An LOB (line-of-business) application is one of the set of critical computer applications that are vital to running an enterprise, such as accounting, supply chain management, and resource planning applications.
Line of business (LOB) is a general term which often refers to a set of one or more highly related products which service a particular customer transaction or business need. In some industry sectors, like insurance, "line of business" also has a regulatory and accounting definition to mean a statutory set of insurance policies. It may or may not be a strategically relevant business unit.
"Line of business" often refers to an internal corporate business unit, whereas the term "industry" refers to an external view that includes all competitors competing in a similar market. A line of business will often examine its position within an industry using a Porter five forces analysis or other industry-analysis method and other relevant industry information.