Database Server

Software which encapsulates databases and handles communication requests. Examples: MYSQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, DB2, PostgreSQL and others.

DCS

Distributed Control System is a big Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) that is typically networked to other controllers, PLCs or field devices. It typically has a workstation to interface with the controller and can be very expensive due to built-in security and failover features.

Dead-Band

Dead-Band is the range through which the input may be varied without initiating a response.

Database

Database also known as Relational Database Management System (RDMS) which is the full technical name for pretty much every database on the market today. Not many other kinds of databases are popular. A relational database is a piece of software that stores data in related tables. These tables have data stored in columns, each column has a specific datatype. Tables themselves are flat (2-dimensional), but can be joined together to access data in a variety of ways. Some example of RDMSs are: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2.

Database Agnostic

Not being restricted to any one database, but supporting all types. We're not stuck with the opinion that only one database is "correct" but we created our programs to be useable with any type of database - including all rather than omitting any.

DCOM

Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) is a set of Microsoft concepts and program interfaces in which client program can request services from server program on other computers in a network. DCOM is based on the Component Object Model (COM), which provides a set of interfaces allowing clients and servers to communicate within the same computer.

DeviceNet

An open network which is used to eliminate lots of field wiring by communicating directly between controllers and field devices such as photoeyes, temperature sensors, valves, motor controllers, and so on.

Discrete Manufacturing

Refers to manufacturing of individual items such as cars as opposed to Process Manufacturing which refers to continuous streams of production such as oil from a refinery. Discrete manufacturing generally uses PLCs for control, and Process Manufacturing generally uses Process Control systems. There is some crossover, but each type system (PLC or Process Control) is best suited to its own industry.

Big names is PLC control are: Allen-Bradley, GE, Siemens, Modicon, Automation Direct, and Omron. Big names in process control are: Honeywell, Porter & Fisher, Rosemount, and Bristol Babcock.

Dynamic Reports

In Ignition, it means that the operator can change the content of the report from a runtime Client. Reports are generated based on the binding information on the report's root container. The binding can be either static (no changing) or dynamic (influenced from another location through binding).

Dataset

A dataset (or data set) is a collection of data, usually presented in tabular form. Each column represents a particular variable. Each row corresponds to a given member of the dataset in question. It lists values for each of the variables, such as height and weight of an object. Each value is known as a cell. The dataset may comprise data for one or more members, corresponding to the number of rows. -Wikipedia