E-commerce Glossary - B

Backbone

A high-speed line or series of connections that form a major pathway within a network. The term is relative, since a backbone in a small network will likely be much smaller than many non-backbone lines in a large network.

Back-up / Restore

The process of copying files so that they are preserved in the case of equipment failure or catastrophe. If files are damaged on the server, we resort to the backup copy to restore the files back to the machine.

Backgrounds

These are images which are designed to sit in the background of a web page so that all other information, (e.g.text, images) is seen to sit on top.

Bandwidth

The amount of data which can be conveyed by a cable per unit of time. Bandwidth is usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). A megabit consists of one million bits. The amount of bandwidth you require depends upon the application you wish to run. With the COM architecture used by AccountView, only that information which is absolutely necessary is actually sent, meaning that you require comparatively little bandwidth. But if you want to download video, for example, then you need a lot of bandwidth.

Bank Card

A plastic card that is widely accepted by merchants as a result of a standard set of rules for the authorization of its use, clearing, and settlement of transactions, used to credit an account for processing a sales transaction. The most common bank card is a credit card. Transactions are usually not profitable for amounts of less than $5 ( U.S.); micropayment schemes are designed for much smaller increments of payment.

Banner

A relatively small area on a Web page with content independent from the remainder of the Web page; the content may be dynamic, contain audio, etc. For example, an advertisement.

Batch

A collection of credit card transactions saved for submitting at one time, usually each day. Merchants who do not have real-time verification systems must submit their transactions manually through a POS terminal. Batch fees are charged to encourage a merchant to submit his or her transactions at one time, rather than throughout the day.

Batch Processing

(1) The operating mode in which data or jobs, accumulated in advance, are processed in such a manner that the end user generally does not further influence the processing while it is in progress. (2) The processing of data accumulated over time. (3) Loosely, the execution of programs serially. (4) Pertaining to the technique of executing a set of programs such that each is completed before the next program of the set is started.

Baud Rate

The speed rate of a data channel - expressed as bits per second (bps) - which is usually used when referring to the speed of modems.

Benchmark

A test used to compare performance of hardware and/or software.

Binary

Pertains to a number system that has just two unique digits. Computers are based on the binary numbering system, which consists of just two unique numbers, 0 and 1.

Bit

Short for binary digit, the smallest unit of information on a machine. A single bit can hold only one of two values: 0 or 1.

Bit Maps

A file format used for graphical images.

Bookmark

Nearly all web browsers support a bookmarking feature that lets you save the address (URL) of a web page so that you can easily revisit the page at a later time.

BPS

Acronym for Bits Per Second.

Browser

The program used to view web sites. The most widely-used browsers at the moment are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. You need a browser in order to be able to navigate your way around the Internet.

Business Process Re-engineering (BRPR)

The analysis and redesign of business processes and management systems required by new technology, such as electronic commerce.

Business to Business B2B

Transactions between two companies.

Business to Consumer B2C

Transactions between a company and individuals or other consumers.

Business to Goverment

Transactions between a company and government bodies and agencies.

Buyer Beware

Marketing term used to denote a vulnerable consumer position with respect to a market condition.

Byte

Eight bits; the fundamental unit of personal computer data.