Project Report For STP Limited’s Network Upgrade

Project Background

Organizations are fast switching to technology in order to meet the current market demands. Modern technologies include; the use of social media for advertisements, websites for online purchases, and network systems to make internal operations of the organization efficient. STP ltd has not been left behind; the organization has adopted a network system to integrate their services. In order to manage the bulging customer base the organization has also adopted the cloud based backup mechanisms for large data storage.

2.0 Project background

Information regarding project background is essential in establishing the core goal necessary for coming up with a project report (Gruba 2017). STP limited has resorted to upgrading their manual system to modern technological systems. The owner of the company, Mr. Joe Smith, has invested heavily in the upgrading of the network system; in return, he wants an assurance that the network will increase sales hence more returns to the company. The new network system, intends to take into consideration of the state of equipment management, the stock in store, up to date information from the stores in Sydney, Bathurst and Lithgow. The advancement of the company is good, thus a need for an integrated information management system. A customer who wants to order goods online will be in a position to navigate on the website and enquire about the real location of the furniture that he/she is looking for. Once furniture has been ordered, the system updates the particular item in real time to avoid transfers.

2.1 Project scope

The project has advocated for a distributed system in each of the locations. Store managers at every location will be periodically analyze daily data on sales, deliveries and installations then synchronize it to the headquarters at Wollongong. The owner will then be in a position to ascertain whether the business is picking well or not. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) network will be used. Each office has a modem and switch with workers free to use Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). The project owner will be in a position to monitor the business from anywhere.

2.2 Project goal

The major goal that the project seeks to achieve is for STP limited to be in a capacity to handle the bulging customer number and enhance efficient control of sales records. STP limited has been having large mixed opinions on how to handle orders and deliveries properly. Instead of the company using vans as sales points, the system will address this by offering online sales. Another objective is to have a clear inventory of all the equipment, staff, stock and customers. The company currently does not have an up to date records of data regarding customer base, sales and equipment.

2.3 Strategic alignment of project

Considering the recent rapid business growth within STP ltd, the company has resolved to increase capitation in order to improve service delivery. The business plan will be essential in maintaining sustainable development and adoption of favorable business policies. The network business plan can be analyzed using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) network analysis tool. This is a structured method of business planning that evaluates the four elements to realize a good alignment for a project. This SWOT analysis is as shown in the table below:

Project Scope

Table 1.0 SWOT analysis of STP ltd networks project

3.0 Network Security

Network security involves practices aimed at preventing, detecting and stopping attempts by malicious users gaining unauthorized access into the system (Acemoglu 2016). The STP ltd network system is newly installed; configuration of the network to ensure security is above board. Accessing information in the system by the company employees can be made possible through use of modern technological devices and logistics like Virtual Private Network (VPN) and creating of subnets. The computers will be installed with antivirus software that will be updated periodically to ensure no installation of suspicious software.

According to the journal (Zhou 2016), most threats to network security arise from authentication loopholes, when company staffs fail to properly follow authentication policies like passwords and logon and logout measures, it creates a chance for attackers to easily gain access into the system. STP ltd staff will receive periodical training on how to make the network system leak-proof. Information security and mobile device security is discussed in detail below.

3.1 Data security

Information is power. Once information gets into wrong hands then be sure of frustration (Sathyadevan 2017). Owing to the fact that STP ltd has just installed a new networking system, the integrity of the data is at stake. The system will ensure efficient transfer of data from the manual system to the computerized and networked system. STP is surrounded by competitors who may be yearning to get detailed information on how STP operates. The employees will be trained on how to use the data safeguarding devices like USB disks, large storage hard disks and the backup server. The three security layers will be implemented to make data recovery easier in case of loss.

The company has stores distributed across their territory, with the alternate site data security techniques, data can be safeguarded. The technique works in a way that, data in one station is mirrored to another station, thus, if there is damage on one station the other station acts a backup (Gounares 2016). The system will also include application of data encryption and decryption, data being sent from Sydney to Wollongong should be encrypted and once it reaches the destination, it is decrypted by use of decryption software.

3.2 Mobile device security

In the current time, mobile phones have become one of the most used and efficient devices for both small and big businesses (Ramalingam 2016). Using mobile devices has however been subject to network security threats. Poor signals due to physical location and application installation have rendered the devices unacceptable (Gupta n.d.). STP ltd will resort to BYOD network for communication and network simulated communications within the network.

4.0 Plan for hardware purchases

In order to enhance backup and proper continuous running of business operations, companies acquire hardware for purposes of future plans, it is costly to purchase technological equipment buy very helpful whenever there is a breakdown or change in positive market value. STP ltd has plans to increase number of stores in Sydney in the near future, it is therefore advisable to purchase the required hardware now and for all. According to the journal (Verma 2017), hardware repairs and maintenance upon purchase should be under the suppliers charge.

Project Goal

4.1 Acquisition of new hardware

STP limited should put funds aside for more hardware purchases, in order to improve the network performance; the company should consider acquiring new computers, backups, router and servers. In order for a purchase to be made, plans are made on how the equipment will get to the offices; the shipping requirements, adhering to purchase policies and payments method. It is advisable to purchase more equipment so that incase the existing ones spoils, backups take over (Zhu 2017). STP ltd should also purpose to buy standby generators in case of power breakdown.

4.2 Purchasing strategies

Procurement strategies should be applied as per the company’s procurement policies (Mahapatra 2017). Big businesses require business plan alignment on basis of prudent put in place. STP ltd should consider buying the equipment in bulk from a reliable supplier in order to get discounted prices.

4.3 Hardware Inventory.

Keeping up to date records of hardware in the company is important for project planning and better decision making (Goh 2017). Keeping inventories in STP ltd will enable IT support technician to know exactly how many machines need repair and which ones need replacement.

Table 2 showing STP hardware inventory

5.0 Business continuity

STP limited needs a clear policy on data backups, succession planning and system physical security. The application of cloud based technologies as a result of business growth will make business boom, it is an advancement that reflects the future of the company. The use of cloud based information storage and retrieval plays a big role business expansion (Bishop 2017, July). Having a good business continuity plan helps curb loses in case of disasters.

5.1 Data backup

STP limited has resolved to the use of cloud based application like MYOB, SalesForce and TradeGecko, this applications will go a long way in data protection and backup. Cloud backup mechanism is important but risky; it is risky in the sense that, intruders can gain access to stored data (Jones 2017). Due to these risks, it is advisable to use an offline backup mechanism to avoid losing data to competitors.

5.2 Physical security.

Physical risks may include risks from within the organization and from outside the company. Internal physical risks may include human errors like physical machine damage and poor password application (Jones 2017). STP ltd should consider training their employees on advanced security measures to curb unauthorized access of data. Another form of physical security is natural disasters like floods, earthquake and storms that may damage the system completely; STP limited should provide their workers with insurance covers in case of a disaster occurrence. Espionage culprits should be prosecuted and dismissed from the company.

5.3 Succession planning

Employees might at one time retire or resign from service, it is important for SPT ltd to put in place in case such an occurrence happens, new staff can assume duty and cope up as fast as possible. STP ltd should expect such an occurrence to happen. Planning for such an expectation should include identifying serious financial or operational needs that will require instance attention in case it happens (Gruba 2017). It is also important when planning for such an occurrence, details of a potential successor be discussed.

Strategic Alignment of Project

Risk management is the ability to forecast and evaluate future or potential risks in time in order to prepare for the risk (Zhou 2016). Foreseeing future risks is important such that, one can lay down mechanisms to avoid then or reduce the impact that might be felt after the risk occurs. It is also wise to note that risks have different foams responses (Zhou 2016). STP ltd should prepare to address particular issues like the integration of the system and regulating compliance to risk avoidance policies.

Below is a table summarizing various risks that can be expected in STP ltd.

Table 3 showing summarized risks expected

Security policy defines an organization’s position about security issues (Zhou 2017). This is an established order on how security issues will be responded to in order to meet the business security standard. Application of other risk management techniques such as scene management and privilege control will be appropriate for STP ltd. Below is a table summarizing the recommended security policies for STP ltd.

STP ltd staff should be trained regularly on how to respond to any security issue. Training the staff on the security protocol in the network incorporates responsibility and cooperation within the company (Sathyadevan 2017)

Integration technology

Integration of the network system will enable STP ltd owner get real-time data from the various stores as the click of a button. Integration can be done using a software model or through the network system data analysts (Douglas 2017, February). Other concerns are on how every store manager is responsible, it is advisable to understand how every employer is responsible towards compliance to STP ltd.’s policies.

Conclusion

The main objective of this report was to explain how the new system will function, how the system will be used to realize STP ltd.’s owner goals. It was to evaluate the viability of the new system in place. The decision by the system to employ cloud based technology tells us more of the need to address advancing technology in relation to data security. The company does not have clear business policies that can steer business continuity, hence, a need for creation of business policies. Data analysis and reporting in the company can be handled by data analysts.

1.  Implement policies and procedures that support the business strategy and business continuity and incorporate security considerations for data protection.
2.  Limit the use of mobile devices and wireless LAN until additional security protections can be applied such as captive portal access points, rogue discovery tools and mobile device management.
3.  Initiate succession planning that identifies who will take the role of key employees if they are unexpectedly absent and implement strategies to monitor, support and evaluate potential candidates.
4. Deploy a training and awareness program for employees that involve the management of security and risk situations particularly those associated with transactions.

References

Acemoglu, D,MAAOA, 2016, ‘Network security and contagion’, Journal of Economic Theory, pp. pp. 536-586.

Bishop, E,O,ND,SD,GDASD, 2017, July, ‘Real-Time Structural Instrumentation as an Emergency Response and Business Continuity Tool’, International Conference on Experimental Vibration Analysis for Civil Engineering Structures, no. Springer, Cham, pp. pp. 420-431.

Douglas, CH, 2017, February, ‘Advanced heterogeneous integration technology trend for cloud and edge’, Eletron Devices Technology and Manufaturing Conference (EDTM) 2017 IEEE, pp. pp. 4-5.

Gilardi, G. and Smit, M.K., 2014. Generic inp-based integration technology: Present and prospects (invited review). Progress In Electromagnetics Research, 147, pp.23-35.

Goh, SASJ,IBMC 2017, ‘Adaptive and dynamic data synchronization system for managing data and inventory’, U.S. Patent 9,672,482.

Gounares, AG,PC 2016, ‘Systems and methods for containerized data security’, U.S. Patent Application, pp. 15/067/,161.

Gruba, PAZJ, 2017, ‘Situating the study: The Background.’, How To Write Your First Thesis, no. Soringer, Cham, pp. pp. 43-51.

Gupta, R,BM,RMHAKS, ‘online-line behavioral analysi engine in mobile device with multiple enalyzer model providers’, U.S. Patent 9,747,440.

Jones, S,IZ,SUALPE, 2017, ‘Risks and rewards of cloud computing in the UK public sector: A reflection on three Organizationsal case Studies.’, Infomation Systems Frontiers, pp. pp. 1-24.

Linthicum, D.S., 2017. Cloud Computing Changes Data Integration Forever: What’s Needed Right Now. IEEE Cloud Computing, 4(3), pp.50-53.

Mahapatra, S,LSANR, 2017, ‘Market price uncertainty, risk aversion and procurement: Combining contracts and open market sourcing alternatives’, International Journal of production Economics, pp. pp. 34-51.

Ramalingam, H,CMAWPJ, 2016, ‘Mobile device security’, U.S. patent 9,386,507.

Rackham, R. and Kelly, A., 2017. Emergency planning and business continuity: why blood services must plan for both. How the EBA working group (WG) is assisting blood services. ISBT Science Series.

Roztocki, N. and Weistroffer, H.R., 2015. Investments in enterprise integration technology: An event study. Information Systems Frontiers, 17(3), pp.659-672.

Sathyadevan, S,RPVAAK,AVV 2017, ‘Security layer and methods for protecting tenant data in cloud-mediated computing network’, U.S. Patent 9,710,664.

Schneider, E., Salesforce. Com, Inc., 2017. Computer implemented methods and apparatus for informing a user of social network data when the data is relevant to the user. U.S. Patent 9,727,924.

Verma, S,KY,FZ,NHAK 2017, ‘A survey on Network Methodologies for Real-Time Analytics of massive ioT Data and Open Research Issues’, IEEE Communications survey & tutorial.

Verma, D. and Mahajan, E.K., 2014. To Enhance Data Security in Cloud Computing using Combination of Encryption Algorithms. International Journal of Advances in Science and Technology (IJAST) Vol, 2.

Zhou, R,LY,LZ,CY,YXAGJ, 2016, ‘A security Authentication Protocola for Trusted Domains in an Autonomous Decentralized System’, International journal of Distributed Sensor Networks, vol 12(3), p. p. 532.

Zhu, J,XW,HC,LMACW, 2017, ‘Hardware and software methodologies for dynamic resource allocation in virtualized flexible-grid optical network’, U.S. Patent 9,621,313.

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