E-commerce Glossary - D

Daemon

Pronounced demon or damon, a process that runs in the background and performs a specified operation at predefined times or in response to certain events. The term daemon is a UNIX term, though many other operating systems provide support for daemons, though they"re sometimes called other names. Windows, for example, refers to daemons and system agents and services. Typical daemon processes include print spoolers, e-mail handlers, and other programs that perform administrative tasks for the operating system.

Date Transfer

The outward bound traffic from a web site, with the exception of e-mail. Any HTML, graphic, audio or video file that is accessed by someone viewing your site is included. High rates of data transfer indicated a heavily trafficked site.

Database

A file or file system containing organized information and, most commonly, a filing and retrieval system for storing information. Most database software also includes tools for data analysis. Examples of database software include Oracle, Sybase, and Microsoft Access.

DCS (destination control statement)

A document that accompanies nearly all commercial shipments that declares the shipment's contents are licensed for export to a particular destination. The anti-diversion clause in the DCS precludes the diversion of the shipment to any other destination.

DDS (digital data storage)- debit card

A financial instrument used by consumers in place of cash. Unlike a credit card, debit card purchases are deducted automatically from the cardholder's account, like a check. Visa and MasterCard now offer debit cards through banks and other financial institutions.

Debit Card

ATM card for accessing personal bank accounts.

Dedicated Server

A dedicated server is a single computer in a network reserved for serving the needs of the network. For example, some networks require that one computer be set aside to manage communications between all the other computers. A dedicated server could also be a computer that manages printer resources. In a web hosting context a dedicated server is a server allocated to one customer.

Delayed Settlement Processing

Once a transaction has been authorized, the merchant must ship the hard goods before a transaction can be settled. Delayed settlements are stored online until the merchant selects the transactions for settlement.

Design Control

The processes used to ensure a product or service meets its intended use. Involves the application of standardized assessment and analysis processes.

DHTML (Dynamic HTML)

An extension of HTML that gives greater control over the layout of page elements and the ability to have Web pages that change and interact with the user without having to communicate with the server. The three components of DHTML pages are HTML, Java script, and cascading style sheets.

Digital Cash or Coins

Cash credits that are bought and stored on one's computer and subsequently used to make online purchases.

Digital Certificate

Electronic document that authenticates the identity of the holder for conducting electronic transactions. A certificate usually contains a name, a serial number, a public key, an expiration date and the digital signature of the SSL Certification Authority.

Digital Signature

A digital code that can be attached to an electronically transmitted message that uniquely identifies the sender. Like a written signature, the purpose of a digital signature is to guarantee that the individual sending the message really is who he or she claims to be. Digital signatures are especially important for e-commerce and are a key component of most authentication schemes.

Digital Wallet

A consumer account set up to allow e-commerce transactions through a particular credit card processing system. Before the consumer can make a purchase, he or she must first establish an account with the credit card processor, who provides an ID and password. These can then be used to make purchases at any Web site that supports that transaction system. CyberCash's "Digital Coin" system is an example of an e-commerce digital wallet system.

Discount Rate

A percentage fee paid to the merchant account provider or ISO for handling an electronic transaction. Most Web merchants pay between two and 10 percent of their revenue from online credit card or electronic check orders.

Disk Space

The amount of 'room' on a web server which is required to host a web site. Disk space is measured in megabytes (Mb). It is one of the variables which ISPs use in charging for their services. HTML files require virtually no disk space, larger images or animations considerably more. Your web site will tend to take up more and more disk space, requiring you to pay increasing fees to your ISP.

Disk Storage Space

In a shared hosting environment, the amount of server disk storage allocated to your account. This space can be used to store HTML and graphics files, programs or scripts, mail messages, compressed files, or other files that make up your web site. This does not include the log files, as they are owned by the processes on the server.

Distribution Channel

The method through which a product is sold including retailers, catalogers, internet e-commerce websites, etc.

Directory

A database maintained at a Web Site that maintains information on Web Sites and/or Pages. Similar to a Search Engine but may be specific to a market, industry, etc.

DNS

Acronym for Domain Name System. Essential for the proper point to point transmission of data via the Internet using human identifiable characters for sites involving domain names. Formerly maintain by Dr. Postal, contracted by DARPA to maintain the IP numbering system of the Internet to domain names and later automated. Is required to ensure that the Internet functions properly.

Domain Name

A designation for particular location on the Internet. A domain, for example "MonsterCommerce.com," contains files that make up the content of Web pages under that address. MonsterCommerce/intro.htm and MonsterCommerce/report3.htm are different Web pages located within the same domain. Domain names are associated with IP addresses.

Domain Name Server (DNS)

Translates a numerical Internet Protocol address into an easily remembered alphanumeric name.

Domain Suffix

The three digit suffix of a domain can be used to identify the type of organization. For example:
.com = Commercial
.edu = Educational
.gov = Government
.net = Network
.org = Organization

Domain Transfer

When a domain name (Web site) is moved from one Internet address to another, the new address must be recorded by the domain registrar to allow Internet Domain Name Servers to point to the new location

Download

To transfer files or data from one computer to another. To download means "to receive"; to upload means "to transmit."

DSL

Acronym for Digital Subscriber Line. Maintained and installed by the local phone company for high speed access to the Internet through ISPs. A copper wire like a phone line requiring special equipment)