ICTSAD506 Project Feasibility Study Proof Reading Service

ICTSAD506 Project Feasibility Study Proof Reading Service

Introduction

Project management is systematic set of activities and approaches to achieve the objectives. The report will discuss the feasibility study of the network design and implementation related to Royal Bob organization running family business in Australia. The report will discuss the current strategic plan and IT system of the organization. Client requirements will be clarify and then project scope will be developed in the report. The feasibility study will conclude the future requirements for organization those can be addressed through the project. The report will evaluate the feasibility of two network design solutions for organization. Additional to it, the network design document will be developed in which technical requirements and software suits will be determined. The report will design the network for two solutions and then determine the impact on the organization. Possible cost and cost-performance will be discussed for both designs. The report will sum up with technical requirements and supports.    

Feasibility Report

Analyse current strategic plan of the organisation

 Royal Bobs is family driven organisation and currently the organisation is involved in producing and preserving the jam. The products of the Royal Bobs are majorly exported and also have two retail outlets and cafe in the city of Perth and Donnybrook. It is famous for the freshly baked fruit pies. It has the staff of around 25 employees at head office and 5 employees at each of the two cafes. The organisation current plan is to expand its business globally through the designing of the network structure that includes new server hardware, new desktop hardware, requirement of the internet, human resource requirement, cloud services along with retention of old system. The plan will include expansion in major three states that are Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. With this the organisation would require extra employee around double of the present employees in total (Cornut et.al, 2012). The opening of the five new cafe outlets with hiring five employees for its business is included in the plan. Further, it has planned 25 percent increase in its staff at the head-office in following three years and respectively one new cafe outlet every year in next year.

The strategic plan for the expansion will allow the organisation the path to move in which direction and determine the loop holes in the system design so that it can be analysed before taking them into live environment (Heinrich, 2014). Strong network design will provide communication between the management, employees and customers effectively.

Review of current IT system supported by the organisation  

With accessing the current IT infrastructure, the organisation will able to provide the baseline and input for the new design of network. The data about the current infrastructure would help in determining the network topology, access the network and communication. It is required to identify the potential to manage the traffic, monitor functional procedures currently and monitor existing security standards in the system so that in new network advanced features can be adopted from the prior and lastly assess the state of existing data (Holcombe and Ipate, 2012). The current IT system of the Royal Bob’s is divided into two categories:-

Main office: The entire network structure of the organisation is controlled and hosted in the main office. It includes two main physical server and router to have access of internet. It also incorporates 25 client PCs with Windows 7.

The first server is Microsoft SBS 2008 – Domain controller that works through Microsoft Exchange Server. It is main server which is connected with entire PCs in the organisation. And second server is Microsoft Server 2008 – Legacy systems that operates through SQL server for company Inventory database and CRM, Runs Payroll system. In this calculation related to the employee’s salary is done and stock management of the product is calculated (Venkatesh et.al, 2012). This server is also connected with the employee’s PCs so that main office receives information regarding stock and individuals.

The use of router is done to have an internet connection and it also helps in connecting the server with terminals without physical wires. The respective router is used in organisation is Net gear Nighthawk AC19000/ ADSL 2+ 1.5Mbps Internet connection

Cafe stores: Each cafe store has 5*client PCs running Windows 7. Both the outlet has self-data connection with ADSL2+ modem router. A VPN is used to provide interconnection with the main office for connecting with inventory system (Iqbal et.al, 2012). As the main server is in main office information is transmitted through cafe stores related to stock and employees.

Confirm and include client requirements

The organisation requirement is to have complete new network infrastructure by eliminating the existing one so that instant growth and expansion can take place. While developing the system network, the network developer should consider the following requirements:

1.The organisation requires the robust system that increases their employee’s performance and efficiency. For this the current software will be replaced with CRM software and ERP application software. The advanced server would be used for the same.

2.The other requirement of the client is to maintain the database of the inventory and pay roll system in the new network (Iqbal et.al, 2012). This would be automatically confirmed with the use of ERP software and system monitoring.

3.New ERP system network will solve the requirement of no downtime of business operations.

4.The new structure will incorporate the network storage devices that fulfil the requirement of off-site and on-site backup solution of the old system (ur Rehman et.al, 2013).

5.For assuring in respect of effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation, the advanced internet network topology is adopted so that wider access to everyone involved in the system is allowed.

6.Use of ICT and IoT tools in the new network structure will provide reliable, adequate and cost effective solutions to the client for its consistent growth and expansion (Wiegers and Beatty, 2013).

Analyse scenario to determine the project scope

With monitoring the current business, current IT system and current network design, it has been determined that the organisation needs to replace its entire infrastructure to new one for business growth and expansion to three states. For determining the scope from the new network structure the following the points are to be fulfilled:-

Project objectives and goals: The objective and goal of the project is to carry out the business function in cost effective deployment of IT solutions in the new network (Mirza et.al, 2013).

Sub Phases: As in the new system, the IT structure would be requiring additional terminals and server which are to be integrated and aligned in sub phases at the main office.

Tasks and resources:Whether the new infrastructure will be given necessary resources in order to complete their jobs on the deadlines fixed. The resources such as use of cloud computing for data sharing so that employees can access the information wherever needed from the organisation cloud only (Kerzner, 2013).

Budgets:  The system is designed keeping in mind the budget of the organisation and it is able to generate the effective solution in comparison with the invested funds.

Schedule: The project is expected to complete in two months. In first month, the network project includes planning and designing and in the second month, the system development and analysis, system test will take place (Schwalbe, 2015).

Ensure future requirements are met

The future requirements of the organization are addressed effectively. Legacy hardware and server components are removed from the network to ensure the maximum reliability and security of data. Also the connection type of network is upgrade to fibre-cables so that devices receive the reliable speed and security of data transmission. The network requirements for the offside back solution with legacy system are addressed with the use of network storage systems so that device can be back up regularly. It is effective to recover the data in case of lost. Multiple routers and servers are connected to office computers so that multipath can be used for always active status of network (Fageha and Aibinu, 2013). It is effective to deal with broken connections. The network is also implemented with firewall and access control list so that user requests are filtered to ensure the authorization and access.

Addition to it, the requirements of the organization for the cost-effective solution is considered in design and implementation. There are wireless routers inside the building to reduce the cost of maintenance and wiring to end-devices. The network is using the switches to segment the devices for easy maintenance. It is also required to use the bandwidth and IP addresses effectively for the number of computers (Boulmetis and Dutwin, 2014). New network infrastructure is also based on the windows in workstations so that configure of devices is similar to previous infrastructure. However, Linux based servers need additional skills to manage and control the domain and users.

Research and document two alternative and feasible solutions

The organization can choose either network with virtualization server and new hardware or retain existing legacy hardware systems.

First feasible solution

The solution is effective to enhance the security, data sharing and reliability in reduced cost on new network. The virtualization of servers and addition of new hardware components can deliver the high performance through sharing of resources among users. The organization can use virtualization through Linux servers so that users get the same speed and access to resources as they are single user (Wang et.al, 2013). New computer network hardware and software can enhance the reliability and security in network. Overall cost of initial installation and maintenance may be high but got long-term prospective, the organization can receive lower maintenance efforts and cost. Virtualization offers the sharing of resources in such a manner that users can attain maximum utilization of resources available in network. Additionally, the organization can use virtual private network for security and privacy purpose as tunneling is effective to isolate thee network communication from rest of internet users.

Second feasible solution

Another feasible solution is to retain the older hardware technology in network. The organization can use the older hardware in mix up of required new hardware so that overall performance and productivity can be balanced. The solution focus on the proper use of legacy systems like switches and computer systems at the end-branch of network so that it does not affect other devices in network. The use of legacy systems can reduce the cost but can increase the cost and maintenance efforts (Chetty and Feamster, 2012). However the use of devices in offices will not affect the entire network. It is recommended that the organization do not prefer to use legacy systems like routers and switches because their failure will affect the end-devices. 

Network Designs Document

Ascertain technical requirements including hardware, software and network elements

As Royal Bob’s Food Emporium is expanding its business, it requires additional hardware and networking elements to carry out the operational and monitoring activities. For monitoring, the performance of all units Royal Bob’s Food Emporium needs a network management system.

Hardware components:Royal Bob’s Food Emporium will require following hardware components for meeting its requirement.

Table 1: Hardware requirements

Software requirements:Royal Bob’s Food Emporium requires mainly two types of software

1.Operating system: Organisation can use windows 10 along with the windows server 2012

2.Application based systems: For serving application-based software organisation can use customer relation management and enterprise resource planning software to maintain its database and customers related data (Han et.al, 2015).

Network requirements:  For satisfying the networking requirements organisation requires the following networking elements:

1.Router: To connect various computers of main office with same internet connection organisation can use routers (Nikander et.al, 2010).

2.Switches: Switches can be used in café to connect computers with bill generating systems, printers and other devices.

3.Server: To provide functionality to the systems of organisation various servers such as printing, file, web and application-based servers can be used by the organisation.

Select software solutions to suit business platform

The Royal Bob’s Food Emporium requires following software solutions for effectively monitoring and executing its operation.

1.Network performance analysing tools:These software tools analyse the performance of internet services used by the organisation in connecting its various branches. It measures the performance in terms of speed, latency, bandwidth, packet capturing, decode analysis and network traffic management. These performance analysing tools can also provide fire well, and antivirus programs for ensuring the safe and secure operation. These software tools provide the statistics for activities, which are perform on network. This also enable organisation to monitor the work performance of employees. These tools monitor the bandwidth utilization with respect to time and provide alarms for threats.

2.Network monitoring tools:Network monitoring tools monitors the network security features and ensures that availability and performance of computer systems and networks are use in an adequate manner. It regularly monitors the utilization extent of processor and network bandwidth so that it can detect the device and connection failures on time and errors are resolved without affecting the operations of Royal Bob’s Food Emporium. Organisation can use network-monitoring tools such as Ping to check the connectivity between the two networks (Botta et.al, 2012). This connectivity monitoring plays important role in providing security to the information assets of organisation.

3.Enterprise resources planning software (ERP):Royal Bob’s Food Emporium requires ERP system so that it is planning, development, sales, production related strategies are easily stored on its network and can be transfer from one station to another (Elragal and Haddara, 2012). With effective monitoring this system handles the entire execution process of organisation.

4.Customer Relation Management software (CRM):To increase sales and customer base organisation use CRM software so that it can provide better customer services. With integration of CRM with networking requirements can be transfer from main office to another branches according to the availability and demand.

Develop physical network designs for the two options

Possible effects of the designs for current and future business requirements

Royal Bob’s Food Emporium is expanding its business and operational area thus it increase its needs of networking and resources. To maintain the detailed record of human resources for ensuring employees having good background check organisation requires enterprise management system. But as the organisation will meet its expected growth it will require more advanced processors and hard disk for storing huge amount of data (Macaulay, 2012). For working with current networking scenario an Ethernet cable, which provides 100 mbps, speed is sufficient but when organisation will deal with more customers and its expanding branches it will requires better speed for ensuring fast and more effective communication because with expansion information and data sharing for regular monitoring and analysing purpose becomes mandatory for the organisation (Chowdhury et.al, 2010). At present organisation do not requires highly efficient Customer Relation Management system because better customer services can be ensured by direct monitoring and regular supervision but with expansion a specific monitoring network will be required by the organisation to manage the queries and database related to the customers.

It is also necessary for Royal Bob’s Food Emporium to manage the security related issues. At present, no specific network security tools are used by the organisation but with networking it is necessary to implement anti malware and other cyber security solutions. With internet marketing, it will be also require by the organisation to approach the internet marketing concepts and to be alert from cyber threats such as information leakage, key loggers, and data corruption. The organisation will also require the fire well systems and file protection systems so that its files and other information assets remain secure. 

Costs of the two designs using regional vendors

The cost of network components for the implementation of virtualization and new hardware along with virtual private network (Bell et.al, 2014).

Table 2: Cost of network design-1

Another design with use of legacy systems requires low cost but the cost on maintenance and improvements depends on the type of issue or failure (Siewiorek and Swarz, 2014). The initial cost of implementation is adaptable to setup a cost-effective network for organization.

Table 3: cost of network design-2

The regional vendors are offering devices in adequate cost. Also there is high support for setup and maintenance. The cost difference is not too much but the organization has to determine the values those can be attained by keeping the legacy systems (hardware and software) in network design. Cost estimation of design does not include the cost of human resources and time required to complete the project of network infrastructure improvements.

Produce a cost / performance evaluation on both designs

Both the network designs are suitable for the organization to meet the objectives and benefits. The use of virtualization and new hardware resources in network assist the organization in performance improvements. However, the cost of implementation is high but virtualization helps to increase the security by using virtual private networking and sharable use of resources. New hardware like fibre-cable and high speed wireless routers help the organization to attain the shorter response time. Overall security and reliability is improved with network design with resources based on latest network technologies (Newcomer et.al, 2015). Cost of maintenance over time is also less as software defined networking can be used in organization to manage and control the operations. Cost and performance ratio is high in first network design.

The design with legacy system has high threat of failure and compatibility so that performance may be affected over time. However the initial cost is low but maintenance and availability cost is high. The performance and cost ratio is low because the organization can get the lower and inadequate performance even investing high cost. Legacy hardware are older in technology and performance so that can interrupt the entire network segment or specific group of people. There is no system inside network to filter the requests and to control the traffic and resources (Moschakis and Karatza, 2012). The network design is simple and vulnerable against the performance barriers in the forms of malware and space eaters. The lack of firewall, proper routing technology and security in communication reduce the network performance.

Determine support and training requirements needed

With advanced and expanding network, requirements of Royal Bob’s Food Emporium special training and supports programs are necessary to carry out so that employees can use these networking tools in more efficient and secure manner (Salas et.al, 2012). Organisation can provide practical demonstration of technology so that better understanding can be develop among employees. For existing and more skilled human resources on desk training programs can be use, which provides special training guidance for installation and maintenance of network. For creating awareness about cyber, threats and precautions like regular update of antimalware and ignorance to suspected emails organisation can provide guidance via seminars and technical demonstration.  For the new employees, who are joining organisation during its expansion, seminars and special training material can be used. Senior and experienced employees can provide practical demonstration also (Salvendy, 2012). Organisation can also provide Presentation tools and working guidelines to employees. IT department of organisation can also monitor the performance of employees so that they can improve and correct their working skills.

Conclusion

The report has been prepared feasibility study and network design document. The report has been discussed the strategic plan, current IT system and client requirements. Future scopes and opportunities for the organization have been addressed with definition of project. Alternative feasible network designs has been evaluated and documented. The report has been discussed the technical requirements and software solutions to design the network. Physical network design has been proposed. The cost of two network designs and their impacts on organization have been discussed. The report also has produced the performance and cost evaluation on network solutions. Related supporting and technical requirements are addressed. The report has been concluded that the organization can make benefits with virtualization, new hardware and enhanced customer and user experience.   

References

Books and Journals

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