Ifsm 450 Project Presentation

XX Oct XX

To:        Mr. Xxx-XXX XXXXXXXXX, University of Xxxxxx

From:        Management Information Systems Team, Williamson Industrial Complex

                 - Xxxxx XXXXX       - Xxxxx Xxxx         - Xxxxx Xxxxxxx       - Xxxx Xxxxxxx

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PROJECT OVERVIEW

     We were initially contacted by David Williamson, President of Williamson Industries, to discuss installation of a Local Area Network at the Williamson Industrial Complex. Through subsequent meetings with Mr. Williamson and key members of his executive staff, we were able to outline the scope of this project, identify the true nature of their problems, and agree upon the main objectives to be met. We rapidly earned management’s support, set mutually realistic expectations, and secured a suitable budget. Thus we were contracted by Williamson Industries to develop a comprehensive technical solution relevant to the task.

     In our capacity as contracted management information systems staff, it was our responsibility to develop a Local Area Network that would increase productivity, improve management decisions, strengthen system control, and improve internal and external customer service. These broad user requirements served as the foundation upon which our technical solution was developed.

     Our proposed technical solution addresses the automation and communication issues that were identified in preliminary investigation. There is particular interest given to the selection of appropriate topology, network infrastructure, hardware and software components, and media. Cost benefit analysis and both short and long term strategic planning have also been included.

     We are confident that our analysis of preliminary investigation findings has led to a proposed technical solution that will meet the needs and expectations of Williamson Industries for many years to come.      

SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM

     At present, the Williamson Industrial Complex hasn’t any substantial computer resources or any management information systems.  There are no office automation schemes in operation. The complex is comprised of three on-site multi-level structures and one geographically separated warehouse. Our primary task is to propose a Local Area Network that will essentially link the four structures, in addition to providing the capabilities of office automation and computer-aided design.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN      

     Our project began by conducting a site survey of the Williamson Industrial Complex. Through this survey we were able to determine the structural and geographical conditions in which the Local Area Network would be installed. The findings of the site survey will be discussed in today’s presentation.

     We followed our site survey with an analysis of the organizational hierarchy. This enabled us to identify exactly for whom the LAN was intended and their respective physical placement within the complex.

     We concluded our preliminary design efforts by determining what attributes comprised the primary user profiles. This was accomplished primarily through interviews and with written materials such as questionnaires.  The basic user profile for executive staff was a person who wanted the ability to send and receive electronic mail, word process and so on. The staff assigned to finance had similar needs with some additional specialization, while the personnel assigned to Research and Development expressed an urgent need for CAD/AUTOCAD. Having developed accurate user profiles, we determined LAN size by identifying precisely how many workstations the

Users would require. The LAN workstation assignment will be covered in today’s presentation.

PROPOSED TECHNICAL SOLUTION

Local Area Network Topology

     We recommend a star topology for the Williamson Industrial Complex LAN project. A star network has a host computer that is responsible for managing the LAN.

Local Area Network Infrastructure

     Williamson’s LAN is to be a server-based network, meaning servers control access to some resources (such as a hard drive or printer) while acting as a host for the workstations. For example, upon a workstation request for access to files or programs on the hard drive the server or multiple servers provides the user with whatever is requested. The workstations will all the while be running client software that facilitates communication between the workstation and the network.

     The Williamson Industrial Complex will rely upon use of the 100 BASE-F transmission standard over fiber-optic cabling, at a speed of 100 MBPS.  A combination of Fast Ethernet and fiber optic cabling will have the inherent advantages of high capacity, high data rates, very low attenuation capable of sending a signal for several kilometers, totally immunity from electromagnetic interference, and other electrical effects.  

Software Baseline

     Standardization is paramount for a software baseline. This can be achieved as a matter of policy and through very selective product purchasing. Our initial baseline consists of the following:

 Microsoft BackOffice Server Package  (Quantity: 6)

     Each includes Windows NT Server 4.0, Internet Information Server 4.0, SQL Server 6.5, Exchange Server 5.5, Site Server 3.0, Proxy Server, System Management Server 1.2, SNA Server 4.0. The easiest ways to develop, deploy and manage Intranet and line-of-business applications.  

ARCserve 6.5 for Windows NT Server (Quantity: 6)

     Delivers backup/restore for Windows NT environments, local servers, and connected workstations.

Microsoft Office Professional 97; w/site license for 150 users  (Quantity: 1)

     Facilitates word processing, spreadsheet development, computer-enhanced presentations, and more. The cornerstone of our standardized software baseline.

Autocad LT 97 for Windows 25-Pack  (Quantity: 1)

     Loaded with powerful 2-D drawing and editing tools in addition to several innovative features such as AutoSnap and PolarSnap, which expedite the drawing process.

Complete Accounting plus Time and Billing 6.0; w/site license for 6 users (Quantity: 1)

     Provides a full range of financial and accounting-specific features.

Norton Antivirus 4.0; w/site license for 150 users  (Quantity: 1)

     Automatically detects and removes nearly all computer viruses, providing maximum information protection.

Norton Crashguard Deluxe; w/site license for 150 users  (Quantity: 1)

     Provides optimal crash protection by locating and solving incompatibles before they cause serious system damage.

Hardware Components

Building 1: Williamson Research and Development

Dell Precision Work Station – WS 610 (Quantity: 24)

     Accelerated performance for graphics and processor-intensive applications, including computer-aided design and financial modeling, digital content creation and electronic design automation. Features highly scalable memory, with reliable 100MHz ECC SDRAM. Network compatible.  

Dell Precision Work Station - 410 Desktop  (Quantity: 8)    

     Comes standard with integrated 3Com 10/100 Ethernet controller and integrated 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro compatible sound. Network compatible.

Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 4000se Printer  (Quantity: 5)

     Prints 17ppm black with 4MB standard RAM. Features 100MHz RSC processor and 1200dpi resolution.

Plotter Printers  (Quantity: 3)

     Dedicated for use with CAD/AUTOCAD. Features full color, high definition output.

Cisco Catalyst 5000 Switch  (Quantity: 1)

     Provides superior microsegmentation, increased aggregate data forwarding, and increased bandwidth across the corporate backbone. Designed for complete interoperability; the industry’s most powerful switching solutions in the wiring closet, data center, or backbone.     

Cisco 4500-M Router  (Quantity: 1) 

     Provides a broad set of connectivity features and powerful internetworking software. Offers migration paths that protect legacy system investments as network needs evolve.

Dell PowerEdge 6300 System Server (Quantity: 6)