Project Instructions: A Lawn Mower Company Has Hired You To
Project Instructions A lawnmower company has hired you to upgrade their computer systems
The company’s revenue is roughly $300 million. The company has 200 manufacturing employees, 10 research and development employees, 5 HR/finance employees, and 3 executives. The R&D department does modeling/CAD for the company. The manufacturing employees do not require dedicated computer access. However, they do need some access to a computer to do periodic training. The HR and executives’ departments will need dedicated access and it is preferred to be mobile. Identify what type of assets you would choose to fulfill the company’s needs. Identify potential services you would suggest for the company. There are no wrong answers, the most important thing is to justify your choices and maintain a low TCO (total cost of ownership). Your paper should be 5-7 pages and have at least 10 references.
Paper For Above instruction
The rapid evolution of technology has profoundly influenced how companies operate, necessitating strategic IT system upgrades to optimize efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness. In this context, a medium-sized lawnmower manufacturing company with a revenue of approximately $300 million presents a unique set of requirements. The company's diverse workforce, comprising manufacturing employees, R&D specialists, HR, finance personnel, and executives, demands a tailored, scalable, and cost-efficient technology infrastructure. This paper explores optimal asset selection and service recommendations to meet these needs while maintaining a low total cost of ownership (TCO).
Understanding the Company’s Workforce and Needs
The company's structure includes 200 manufacturing employees who primarily require equipment for periodic training, rather than dedicated computers. The R&D department, consisting of 10 specialists, engages in modeling and computer-aided design (CAD), necessitating high-performance workstations or high-end laptops. The HR and finance employees, totaling 5 personnel, require dedicated access and portability for their routine tasks, while the three executives need mobile and secure access to sensitive data.
Asset Selection for Different User Groups
Manufacturing Employees
Given their limited need for dedicated systems, thin clients or shared workstations connected to central servers would be ideal. Thin clients are cost-effective, low-maintenance, and secure, providing access to centralized applications and training resources without the expense of full-fledged computers. Cloud-based virtual desktops could augment these solutions, allowing manufacturing staff to access required training modules through any device, thereby reducing hardware costs and simplifying management.
Research and Development Department
The R&D team requires high-performance computing assets for CAD and modeling tasks. Workstations with powerful CPUs, ample RAM, high-end GPUs, and substantial storage capabilities are essential. Considering a few high-spec desktops or mobile workstations ensures flexibility and performance. Implementing a GPU-enabled workstation virtualization system could facilitate remote access without sacrificing computational power, thereby supporting collaborative design processes and remote working capabilities.
HR, Finance, and Executive Teams
This group needs dedicated, secure, and mobile computing assets. Laptops or high-end mobile workstations that support secure remote access via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and what is known as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) are suitable. Mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones could augment their flexibility, especially for executives who may require secure access on the move. Emphasis on endpoint security solutions—such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and remote wipe features—is critical to protect sensitive information.
Suggested Services
Cloud Computing and SaaS
Implementing cloud-based services such as Software as a Service (SaaS) for collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) enhances flexibility and reduces the need for extensive on-premises infrastructure. Cloud storage and computing resources enable scalable data management, facilitate remote work, and decrease maintenance costs.
Security Services
Given the sensitivity of data handled by HR, finance, and executive teams, deploying comprehensive security services is essential. This includes endpoint protection, intrusion detection and prevention systems, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. Cloud security services can provide real-time monitoring and threat intelligence, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.
Managed IT Services
Partnering with managed IT service providers ensures ongoing maintenance, support, and strategic planning. This reduces internal overhead, maintains system uptime, and ensures adherence to best practices in cybersecurity and infrastructure management.
Collaboration Tools and Virtual Workspaces
Utilizing collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack, integrated with project management tools, fosters seamless communication among remote and on-site teams. Virtual desktop environments and remote access solutions enable workforce mobility, facilitating executive and HR staff mobility without compromising security.
Justification and Cost Considerations
Prioritizing low TCO involves selecting scalable, maintainable, and energy-efficient assets. Thin clients and cloud-based services minimize upfront hardware expenses and maintenance overhead. High-performance workstations for R&D are justified by their critical role in product development, enhancing productivity and reducing downtime. Securing remote access through VDI and VPN solutions balances flexibility with security, preventing costly data breaches. Additionally, establishing a shared infrastructure reduces duplication and simplifies support, further lowering operational costs.
Conclusion
Designing an upgraded IT infrastructure for the lawnmower manufacturing company necessitates a nuanced approach, balancing performance, security, mobility, and cost. By deploying thin clients and cloud services for manufacturing, high-performance workstations for R&D, and secure, portable devices for HR, finance, and executives, the company can enhance productivity while managing expenses. Incorporating cloud services, robust security, and managed support ensures resilience and scalability, positioning the company for future growth and technological advancement.
References
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- Gartner. (2023). Market Guide for Cloud Workload Protection Platforms.
- Huang, K., & Lin, C. (2019). Enterprise Security in Cloud Computing. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(2), 97-110.
- Microsoft. (2022). Security and Compliance in Microsoft 365. Microsoft Docs.
- O'Reilly, T. (2020). The Future of Cloud Computing and Enterprise IT. O'Reilly Media.
- Smith, A., & Jones, B. (2021). Cost-Effective IT Infrastructure Strategies. Journal of Information Technology Management, 32(4), 45-60.
- Stallings, W. (2020). Computer Security: Principles and Practice. Pearson.
- VMware. (2022). Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Overview. VMware Documentation.
- Williams, P. (2019). Managing IT Costs: Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. TechTarget.
- Zhang, L., & Li, Y. (2022). Cloud Security Fundamentals. IEEE Cloud Computing, 9(3), 25-36.