Enterprise Architecture Executive Handbook - U.S. Coast Guard

Appendix D: Glossary
Application: The use of information resources
(information and information technology) [i.e.
hardware, software, and database] to satisfy a
specific set of user requirements (NIST, 2006).
Application System: A discrete set of information
resources [i.e. applications] organized for the
collection, processing, maintenance, use,
sharing, dissemination, or disposition of
information (NIST, 2006).
Avionics: Equipment / electronics used to fly
and operate aircraft.
Business Function: An ongoing functional
capability of an organization that is sustained
over time (OMB, 2005). Examples of USCG
business functions include search and rescue,
marine safety, and illegal drug interdiction.
Business Operating Unit: A specific organizational
unit that supports an identified set of detailed
business functions (OMB, 2005). “Engineering
and Logistics” is an example of a specific
USCG business operating unit.
Business Perspective: Describes the functions and
activities that the USCG performs. An example
of these functions and activities is “port,
waterway, and coastal security.”
Business Process: A business process is a set of
coordinated tasks and activities, conducted by
both people and equipment, that will lead to
accomplishing a specific organizational goal.
C4&IT: Any equipment or interconnected system
or subsystem of equipment, or techniques used
in the automatic acquisition, storage,
manipulation, management, movement, control,
display, switching, interchange, transmission, or
reception of digital, voice, or video data or
information to the appropriate levels of
command. This includes command and control
networks, common operational picture systems,
information assurance services, communication
products and standards, computers, ancillary
equipment, software, firmware, procedures,
services (including support services), and
related resources.
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C4&IT Governance: Consists of the leadership
and organizational structures and processes
that ensure that the organization’s C4&IT
sustains and extends the enterprise’s
strategies and objectives. Source: IT
Governance Institute (www.itgi.org)
Combat Systems: Systems used to prevent,
designate and/or prosecute targets.
Command and Control: Systems used to
receive, analyze, generate, and/or process
information used to control resources.
Communications: Systems used to transmit
and receive information.
Component Framework: The underlying
foundation and technical elements by which
Service Components are built, integrated,
and deployed across Component-Based and
Distributed Architectures.
Core Mission Functions: The unique service
areas that define the mission or purpose of
the agency (OMB, 2007). The USCG core
mission functions are maritime safety,
security, and stewardship.
Data: A re-interpretable representation of
information in a formalized manner suitable
for communication, interpretation or
processing (OMB, 2005).
Data Models: Models that portray data structure,
description, and attributes, and relationships
of the data with other associated data. The
EDC is the current USCG tool for
information about enterprise data.
DHS Performance Areas: DHS defines seven
key performance areas in the DHS Strategic
Plan and Value Chain. These performance
areas include awareness, prevention,
response, recovery, services, protection, and
organizational excellence.