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Ad-Hoc Query

Any spontaneous or unplanned question or query. An ad-hoc query often consists of dynamically constructed SQL that is constructed by desktop-resident or Web-based query tools.

Ad-Hoc Query Tool

An end-user tool that accepts an English-like or point-and-click request for data and constructs an ad-hoc query to retrieve the desired data from a database.

Agents

Self-contained processes that run in the background on a client or server and that perform useful functions for a specific user/owner. Agents may monitor exceptions based on criteria or execute automated tasks. For example once an event occurs a daemon performs a pre-defined action and then it returns to a monitoring state. See daemon.

Aggregated Data

Data that is results from applying a process to combine data elements. These terms refer to data that is summarized.

Alerts

A notification from an event that a trigger has exceeded a pre-defined threshold.

Analytical Hierarchy Process

An approach to decision making that involves structuring multiple choice criteria into a hierarchy, assessing the relative importance of these criteria, comparing alternatives for each criterion, and determining an overall ranking of the alternatives.