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.
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.
CMS (Content Management System)
A CMS lets you update your website content—like text, images, or blog posts—without needing to code. NBLK/Okra 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.
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.
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.
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 having a strong presence online.
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.
Frontend
What customers see and click on: design, text, buttons, and pages. If it looks good and is easy to use, that's frontend.
In the Black
Being profitable and financially healthy. Reducing unnecessary subscriptions helps keep your business in the black.
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.
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.
NNX1™
Business assessment tool that evaluates performance across key areas like operations, technology, data, and infrastructure. NNX1 provides clear diagnostics and practical recommendations to help businesses improve efficiency and make smarter growth decisions.
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.
Stack
The tools and technology your business runs on. You should understand it, own it, and be able to change it.
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.