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Digital NSW

Glossary

Definitions of terms related to the NSW Digital Strategy are listed below. If you need assistance or would like to add a definition, please contact us at nswds@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Academia The environment or community focused on the pursuit of research, education and scholarship. It is often associated with higher education and research, and includes teachers, students, researchers, lecturers, scholars and professors.
Accessibility Being able to be used by all people, including those with disabilities.
Agency An agency refers to a department, organisation, or entity within the NSW Government structure. These agencies are responsible for various functions and services provided by the NSW Government.
Agile Agile methodologies are a way of managing projects that focuses on breaking work into small, manageable parts. It also involves getting regular feedback and making quick adjustments to stay flexible and meet goals effectively.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)  A computer system's ability to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and making decisions.
Bandwidth Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network or connection in a given amount of time. It is often measured in bits per second (bps) and indicates how much information can be sent or received at once.
CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) CALD stands for culturally and linguistically diverse, describing Australia’s population of diverse backgrounds and languages. 
Case study An example of work the NSW Government is doing to achieve outcomes in the NSW Digital Strategy.
Cloud In computing, ‘cloud’ refers to a system of providing and accessing various computing services — like storage, processing power, and software —over the internet instead of relying on local servers or personal devices. This allows users to access and manage their data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.
Commitments Commitments are published actions NSW Government agencies have agreed to work on in the defined timeframe. Each Mission in the strategy has associated commitments to work towards their goals. Commitments are typically large pieces of digital work which will impact more than one agency and deliver outcomes for the Mission.
Community A community is a group of people who live in the same area or share common interests, values, or goals.
Connectivity Connectivity refers to the ability to connect and communicate between devices, systems, or networks, often through technology like the internet, cables, or wireless connections. It enables data exchange and interaction between different components or users. 
Connectivity Index A statewide tool that measures digital connectivity quality across NSW by evaluating access, affordability, and demographics. It uses data on coverage, speed, choice, and performance, to help government, businesses, and communities make informed decisions about Digital Infrastructure and inclusion. 
Credentials Information or documents that verify a person's identity, such as identification cards, passports, or digital authentication methods like usernames and passwords. They help confirm who someone is and grant access to various services or systems based on that verification.
Cyber security Cyber security involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorised access, and damage. It includes measures and practices designed to safeguard information and ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of digital assets. 
Data Data refers to individual pieces of information or facts collected for analysis, processing, or reference. Data can be in various forms, such as numbers, text, images, or sound, and is used to make decisions, conduct research, or generate insights.
Data security Protecting information from unauthorised access, theft, or damage. It involves measures like encryption and secure passwords to make sure that sensitive data stays safe and secure.
Data sovereignty Refers to control and ownership over personal data, including how it is collected, stored, and used. It is the right to have personal data protected by local laws and regulations and to make informed choices about its usage.
Department A specialised unit within a government responsible for overseeing specific areas of public policy, administration, and services. Each Department focuses on a particular function or sector, such as health, education, or transportation, and operates under the direction of a government Minister or official. 
Disability Includes long-term physical, mental health, intellectual, neurological or sensory differences which, in interaction with various attitudinal and environmental barriers, may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Digital assurance Ensuring that digital systems and technologies work correctly, are secure, and meet quality standards. It involves checking that software, data, and IT infrastructure perform as expected and are safe from issues. 
Digital divide The gap between people who have easy access to digital technology and the internet and those who do not, often due to factors like location, income, or education.
Digital equity/inclusion Making sure everyone has equal access to digital technologies and the internet, as well as the skills and support needed to use them effectively.
Digital literacy The ability to use digital technologies, such as computers and the internet, effectively and safely. It includes skills like navigating software, understanding online security, and evaluating digital information. 
Digital technology Tools and systems that use digital data and electronic processes to perform tasks, store information, and communicate. 
DRF (Digital Restart Fund) The Digital Restart Fund funds iterative, multi-disciplinary approaches to planning, designing, and developing digital products and services in NSW.
Framework A structure or set of guidelines that provides an approach to solve problems or complete tasks.
Frontline workers An employee who interacts directly with the community, often in sectors like healthcare, retail, or emergency services. They are typically the first point of contact and play a crucial role in delivering services and support.
Gender diverse People whose gender identity or expression does not fit within traditional or binary notions of male and female.
Human-centered design An approach to creating products or solutions that focuses on understanding and addressing the needs, preferences, and experiences of the people who will use them. It involves users in the design process to ensure the result is practical, useful, and user-friendly.
ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Technologies used to handle and communicate information, including computers, the internet, telecommunications, and related software and hardware.
Industry A sector of the economy that focuses on producing goods or providing services. It includes businesses and organisations involved in activities like technology or services.
Infrastructure The ability of different agencies or systems to work together and exchange information seamlessly. It ensures that various technologies can operate and communicate with each other effectively.
Interoperability The ability of different agencies or systems to work together and exchange information seamlessly. It ensures that various technologies can operate and communicate with each other effectively.
Innovation The creation and implementation of new digital technologies or solutions that improve processes, products, or services. It involves using digital tools and approaches to drive progress and solve problems in new ways.
Investment Allocating resources, such as money or time, to technologies and digital tools to improve or expand capabilities, efficiency, or the economy. This can include investments in software, infrastructure and other tech-driven initiatives.
Iterative investment model

The iterative investment model, established under the Digital Restart Fund, incentivises agencies to follow a Seed to Scale approach to funding. Seed funding is first provided to allow discovery, prototypes, alpha and beta version of digital products to be developed to test solutions with end users. Future investment increases are released in stages, with each stage dependent on achieving certain results.

This approach, proven through the Digital Restart Fund, reduces delivery risk, improves time to value and provides a mechanism for elevated governance and oversight.
Legacy debt The hidden cost of maintaining outdated or obsolete systems. This can occur when short- term decisions to use easy solutions result in long term inefficiencies.
Legacy technology Outdated or older systems and software that are still in use but may be less efficient or compatible with modern solutions.
Measurements A standardised method for assessing the progress of digital transformation initiatives and programs across NSW. These measurements enable agency-wide accountability in achieving the objectives of the strategy.
NSW Digital Strategy The NSW Digital Strategy is an All-of-Government digital strategy that gives direction to agencies to facilitate government priorities and outcomes for the community.
Priority

Commitments in the strategy are defined by different priority levels such as high, medium, low and ongoing.

  • High: commitment expected to be complete within the next 12 months.
  • Medium: commitment expected to be complete within the next 12-24 months.
  • Low: commitment expected to be complete within the next 24-36 months.
  • Ongoing: commitment is underway and does not have a clear end date.
Policy A set of guidelines or rules that govern the use, management, and security of digital technologies and data within government. It ensures that digital practices align with legal standards and best practices.
Roadmap The NSW Digital Strategy Roadmap outlines the expected sequence for the delivery of the outcomes identified through the strategy. 
Scale funding Scale funding refers to the investment required to increase the size, scope, reach or functionality of an existing product or service. Scale funding may be delivered in tranches which enable funding to be released when an outcome has been achieved.
Seed funding Seed funding refers to the initial investment used to test or develop an idea through Discover, Alpha and Beta phases before rolling out at a larger scale.
Socio-economic The combination of social and economic factors that influence individuals' or groups' quality of life, including income, education, occupation, and social status.
SDA (State Digital Assets)  Digital platforms, services or data that are used by more than one NSW Government agency. They are the building blocks for NSW to provide proactive, customised, and seamless services to customers. 
Technology Electronic tools and systems that use digital data and processes, such as computers, smartphones, and the internet, to create, store, and manage information. It includes software, hardware, and networks that support various digital functions and applications.
Telecommunications The transmission of information over long distances using electronic means, such as phones, internet, and radio. It includes all forms of communication technology that enable people to send and receive data, voice, and video.
Virtual assistant A software application or online service that uses Artificial Intelligence to perform tasks, manage schedules, answer questions, or provide support, often through voice or text commands. It helps users by automating routine tasks and providing information or assistance.