This glossary defines common technical terms used throughout the Technical Hub. Definitions are written in plain language to support collaboration between technical admins, client admins, and IT partners.
Use this as a quick reference before diving into deeper technical articles.
Authentication & Identity
SSO (Single Sign-On)
Allows users to access Harvard Business Impact platforms using their existing organizational credentials, without creating a separate login.
IdP (Identity Provider)
The system that verifies user identity during login (for example, your organization’s authentication service).
SAML
A standard used to securely exchange authentication information between your IdP and Harvard Business Impact platforms.
User Management & Provisioning
Provisioning
The process of creating and managing user accounts and access.
Bulk Upload
Users are created or updated using a file-based process.
User Attributes
Data fields sent during login, such as email address, unique ID, name, or role.
Integrations
LMS (Learning Management System)
A platform used to assign, launch, and track learning activities.
LXP (Learning Experience Platform)
A platform focused on content discovery and personalized learning experiences.
SCORM
A format used to track learner activity and completion data in LMS environments.
Data, Security, and Troubleshooting
Certificate
A digital credential used to secure authentication communication. Certificates expire and must be renewed.
Firewall / Network Allowlisting
Network rules that allow traffic between your environment and Harvard Business Impact systems.
HAR File
A browser-generated file that captures network activity for troubleshooting login or access issues.
Where to Go Next
If a term here is new or unclear, explore these Technical Hub resources:
- Integration Resources – For deeper guidance on SSO, LMS/LXP connections, and data flow
- Support and Troubleshooting – For help diagnosing issues related to authentication or access
- Overview and Admin Resources – For high-level platform context and expectations