Image Map - A graphic image (picture, map, etc.) in HTML that maps the pixels or an area of an image to a Web resource via a hyperlink. Clicking on a section of the image is the same as selecting a hyper-linked word or phrase.

IMHO - In my humble opinion.

Inbound Link - A link from another Web site to your Web site.

Index - The component of a search engine or directory used for data storage, update and retrieval (i.e., the database).

Indexing - The process of converting a collection of data into a database suitable for easy search and retrieval.

Infobot - An automatic response to an e-mail or Web inquiry used to provide additional information about a product or service. (See autoresponder and mailbot)

Inktomi - A database of search results used to power multiple search engines.

Interface - A mechanism through which outside components interact with software.

Interlaced Graphics - GIF files that are interlaced permit the graphic to load gradually in the browser window, progressively increasing the clarity.

Internal Optimization - A classic form of search engine optimization in which adjustments are made to a Web site to improve search engine results.

Internet - A collection of co-operative networks and gateways that functions as a single, virtual network using the TCP/IP protocol.

Internet Access Provider - A company which provides access to the Internet, whether through dial-up, cable modem or wireless. Internet access providers are often considered to be a subset of Internet Service Providers.

Internet Address - An IP address that uniquely identifies a node on the Internet.

Interpreneurs - A new breed of entrepreneur who develops Internet/Intranet businesses or applications.

Intranet - A private, internal network that operates within the walls of a company (similar to a LAN) and is usually insulated from the outside world via an electronic or hardware impedance called a firewall.

IP (Internet Protocol) - The network layer for the TCP/IP Protocol Suite. It is a connectionless, best-effort packet switching protocol. A scheme that enables information to be routed from one network to another.

IP Address - The 32-bit address is the basic unit of information assigned to all participants in a TCP/IP network. The four-part number uniquely identifies a client, network or domain.

IP Spoofing - An illegal process of faking an IP address.

IRC (Internet Relay Chat) - A world-wide "party line" network that allows one to converse with others in real time. IRC is structured as a network of Internet servers, each of which accepts connections from client programs, one per user.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) - Switched digital networking that handles a range of digital voice and digital image transmission. It provides end-to-end, simultaneous handling of voice and data on the same digital links via integrated switches. Most ISDN lines offered by telephone companies give you two lines at once, called B channels. You can use one line for voice and the other for data, or you can use both lines for data to give you data rates of 128 Kbps, three times the data rate provided by today's fastest modems.

ISP (Internet Service Provider) - A commercial provider of Internet access to the public.

Issuer - The financial institution that establishes an account for a Cardholder and issues the payment card. The issuer guarantees payment for authorized transactions using the payment card in accordance with payment card brand regulations and local legislation.