serves multiple clients (tenants). Multi-tenancy is a fundamental concept in cloud computing, particularly in Software as a Service (SaaS) models. It allows multiple tenants to share the same application instance while keeping their data and configurations securely isolated from each other.
.svg)
