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augmented reality (AR)
technology that overlays digital information onto a user's environment in real time
blockchain
shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets
business process outsourcing (BPO)
service industry that supports outsourcing business service operations to third-party vendors
convergence
joining of two or more different entities; in the context of computing and technology, into a single device or system
cryptography
process of hiding or coding information so that only the intended recipient can read it
emerging technology
software or hardware that enhances the user experience by obtaining or using information and data in new and exciting ways; can be used to describe new technologies or the continuing development of existing technologies
enterprise modeling and integration (EMI)
process that uses computer-based tools to model the business structure and facilitate the connection of its technology, work, and information flow across an organization
generative AI
type of artificial intelligence that creates new content or ideas in the form of text, images, videos, music, audio, and other forms of data
information economics
branch of microeconomics that analyzes how economic decisions and consumer behaviors are influenced by knowledge and power
information systems frontiers
latest developments in the field of information systems, exploring new research areas, innovative applications, and emerging technologies that have the potential to significantly impact the field
machine learning
use of algorithms and models that enable machines to learn from or make decisions about data without specific programming
mobile computing
strategies, technologies, products, and services that enable users to access information without restricting the user to a single geographic location
natural language processing
teaching machines to understand and generate human language; involves tasks such as speech recognition, text analysis, and language translation to build this understanding
quantum computing
use of quantum mechanics principles to perform complex calculations exponentially faster than traditional computers
robotics
branch of engineering and computer science that involves the conception, design, building, and operation of robots, creating intelligent machines that can assist humans with a variety of tasks
self checkout (SCO)
machines enabled with artificial intelligence technology, product images, barcodes, and other mechanisms for customers to complete purchases
virtual reality (VR)
computer-generated environments that simulate reality and allow users to interact with three-dimensional environments
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© Mar 11, 2025 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.