IDM

IDM is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts in music, software, and information technology.

In music, IDM stands for Intelligent Dance Music, a term used for a diverse and experimental strand of electronic music that emerged in the United Kingdom during the early 1990s. IDM is known for intricate rhythms, abstract melodies, and unconventional sound design, often moving away from traditional dancefloor structures. Notable artists associated with IDM include Aphex Twin, Autechre, and Squarepusher, though the genre encompasses a wide range of styles and approaches.

In software, IDM most commonly refers to Internet Download Manager, a proprietary download manager for Windows developed by Tonec Inc. It provides features such as download acceleration through segmentation and multi-threading, pause and resume of interrupted transfers, scheduled downloads, and browser integration. IDM supports multiple protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP, and is distributed with a trial period followed by a paid license for ongoing use.

In information technology, IDM also abbreviates Identity Management, the set of processes and technologies used to manage digital identities and access to resources. Core functions include user provisioning, authentication, authorization, and single sign-on, as well as identity lifecycle management and governance across on-premises and cloud environments. IDM solutions often implement standards such as SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect to enable secure interoperability.

Because IDM has multiple meanings, the intended sense is usually clear from context, with the three most common references being Intelligent Dance Music, Internet Download Manager, and identity management.