ISYS201 IT Infrastructure Assessment 2 Group Task

ISYS201 IT Infrastructure assessment 2 This is Group Task(Group Size 3)

Read the case study for AusEd posted in the LEO. Assume you are the IT Infrastructure manager for AusEd and have been assigned the responsibility to review the existing IT infrastructure to create a proposal for a new IT system. Your task is to develop an overall IT Infrastructure proposal for AusEd, including an architecture diagram that details network infrastructure, servers, clients, their locations, data centers, operating systems, and end-user devices. The proposal should explain the rationale behind hardware choices and how each part of the system supports the needs of internal staff and external users, aligned with AusEd’s strategic goals.

The proposal should include the following points:

  • Project preliminaries and description
  • The purpose, scope, and business context of the system upgrade
  • The scope of system descriptions and any assumptions made
  • Appropriate system design with schematic diagrams
  • A comprehensive list of all necessary equipment and devices for the new infrastructure
  • A cost analysis of the proposed infrastructure
  • Justification for the selected hardware based on performance and suitability
  • Consideration of sustainable and environmentally responsible computing practices, such as green IT and e-waste management
  • The report should be approximately 2000 words, written in MS Word format
  • Include relevant appendices such as bibliography, glossary of terms, etc.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid expansion of digital education initiatives by AusEd Inc, a non-profit organization serving remote communities across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the South Pacific, necessitates a comprehensive review and upgrade of its current IT infrastructure. The goal is to support increasing demand for accessible, efficient, and sustainable online education services that cater to both internal staff and a diverse student body. This paper presents a detailed proposal for the future state of AusEd’s IT infrastructure, considering organizational needs, technological advancements, environmental responsibilities, and cost-effectiveness.

1. Introduction and Business Context

AusEd Inc operates as a non-profit higher education provider utilizing online platforms to reach students in geographically isolated areas. Its strategic objectives include expanding educational access, improving service reliability, and minimizing operational costs. The existing infrastructure, comprising proprietary and open-source systems, needs enhancement to accommodate scalability, security, and performance imperatives. Moreover, since AusEd aims to improve its service delivery in areas with poor Internet connectivity, the infrastructure must incorporate solutions like offline access and secure exam modules. The overarching purpose is to develop a resilient, cost-efficient, and sustainable IT environment aligned with the organization's mission of inclusive education.

2. Scope and Assumptions

The proposed infrastructure encompasses all core IT components: data centers, network topology, servers, workstations, end-user devices, and remote access solutions. It assumes continued use of open-source software where feasible, cost constraints, and the necessity for scalable solutions. The design should support existing Moodle learning management system enhancements, including "Off-line Moodle" and "Photo Exam" projects, and integrate with current business systems like MYOB and Banner. It presumes budget limitations typical of non-profit environments but prioritizes future-proofing against technological obsolescence and environmental impact.

3. System Design and Architectural Overview

Figuring a schematic diagram, the architecture includes an on-premises data center in Darwin complemented by cloud services to ensure scalability and redundancy. The core network employs a dual-layered approach with a campus network for administrative staff and a separate segment for education delivery, connected via secure VPNs for remote staff and students. Key components include:

  • Virtualized servers hosting Moodle, Banner, database, authentication, and backup services, deployed on robust hardware with virtualization support.
  • Redundant storage solutions with SAN/NAS systems to ensure data resilience and quick recovery.
  • Edge devices such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and load balancers for security and performance.
  • End-user devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, with specifications aligned with instructional technology requirements.
  • Remote access solutions such as VPN and remote desktop services to facilitate off-site access, critical for students in remote regions.
  • Peripheral support including wireless access points, printing, and multimedia collaboration tools.

4. Equipment List and Hardware Justification

The hardware selection targets reliability, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance. Servers are configured with enterprise-grade processors, high-capacity RAM, SSDs for high I/O performance, and redundant power supplies. Workstations and end-user devices are selected based on educational application requirements and mobility needs. The network hardware includes Cisco or Juniper routers and switches with POE capabilities, supporting multiple VLANs for security segmentation.

Storage solutions incorporate energy-efficient SAN arrays with tiered storage to optimize cost/performance ratios. The cooling systems for the data center employ advanced airflow management and energy-efficient air conditioning units. Power backup includes UPS systems with sufficient capacity and generators to handle extended outages, ensuring uninterrupted service.

5. Cost Analysis

An initial investment estimate is developed considering hardware procurement, cloud service subscriptions, installation, and staff training. Ongoing operational costs include maintenance, licenses, energy consumption, and support services. Cost-benefit analyses demonstrate that virtualization reduces hardware footprint and energy consumption, while cloud backup and disaster recovery enhance resilience at manageable costs. Investing in energy-efficient hardware aligns with environmental goals, potentially reducing total cost of ownership over the hardware lifecycle.

6. Hardware Justification

The selected servers and network devices balance performance and energy efficiency, supporting current and future workloads with sufficient scalability. Virtualization maximizes hardware utilization, facilitating easier upgrades and maintenance. End-user devices are chosen for portability, durability, and compatibility with multimedia learning tools. The infrastructure’s modularity allows incremental upgrades, ensuring adaptability to technological advancements.

7. Sustainable and Green IT Considerations

Designing an environmentally responsible IT infrastructure involves adopting energy-efficient hardware, implementing power management protocols, and promoting e-waste recycling. Use of Energy Star-rated servers and switches reduces power consumption. Virtualization minimizes physical hardware requirements, decreasing electronic waste and conserving resources. Remote access reduces travel, supporting sustainability initiatives. Proper disposal and recycling of outdated equipment prevent environmental contamination, fulfilling corporate social responsibility commitments.

8. Conclusion

The proposed IT infrastructure for AusEd Inc reflects a strategic blend of robustness, scalability, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. It prepares the organization to meet future demands, enhance student and staff experiences, and uphold its commitment to inclusive, accessible higher education. Further steps involve detailed planning, vendor consultations, and phased implementations aligned with budget and organizational capacity.

References

  • Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources. (2020). Green IT: Pathways to Sustainable Computing. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.
  • Cisco Systems. (2018). Cisco Network Infrastructure Design Fundamentals. Cisco Press.
  • Moore, F., & Silverman, G. (2019). Modern Data Center Design and Implementation. Wiley.
  • Australian Computer Society. (2021). Cybersecurity in Education: Guidelines and Best Practices. ACS Publications.
  • Smith, J., & Williams, R. (2017). Virtualization Techniques for Modern Data Centers. Elsevier.
  • Greenpeace. (2020). Clicking Clean: How Green is Your Cloud? Greenpeace International.
  • Microsoft Corporation. (2021). Power Management best practices for enterprise IT. Microsoft Lifecycle Management.
  • ITU. (2019). Environment and Green ICT Policies: A Global Perspective. International Telecommunication Union.
  • Levin, M., & Jones, P. (2018). Addressing E-Waste: Strategies for Sustainable Recycling. Environmental Science & Technology.
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (2019). IEEE Standard for Sustainable and Green Data Centers. IEEE 1680.2-2019.

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