Glossary
Technology terms, explained plainly.
This glossary explains software and product terms that appear when a Malaysian SME plans a website, application, internal system or automation. Every term starts with a labelled 24-word definition, followed by why it matters and a link to the most relevant guide, service, solution or official source.
MVP
24-word definition
An MVP is the smallest useful product version that tests a real customer problem with enough quality to support a trustworthy learning decision today.
It helps a Malaysian SME learn before funding the full roadmap.
Read the related sourceFractional CTO
24-word definition
A fractional CTO is a part-time senior technology leader who sets direction, reviews delivery and handles important technical decisions without joining company full-time permanently.
It gives an SME senior accountability before a full-time hire makes sense.
Read the related sourceDiscovery sprint
24-word definition
A discovery sprint is a short, fixed engagement that turns a business problem into validated requirements, architecture, prototype, delivery plan and reliable project quote.
It reduces scope risk before a Malaysian SME commits to a build.
Read the related sourceUI vs UX
24-word definition
UI describes the interface people see and operate, while UX describes the complete journey, logic and outcomes that make the product genuinely usable overall.
Malaysian SMEs need both clarity on screen and a workflow that works.
Read the related sourceDesign system
24-word definition
A design system is a shared set of tokens, components, patterns and rules that keeps product interfaces consistent, accessible and efficient as teams expand.
It reduces repeated decisions when an SME product gains screens and contributors.
Read the related sourceWeb app
24-word definition
A web app is interactive software used through a browser, usually with accounts, data and workflows beyond the publishing purpose of a normal website.
It suits Malaysian operations that need shared workflows without an app-store install.
Read the related sourcePWA
24-word definition
A PWA is a web application enhanced with installable, offline and device-aware capabilities where browser and operating-system support allows those features to work reliably.
It can give Malaysian users app-like access while keeping a shareable web link.
Read the related sourceNative app
24-word definition
A native app is software delivered for a mobile operating system, with direct access to supported device capabilities and distribution through its official store.
It matters when device integration or store presence creates real product value.
Read the related sourceAPI
24-word definition
An API is a documented interface that lets software systems exchange data or request actions without people copying information between them manually each time.
It lets an SME connect tools while keeping responsibilities clear.
Read the related sourceAPI integration
24-word definition
API integration is the engineering work that connects systems through their interfaces, including authentication, mapping, validation, retries, monitoring and safe operational error handling throughout.
It removes duplicate entry only when failures and ownership are designed too.
Read the related sourceWebhook
24-word definition
A webhook is an automated message one system sends when an event happens, allowing another system to respond without repeatedly checking for changes manually.
It helps an SME react quickly to payments, bookings or submissions.
Read the related sourceSaaS
24-word definition
SaaS is software hosted by a provider and accessed as a service, usually through a recurring subscription instead of installation on each customer machine.
It can lower setup work when the provider workflow fits the SME.
Read the related sourceHeadless CMS
24-word definition
A headless CMS stores and manages content separately from its presentation, delivering entries through an API to websites, apps or other digital channels consistently.
It helps when one Malaysian team publishes the same content across several surfaces.
Read the related sourceHosting vs domain
24-word definition
A domain is the address people type, while hosting is the infrastructure that stores and serves the website or application behind that address online.
An SME usually needs both, with ownership and renewal access documented.
Read the related sourceSSL
24-word definition
SSL means the TLS protection that encrypts data between a browser and website, while a certificate helps the browser verify the site identity securely.
It is a baseline trust and security requirement for every Malaysian business site.
Read the related sourceUptime
24-word definition
Uptime is the proportion of time a system remains available during a measured period, excluding or including maintenance according to the service definition clearly.
It matters when downtime stops sales, bookings or staff operations.
Read the related sourceLHDN MyInvois
24-word definition
LHDN MyInvois is the Malaysian e-Invoice platform and related interfaces used to validate, submit and manage documents under the current official implementation guidelines published.
Malaysian SMEs should confirm current rules against the dated official sources.
Read the related source (opens in a new tab)E-invoice
24-word definition
An e-invoice is a structured transaction document submitted for validation under Malaysia’s LHDN framework, not a PDF invoice emailed to a customer for payment.
The required route depends on current official LHDN rules and business circumstances.
Read the related source (opens in a new tab)PDPA
24-word definition
PDPA is Malaysia’s personal data protection law framework governing how organisations handle personal data in commercial transactions, subject to current law and guidance issued.
An SME should define consent, access, retention and deletion with qualified advice.
Read the related source (opens in a new tab)SST
24-word definition
SST refers to Malaysia’s sales and service tax framework, with registration, scope and rates determined by current rules and business circumstances at the time.
An SME should confirm its obligations with official sources or a qualified adviser.
Read the related source (opens in a new tab)HRD Corp claimable
24-word definition
HRD Corp claimable describes eligible training that may follow HRD Corp requirements and employer claim processes, subject to current programme rules and approval status.
Training providers should verify current eligibility and never infer approval from a software feature.
Read the related source (opens in a new tab)CRM
24-word definition
A CRM is a system that organises contacts, conversations, opportunities, ownership and follow-up so a team can see the next sales action clearly together.
It helps Malaysian SMEs stop leads from disappearing across inboxes and chats.
Read the related sourcePOS
24-word definition
A POS system records sales, payments, products and often stock at the point of sale, connecting counter activity with operational and financial records accurately.
It matters when a Malaysian retailer or food business needs traceable daily sales.
Read the related sourceERP
24-word definition
ERP is integrated business software that connects operational modules and shared data, such as sales, inventory, finance, purchasing and people processes across one organisation.
An SME should introduce modules by operational value rather than replacing everything at once.
Read the related sourceInventory system
24-word definition
An inventory system tracks items, quantities, locations and stock movements, creating a traceable record of what changed, where, when and why across the operation.
It helps a Malaysian SME control stock without relying on disconnected sheets.
Read the related sourceWhatsApp Business API
24-word definition
WhatsApp Business API commonly describes the approved business platform interfaces used to send and receive WhatsApp messages through accounts, permissions and provider workflows securely.
An SME needs an approved channel, consent-aware workflow and human handoff.
Read the related sourceAI chatbot
24-word definition
An AI chatbot uses a language model and knowledge to answer questions, collect context or trigger actions while escalating uncertain conversations to people safely.
It helps only when the knowledge, limits and handoff are designed first.
Read the related sourceAutomation
24-word definition
Automation uses software rules, integrations or models to complete repeatable steps with less manual effort while keeping exceptions, approvals and ownership visible to people.
It helps an SME save time without hiding who handles failures.
Read the related sourceSEO
24-word definition
SEO improves how search engines discover, understand and rank web pages through useful content, technical access, internal structure, authority and entity identity online clearly.
It helps Malaysian buyers find the business when they search with intent.
Read the related sourceAEO
24-word definition
AEO structures direct and well-supported answers so search features and answer engines can extract them accurately while users still receive complete context around them.
It helps an SME become the source of a concise answer, not just a link.
Read the related sourceGEO
24-word definition
GEO strengthens consistent facts, proof and machine-readable context so generative AI systems can understand, name and cite an organisation accurately in answers for buyers.
It helps Malaysian SMEs earn accurate mentions where buyers ask AI for options.
Read the related source