Tech Glossary
You don't need to be technical to run a great business. This glossary explains common digital terms in plain English.
NBLK® (In Black)
NBLK® stands for In Black, meaning profitable and financially healthy — we help small businesses stay out of the red and in the black by eliminating unnecessary subscriptions and prioritizing ownership.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
The newer cousin of SEO. As more people search through AI assistants instead of Google, AEO is about making sure your business is the answer those AI tools give. NBLK® helps you stay visible as search shifts from links to answers.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Software that can learn from data to make predictions, suggestions, or decisions. Useful when it solves a real problem — not just hype. NBLK® uses AI responsibly, only where it genuinely helps your business.
AI Agent
An AI tool that can take actions for you — answering questions, sorting requests, or handling simple tasks — instead of just giving information. Think of it as automation that can think a little.
Analytics
Information about how people use your site or app. Analytics help you make better decisions — not guesses.
API
A way different tools talk to each other. APIs enable integrations and automation.
Automation
Software doing repetitive work for you. Automation saves time and money.
Backend
The behind-the-scenes part users don't see: databases, logins, payments, and automations. This is what makes everything work.
Cloud
Instead of living on one computer in your office, your tools and data live on secure servers you can reach from anywhere. The cloud is what lets your site, app, and data work from any device, anytime.
CMS (Content Management System)
A CMS lets you update your website content—like text, images, or blog posts—without needing to code. NBLK® provides a CMS so you can update your content anytime and keep your site fresh as your business grows.
Code Ownership
Who legally owns the software — if you don't own it, you're effectively renting it. NBLK® makes you the true owner of all products we develop for you.
Compliance
Following the rules and laws around how you collect and handle data — like privacy regulations. Staying compliant protects your business and builds customer trust.
Conversion
When a visitor does the thing you wanted — books, buys, signs up, or calls. More conversions means your site is actually working, not just being seen.
CTA (Call to Action)
The main thing you want someone to do on a page. Every page should have one clear CTA.
Dashboard
A single place to see your business data: sales, leads, activity, and performance. Good dashboards save time and guesswork.
Data
Information your business creates through customer interactions, sales, daily operations, and digital activity, collected through tools like websites, apps, forms, surveys, and internal systems. NBLK® begins with the digital tools so you can collect your data while have a strong presence online.
Database
An organized place where your business information is stored so it can be found and used: customers, orders, bookings, and more. NBLK® builds the database your business runs on — and you own it.
Data Privacy
Protecting the personal information your business collects from customers. Good data privacy keeps that information secure and used only the way it should be.
Data Process
The intentional way your business collects, organizes, stores, and uses that information so it becomes useful for understanding performance, improving operations, and supporting smarter growth decisions.
Deploy
This means publishing your website or updates so people can actually see them online. After something is deployed, visitors can access the newest version of your site or app.
DNS (Domain Name System)
This is how computers find your website on the internet. When someone types your website name (like yourbusiness.com), DNS tells their computer where your site or app lives so it can load the page.
Domain
Your website's address on the internet (like yourbusiness.com). It's how people find and remember you online. You should always own your domain — not rent it through someone else.
Frontend
What customers see and click on: design, text, buttons, and pages. If it looks good and is easy to use, that's frontend.
Hosting
Hosting is where your website, app, or MVP “lives” on the internet. Think of it like this: your domain is the address, your website or app is the house & hosting is the land the house sits on. Without hosting, your digital product has nowhere to exist or be accessed. OKRA™ (through its parent company, NBLK®) provides hosting, ensuring your product is secure, fast, and always available without you needing to manage the technical side.
In the Black
Being profitable and financially healthy. Reducing unnecessary subscriptions helps keep your business in the black.
Integration
Connecting your different tools so they share information and work together, instead of living in separate silos. NBLK® synthesizes scattered tools into one system you control.
Mobile-Friendly (Responsive)
A site or app that automatically looks and works well on any screen — phone, tablet, or desktop. Most of your customers are on phones, so this matters.
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
The simplest version of a website, app, or tool that does what you need right now. Think: start small, improve later.
NNX1®
NBLK®'s diagnostic engine, built on multiple years of research and development and available to clients and current members. NNX1® evaluates operations, technology, and data, then delivers practical recommendations to improve efficiency and support smarter growth.
NTRN™
NBLK®’s matching service that connects businesses with STEM interns to support automation, data projects, and technical initiatives. NTRN helps businesses move faster by adding affordable, skilled talent where it’s needed most.
OKRA™
A tool for new or growing businesses that need help with technology, data, and digital systems. OKRA™ helps you build the right foundation so your business can operate efficiently and grow without confusion.
Scalability
Whether your tools can grow as your business grows. Good systems don't force you to rebuild everything later.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Making your website easier to find on Google. Good SEO helps customers find you without ads.
SSL / HTTPS
The padlock you see in your browser's address bar. It means the connection is secure and information is protected. Customers trust sites with it — and avoid ones without.
Stack
The tools and technology your business runs on. You should understand it, own it, and be able to change it.
Storage
The space where your data and files are kept. As your business grows, so does your data — good systems make sure there's room to grow without surprise costs.
Subscription
A recurring monthly or yearly fee. Subscriptions add up and can quietly hurt small businesses. NBLK® does not charge subscriptions.
Website vs App
Website: Works in a browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.). App: A tool built for phones, tablets, or internal business use. Many businesses only need a website — not an app.
Wireframe
A basic visual outline of a website or app that shows the layout, structure, and placement of key elements before design and development begin, helping plan how users will move through and interact with the system. NBLK® builds your wireframe first for your approval.
Workflow
A set of steps that happen automatically. Example: Form submitted → email sent → task created.