TLAs and ETLAs Three Letter Acronyms and Extended Three Letter Acronyms

The computer industry is filled to overflowing with TLAs dreamed up to describe the latest concept. Sometimes the labels are useful in making technical distinctions, sometimes, they are not. Sometimes they are meaningful, sometimes they are no more than Marketing Techno Blurb (MTB). Why are TLAs so prevalent in IT? Answers on a postcard please.

This collection of TLAs (CoTs) - there are currently over 1200 - has been assembled over the years by Savant's director, John Collins, and was last published in 1995. Some of these TLAs have become part of the language, some have lost their rationale in the mists of time. Others will have developed newer connotations and significances. All are part of the history of the IT industry. Using the power of the Internet and the goodwill of netizens around the world, we now want to bring this list up-to-date, so e-mail your contributions to the TLA WebMaster (TLA WM).

P.S. This is a Java Applet (JA). Sorry, but no Java, no TLA (NJNT). Any problems please tell me?. Since there are over 1,200 acronyms, the applet may take 15-20 seconds to load the data file - please be patient.

Simon Groves, Savant, 1 Bow Court, Fletchworth Gate,Coventry, CV5 6SP, UK. Voice: +44 1203 718200

e-Mail: simong@savcov.demon.co.uk