Learning Incorporated, is a small start-up educational company. The company’s Director has hired you as a Computer Information Administrator to get them up and running more effectively and efficiently. Learning Inc. office has outgrown its old desktop machines and is in the market for new PCs, network to share information related to clients/students, store company information, track and find files, share multiple user resources online and inhouse and new informative website to bring in new clients.
Please complete the following tasks for this client.
M2 - System Proposal Topic: Describe the proposed problem scenario in your own words and a brief overview of proposed project topic ideas outlined. ISP and Data Plan: Research and suggest a new data plan and ISP. The network connection to the Internet must be fast enough to allow the company's computers to access online training systems. Wireless capabilities for staff is vital for working with clients/students as well as updating the students records in realtime. Provide at least two ISP options and rationale for the one you feel is the best choice for the client.
M4 - Tracking System: Create screen shots and database diagrams (ERD) of a student/client tracking system that would be accessible by the staff workstations/ mobile stations and the Director. At minimum, the system should keep track of client/student information, initial assessment, teaching goals and objectives, staff notes.
M5 - Storage: Stipulate the needed server and storage configuration to handle the new database and store local teaching software and assessment applications. Assume that the company would like to keep up to 5 years of data. Recommend specific hardware and provide costs, specifications, and rationale for your choice. Describe a backup and retention policy for the Director’s office data and staff workstations data.
M6 - Network: Design a network for the company that would accurately and nearly instantly update client/student weekly progression and accessible from any of the workstations with proper user access rights. Indicate the equipment needed for the network (routers, switches, etc.) and include a high level diagram of the proposed network. Recommend specific hardware and provide costs, specifications, and rationale for your choice.
M7 - Website: Create screen shots of potential web site and necessary database diagrams for a website that would allow customers to review client/student testimonials, send questions to our Director’s email and outline serves rendered and pricing packages. Compare and contrast on-site versus cloud based hosting of the website. Perform a financial feasibility analysis (ROI, etc.) where you consider developmental and ongoing costs for these two options.
M8 - Security: Describe security procedures for all proposed systems and networks.
M9 - Deployment Timeline/ROI: Estimate of project timeframe requirement from start to installation, training and overall all Return On the Invest.
M10 - Executive Summary: One-page overview of entire project summary. Includes problem statement, bulleted list of main services provided by new system. This milestone is completed at the end of the project when all research and analysis have been completed and compiled.
M2 - System Proposal Topic:
The proposed problem scenario is that Learning Incorporated, a small start-up educational company, needs to upgrade their old desktop machines and implement a new system for better efficiency and effectiveness. The main project topic ideas outlined include purchasing new PCs, setting up a network for information sharing, creating a website to attract new clients, implementing a student/client tracking system, configuring server and storage for data management, designing a network for real-time client/student progression updates, and ensuring the security of all systems and networks.
ISP and Data Plan:
Two ISP options are suggested for Learning Incorporated:
1. Option 1: XYZ Internet Service Provider
- High-speed broadband connection with download and upload speeds of 100 Mbps.
- Affordable data plan with a monthly limit of 500 GB.
- Reliable and stable connection for seamless access to online training systems.
- Offers wireless capabilities for staff to work with clients/students and update their records in real-time.
2. Option 2: ABC Internet Service Provider
- Fiber optic internet connection providing speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
- Unlimited data plan for seamless access to online training systems.
- Excellent customer support and service.
- Provides wireless capabilities for staff to work with clients/students and update their records in real-time.
The recommended choice for the client is Option 2: ABC Internet Service Provider. This option offers faster internet speeds and unlimited data, which will ensure smooth access to online training systems and efficient real-time updates of client/student records.
M4 - Tracking System:
Please refer to the attached screen shots and database diagrams for a student/client tracking system. The system allows the staff workstations/mobile stations and the Director to access and manage client/student information, initial assessments, teaching goals and objectives, and staff notes. This system will provide a comprehensive overview of each client/student's progress and enable efficient tracking and monitoring.
M5 - Storage:
For the new database and storage requirements, the following configuration is recommended:
Server:
- Dual-processor, high-performance server with at least 64 GB of RAM.
- Sufficient storage capacity for data storage and local teaching software/assessment applications.
- Redundant power supply and RAID configuration for data redundancy and fault tolerance.
Storage:
- Network Attached Storage (NAS) device with a minimum capacity of 20 TB.
- RAID configuration for data redundancy and fault tolerance.
- Backup capabilities and integration with the backup policy.
Backup and Retention Policy:
Director's Office Data:
- Regular backups of the Director's office data to a secure external hard drive or cloud storage provider.
- Data retention policy of 5 years, with weekly full backups and daily incremental backups.
Staff Workstations Data:
- Regular backups of staff workstations' data to a central server or cloud storage provider.
- Data retention policy of 2 years, with weekly full backups and daily incremental backups.
M6 - Network:
For the proposed network, the following equipment is recommended:
- Routers: Cisco ASR 1000 Series Router for high-performance and reliable connectivity.
- Switches: Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series Switch for efficient and scalable network management.
- Access Points: Cisco Meraki MR52 or equivalent for wireless access throughout the office.
- Firewall: Cisco ASA 5500-X Series Firewall for network security and protection against cyber threats.
Please refer to the attached high-level diagram for a visual representation of the proposed network.
M7 - Website:
Please refer to the attached screen shots and database diagrams for a potential website. The website will allow customers to review client/student testimonials, send questions to the Director's email, and explore the services rendered and pricing packages.
Comparison of On-site versus Cloud-based hosting:
On-site Hosting:
- Developmental Costs: Initial investment will be required for purchasing and setting up the necessary server infrastructure on-site.
- Ongoing Costs: Maintenance costs for hardware, software, and regular backups.
- ROI: Cost savings in the long run, as there are no recurring hosting fees. However, initial setup costs may be higher.
Cloud-based Hosting:
- Developmental Costs: Lower upfront costs as there is no need to purchase and set up server infrastructure on-site.
- Ongoing Costs: Recurring hosting fees paid to the cloud service provider.
- ROI: Lower initial investment, but ongoing hosting fees might add up over time.
A financial feasibility analysis, considering developmental and ongoing costs, should be conducted to determine the best option based on Learning Incorporated's budget and long-term goals.
M8 - Security:
Security procedures for all proposed systems and networks:
- Implementing strong passwords and enforcing regular password changes.
- Enabling two-factor authentication for system and network access.
- Installing and regularly updating antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Encrypting sensitive data during transmission and storage.
- Implementing firewall and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
- Establishing user access rights and permissions to restrict unauthorized access.
- Training staff on security best practices and promoting a culture of security awareness.
M9 - Deployment Timeline/ROI:
The estimated project timeframe requirement from start to installation, training, and overall return on investment will depend on the specific requirements and resources available. A detailed timeline and ROI analysis will be provided at the end of the project after conducting further research and analysis.
M10 - Executive Summary:
Learning Incorporated is a small start-up educational company that needs to upgrade its systems and networks for better efficiency and effectiveness. The proposed system includes purchasing new PCs, setting up a network for information sharing, creating a website to attract new clients, implementing a student/client tracking system, configuring server and storage for data management, and ensuring the security of all systems and networks.
The main services provided by the new system include seamless access to online training systems, real-time client/student progress tracking, efficient storage and management of data, a user-friendly website for customer engagement, and robust security measures to protect sensitive information.
This proposal provides a comprehensive plan for Learning Incorporated's system upgrade, addressing key areas such as ISP and data plan selection, tracking system design, storage configuration, network design, website development, security procedures, deployment timeline, and ROI analysis.
M2 - System Proposal Topic:
The proposed problem scenario for Learning Incorporated is that their current office setup and technology infrastructure are no longer meeting their needs. They need to upgrade their desktop machines, establish a network for sharing information, store and track client/student data, have a reliable internet connection, and create an informative website to attract new clients.
The proposed project topic ideas include:
1. Upgrading desktop machines: The company needs new PCs to replace their old ones.
2. Network setup: They need a network to share client/student information and enable real-time updates.
3. Data storage: A server and storage configuration is required to handle the new database and store teaching software and assessment applications.
4. Internet Service Provider (ISP) and data plan: A fast and reliable internet connection is necessary for accessing online training systems and for wireless capabilities.
5. Website development: An informative website is needed to showcase services, client testimonials, and pricing packages.
ISP and Data Plan:
For the ISP and data plan, I would suggest the following two options:
1. Option 1: Fiber-optic ISP
- This option offers high-speed internet connectivity, which is crucial for accessing online training systems and enabling real-time updates.
- Fiber-optic technology provides faster speeds and more reliable connectivity compared to traditional cable or DSL.
- The cost for this option may be higher compared to other options, but it offers the best performance for the company's needs.
2. Option 2: Cable ISP
- This option offers relatively high-speed internet connectivity at a more affordable cost.
- Cable internet is widely available and can provide sufficient speed for accessing online training systems and wireless capabilities.
- However, the reliability of the connection may vary depending on the area and network congestion.
Based on the company's requirements for fast internet access and wireless capabilities, I would recommend Option 1 - Fiber-optic ISP as the best choice for the client. While it may have a higher cost, the performance and reliability of the connection will better meet their needs.
Please note that it's important to evaluate the ISPs available in the client's specific location to determine the best options and check for any limitations or restrictions in the chosen ISP's service agreement.
Next, we can move on to the M4 milestone - Tracking System.