Devils Canyon: A Role Playing Simulation On Designing

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Designing the enterprise architecture for the Devil's Canyon mountain resort involves a comprehensive evaluation of technological components across software, hardware, network, telecom, and specialized systems. This process aims to support the resort's operational efficiency, guest experience, security, and future scalability. The project includes detailed cost estimates, encompassing initial startup expenses and ongoing operational costs over one and three-year periods, to facilitate informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing a robust enterprise architecture for Devil's Canyon resort necessitates a structured approach to selecting and budgeting the appropriate technological systems. This paper outlines the critical components—software, hardware, network, telecom, and specialized systems—along with their associated costs and strategic implications.

Software Choices: Building Blocks of Resort Management

The foundation of the resort’s digital infrastructure comprises various enterprise systems tailored to operational needs. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software solutions for resort management are essential for comprehensive control over reservations, billing, and guest services. The estimated one-time start-up cost for COTS software is $150,000, with ongoing monthly expenses of $400, totaling $164,400 over three years. Considerations include vendor reliability and customization needs.

Alternatively, open-source software installed on premises offers a cost-effective solution, with a start-up cost of $50,000 and a monthly expense of $4,000, leading to a three-year cost of $194,000. This approach offers flexibility but requires in-house expertise for maintenance and customization.

Given scalability and ease of access, Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud computing solutions are increasingly favored. Although initial costs are negligible, the monthly expense is $10,000, culminating in $360,000 over three years. Cloud services facilitate remote management, updates, and scalability but depend on reliable internet connectivity.

For productivity tools, the Microsoft Suite costs approximately $200 per license with a $5 monthly fee, totaling $38,000 over three years for 100 users. Free alternatives like Open Office or Google Docs, with a lower monthly fee of $30, might be selected depending on feature requirements and user preferences.

Hardware Infrastructure: Foundation for Operational Efficiency

The hardware component includes data center infrastructure, desktops, laptops, and smartphones. Virtualized data center servers with an initial investment of $30,000 and recurring annual costs of $9,000 provide scalable hosting solutions for enterprise applications. Over three years, this amounts to $354,000.

Desktops and laptops are critical for staff and management; 100 units each, costing $800 and $1,600 initially, with monthly expenses of $25 and $40, respectively. Over three years, desktops and laptops amount to $170,000 and $304,000 respectively. These investments ensure reliable operational hardware.

Smartphones facilitate communication; with 100 units at $99 each, and a monthly expense of $45, the total for three years is approximately $162,099. Mobile connectivity supports guest engagement, staff coordination, and real-time alerts.

Network and Telecom: Ensuring Connectivity and Security

Robust network infrastructure is pivotal for seamless operations. Cabling options, including fiber, twisted pair, and coaxial cables, involve initial investments ranging from $10,000 to $65,000, with ongoing expenses for maintenance. For instance, fiber cabling costs $65,000 initially, with an annual maintenance expense of $10, resulting in $65,360 over three years.

Wireless access points, such as Wi-Fi hotspots, are vital for guest and staff connectivity, with 30 units costing $250 each and a monthly expense of $25, totaling $34,500 over three years.

Cell towers disguised as pine trees can enhance mobile coverage aesthetically; three towers at $20,000 each with a $100 monthly expense sum to approximately $70,800 over three years. This infrastructure is critical for mobile app integration and communication.

Voice communication systems include on-premises PBX systems at $48,000 initial cost and virtual PBX (VoIP) hosted solutions at $300 monthly, amounting to $10,800 over three years. Reliable telephony supports guest services and internal coordination.

Internet bandwidth is fundamental; high-speed connections with maximum bandwidth cost $2,000 initially with ongoing expenses, totaling $11,000 over three years. A moderated bandwidth plan is also available, costing less, around $8,480 over three years, suitable for less intensive use.

Special Purpose Systems: Enhancing Guest Experience and Security

Advanced systems specifically designed for resort operations include RFID-based lift tickets, security systems, mobile apps, and security cameras. RFID lift ticket systems, costing $175,000 with a $400 monthly expense, facilitate efficient guest lift access, totaling $189,400 over three years. Security systems combining cameras and motion sensors, at $80,000 initially and $100 monthly, enhance safety, totaling approximately $83,600 over three years.

The resort’s custom mobile phone app, vital for guest engagement and operations, costs about $165,000 initially with a $50 monthly expense, totaling $166,800 over three years.

Webcam systems on slopes integrated with large lodge displays enhance the guest experience visually, with a $25,000 initial investment and $50 monthly expenses, summing to around $26,800 over three years.

Strategic Considerations and Budgeting

The selection of these components requires balancing cost, scalability, security, and guest satisfaction. Cloud solutions, while flexible, depend on reliable internet; on-premises systems offer greater control but higher upfront costs. Mobile and wireless infrastructure must be resilient to support guest operations and internal communication. Investments in security and guest engagement systems are essential for differentiating the resort in a competitive market.

Over a three-year period, total enterprise system costs—including software, hardware, network, and specialized systems—are substantial but necessary for a modern, efficient resort. Continuous monitoring, maintenance, and upgrades are critical for sustaining performance and guest satisfaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, designing a comprehensive enterprise architecture for Devil’s Canyon involves critical assessment of technological needs, cost estimation, and strategic planning. This integrated approach ensures the resort can deliver exceptional guest experiences, operate efficiently, and adapt to future technological developments. Proper budgeting, vendor selection, and infrastructure development are vital to achieving these goals and securing the resort’s competitive edge.

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