Glossary

5G

5G is the new generation of mobile communications. It lays the foundation for new customer experiences such as Augmented Reality games and the networking of industrial machines and intelligent devices. In addition, the technology supports the digitization of many areas of life. Customers have been able to surf Telekom’s 5G network since September 2019. Thanks to 5G, the Telekom network achieves transfer rates of up to 1 gigabit per second at peak times. In addition to speed, the new mobile communications standard also comes with higher capacities and significantly lower response times, known as Latency.

AR

An abbreviation for Augmented Reality.
Augmented Reality provides an interactive experience of a real-world environment in which objects which reside in the physical world are enhanced with computer-generated perceptual information. The Augmentation can take place via our different senses (visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory).

AI

An abbreviation for Artificial Intelligence.
Artificial intelligence is a wide-ranging field of computer science which is focused on building smart machines capable of tasks which typically require human intelligence. AI is an interdisciplinary science with multiple approaches, but advancements in machine learning and deep learning are creating a paradigm shift in virtually every sector of the tech industry.

Big Data

Big Data refers to huge amounts of data which cannot be processed or can only be processed poorly using standard databases and data management tools. This data can, however, be stored and analyzed using the appropriate IT applications. Enterprises can, for instance, analyze online forum contributions, or internal operating and machine data in order to optimize their strategy as well as structures and processes.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a continuous expandable list of datasets linked to cryptographic proceeds. Every block in the list contains a cryptographic and a safe hash from the previous block, a timestamp and transaction data.

Edge Computing

In contrast to Cloud Computing, Edge Computing is a way of processing data in a decentral way on the edge of the network. The goal is to lead the data processing preferably close to the creation of data. It is often used in IoT, autonomous driving or in the industry 4.0.

eSim

The “e” in the word eSIM stands for embedded – this is in contrast to a SIM card, which is fixed in the device so there is no possibility of swapping it out with another SIM card.

Generation Z

Generation Z refers to the generation which comes after millennials — theoretically anyone born between 1997-2012. However, opinion differs in terms of the years Gen Z were born in and some argue no consensus has been reached on this yet.

Hackathon

A Hackathon melds two different words: hack and marathon. It is a collaborative software and hardware development event. The goal of a Hackathon is usually to work together to develop useful, creative or entertaining software products or to come up with general solutions for problems.

IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to connecting objects to the internet so that they can communicate independently via the internet and carry out various tasks for their owner. The most important step in introducing the Internet of Things took place in 2012 when leading internet groups switched to the Internet Protocol Version 6. This vastly increased the number of IP addresses available: whereas before 4.3 billion addresses had almost been entirely used up, this made 340 sextillion addresses available. Furthermore, web addresses could previously only be issued to computers, smartphones, and other devices — now every container, every pallet and even individual garments can get their own IPs.

Latency

Latency refers to the delay between the cause and the effect of a physical change in the system.

LTE

The fourth-generation mobile communications standard and further development of UMTS. LTE is based on the transmission method which, for instance, is used by digital broadcasting and which enables data rates of up to 100 megabits via the downlink.

LTE-M

LTE-M stands for LTE Cat-M1 or for long-term evolution for machines. It is a type of low power wide area network (LPWAN) radio technology which is predominantly used for IoT solutions. In comparison to Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), LTE-M offers a higher data rate and the possibility to send voice over the network, but therefore requires more bandwidth and causes higher costs.

Mixed Reality

Mixed Reality — much as the name suggests — melds the physical world with artificial (virtual) worlds to produce new environments and visualizations, where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time.

MLP

MLP stands for a Minimum Lovable Product. It is defined as a product that you can bring to market in a reasonable amount of time that will create the maximum amount of love from your early customers. In comparison to an MVP, which would start with only the most basic attributes of what you want to build, the MLP also takes into consideration what drives delight when using the product and that creates even more customer-centricity.

MPLS

This is an abbreviation for multiprotocol label switching and refers to a special network technology for data transmission. With MPLS, it is possible to transmit voice and data through one joint infrastructure while using the available broadband efficiently. Network-customers profit from a completed infrastructure and save a lot of work on their part since they do not have to build their own network.

MVP

MVP stands for a Minimum Viable Product and is a concept coined by Frank Robinson and popularized by Eric Ries. Ries defined it as “that version of a new product which allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about customers with the least effort.” 

Narrowband IoT

Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is a new type of narrowband communication with “things” (as per the Internet of Things) in which small volumes of data are transmitted over extended periods of time in hard-to-reach places. One example would be sensors embedded in the ground to enable smart parking in cities.

Prototype

The first example of something, such as a machine or other industrial product, from which all later forms are developed.

Quantum Computing

Quantum Computing is the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform computation.

Smart Home

Smart Home is an umbrella term for technical systems and processes in living spaces and houses. The goal of a smart home is to boost the quality of life; increase security and use energy more efficiently. Networked and remote-controlled devices and installations and automatic processes are at the heart of the smart home.

Smart City

A Smart City uses Information and Communication Technologies to design more efficient urban spaces and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality refers to the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.