This writing is a supplemental report to a fictitious company's program for an IT systematic overhaul. The report uses information contained on a spreadsheet to discuss the individual components of the IT system. Other components of the system, including database management and operating systems are also discussed and highlighted.
IT Components
In order to succeed and realize a competitive advantage within any given industry it is very necessary to take advantage of all of the technological advances that are available to that organization. This report will explore and discuss the current situation at the American Widget Company and explore ways in which this company can harness the immense power of the internet.
This report will discuss and recommend the components of that American Widget Company should install including the software and hardware requirements. This report will also delve into the communication requirements that will be needed as well to help keep this company working at its fullest potential. This report will also discuss other requirements the Information Technology department at this company may implement to help improve the functionality of this company. Finally this essay will provide recommendations on how to best maintain a high level of control through the power of interconnectivity as provided by the internet and the web.
Assessing the Situation
Every business that wishes to become rich and powerful and must go through some significant changes and growth in order to realize these objectives. Companies must also be careful not to grow and expand too quickly where there abilities to manage their creations is too cumbersome or difficult. A well planned and thought out approach is necessary for American Widget Company to successfully integrate any IT plan that is intent on making positive changes towards growing the business. It is important that employees within AWC are active participants in this change and well defined roles are provided to help make a smooth and gradual transition that allows for learning and mistakes.
What is most important about any significant change that is attempted at the IT department, is that these changes are sufficiently aligned with the overall organizational strategy. Regardless of the efficiency, effectiveness or economics of the system, if it is not supporting the organization's mission, the changes will most likely be counted as a lost by producing confusions and extra work, instead of the direct opposite of which it intended. To keep this or any business growing at the dramatic rates it is planned for, it is essential to have the business software applications integrated around a single codebase, database and business process. The advantages of designing a business systems in this manner yield tremendous cost savings and improved business productivity.
Components
The following chart is a list of all the components:
The component list is self-explanatory however, it should be noted the high cost of the ERP software program. This cost is significant and shows the importance of this choice and the ultimate integration of this option.
Operating System
Windows 8, included on the price of the 150 computing units, is the selected operating system for this IT program. Windows 8 was chosen due to its universality, ease of use, and wide array of support systems.
Communication and Network Needs
A Windows Server will be the hub of the network and be run on site. The internet connections are provided by ISP X at their business level package. Unlimited bandwidth and the top communication speeds are included in this package.
Database Management
To help minimize the physical storage requirements for this project, American Widget Company has decided to use cloud-based storage provided by Company Y. Database management software includes MS SQL Server 2008.
Developing the Information System
In order to fully develop this system into a fruition of competitive advantage some considerations are needed. First, patience and willful understanding that these improvement may take some time to reach their full potential. It should also be expected that productivity levels may temporarily dip due to training and learning requirements. After an initial lag, this system will soon unfold into a fully developed system, that should only require minimal maintenance and occasional review.
Integrating the System
Integration into the total operations of American Widget Company should be aligned with the greater organizational strategy and support the company's objectives and goals. This system is not the centerpiece of the operations and is only a supplemental piece to the greater picture. Integration into the operations of this company should keep this idea in mind as the temptation to lose focus is great when dealing with new and complicated technological systems.
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