IT Infrastructure for Small Businesses

This assignment delves into the fundamental aspects of IT infrastructure vital for the effective operation of small businesses. It examines various server types, including their roles and configurations. The concept of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is explored, highlighting its significance in data storage redundancy and protection. Network security measures are discussed, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive business information. Additionally, the assignment touches upon the role of mobile computing technology and the challenges associated with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies.

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STP BUSINESS STRATEGIC REPORT

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Executive Summary
Technology advances have revolutionized business organizations. The digital shift has seen
organizations adopt technologies including cloud computing, virtualization and business web
presence. For companies with both local and international branches, it is important to
streamline systems for smooth operations. This report introduces STP Limited by outlining
four major chapters including company background, company network security, hardware
and software changes, business continuity and risk management. Under background scenario,
challenges of the existing system have been highlighted and proposed changes have been
outlined including project goal, scope and strategic alignment. In terms of network security,
the company requires to deploy security procedures including mobile device management to
reduce BYOD risks. To achieve its strategic goals, STP requires to install ERP software,
server hardware, storage disks and make of mobile computing devices. To ensure business
continuity, it would be important to execute a business impact analysis policy. In terms of
risk management, STP should implement contingency planning and backup policies. Finally,
a conclusion and recommendations.

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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................3
1.1 Background Scenario...................................................................................................4
1.2 Existing system................................................................................................................4
1.3 Project Goals....................................................................................................................5
1.3.1. Key Goal..................................................................................................................5
1.3.2 Specific Goals...........................................................................................................5
1.4 Proposed Business Changes.............................................................................................5
1.4.1 Benefits of the Project...............................................................................................6
1.6 Project Strategic Alignment.............................................................................................6
2.0 Network Security............................................................................................................7
2.1 Data Security Procedures............................................................................................7
2.2 Mobile Device Security...............................................................................................8
2.2.1 Mobile Device Management (MDM)..................................................................9
3.0 Plan for Hardware and Software Purchases....................................................................9
3.1 ERP Software..............................................................................................................9
3.2 Disk Storage Devices..................................................................................................9
3.3 Server Hardware..........................................................................................................9
3.4 Mobile Computing Devices.......................................................................................10
4.0 Business Continuity...........................................................................................................10
5.0 Risk Management..........................................................................................................10
5.1 IT Contingency Planning...........................................................................................11
5.2 Data Backup..............................................................................................................11
5.3 Benefits of Risk Management...................................................................................11
6.0 Conclusion.....................................................................................................................11
7.0 Recommendation................................................................................................................12
8.0 References..........................................................................................................................13

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1.0 Project Introduction
The following section includes a background scenario of STP Limited, current existing
system challenges, project objective, scope, strategic alignment and benefits of proposed
changes.
1.1 Background Scenario
STP limited is a cabinet maker headquartered in Wollongong. The company uses computer
technology to make cupboard and drawer fronts which are produced in various styles and
come with an assortment of colors. STP has acquired new equipment in order to produce
new fronts and has begun to sell a lot of cupboard and drawer fronts to people who want to
update their kitchen without spending a lot of money. STP Limited have also started a web
site to showcase their products and publicize their range of products. Cupboard and drawer
fronts come complete with fixings and handles so that a home handyman could install them.
Recently, STP has acquired branches in Bathurst, Lithgow and Sydney and has therefore
outgrown their current office arrangements. Currently, STP does not run a lot of customer
accounts as orders are paid on cash. They are also presently using standalone applications on
standalone machines in the branches. Also, there is the challenge of limited formal processes
in place at these locations and limited processes in place in Wollongong and Sydney. STP
Limited had been running into problems where customers are ringing to check on the delivery
of their order, which maybe as small as a replacement handle and the staff have to ring
around all locations to see if one of the other locations have the parts in stock. There was
also a problem where the system they have is showing only some parts in stock, and this is
communicated to the customer but when the customer arrives at the store to pick up the items
they find they are actually not in stock because they have been transferred to another location.

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There was also no means for the management to receive a report showing expenditure per
location. In fact, there was limited ability to produce any reports.
1.2 Existing system
This project will address lack of integrated business processes and lack of real time reporting
which affect business functionalities including information storage and security as well as
business productivity
1.3 Project Goals
1.3.1. Key Goal
To establish strategic goals of the company in order to achieve business productivity and
continuity
1.3.2 Specific Goals
i. To analyse existing system
ii. To establish an integrated system for business systems
iii. To ensure the security of company data and information
iv. To propose staff training
v. To provide risk management procedures
vi. To establish hardware and software management
1.4 Proposed Business Changes
The proposed procedures will enable STP to install the right software and hardware systems.
This will facilitate customer accounts implementation and the streamlining of information
from all branches so that there is real time updates. Staff training will ensure that company
staff know how to use newly acquired systems to improve customer experience and increase

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sales. Information security will enable STP sustain business procedures from all branches for
business continuity.
1.4.1 Benefits of the Project
The proposed business changes will support future growth in the following ways;
i) Proposed procedures will enable and effective and efficient running of business
processes
ii) Business processes integration software will ensure real time information update
which will enhance business procedures
iii) Maintain customer accounts will enable information reference which STP can use to
make informed decisions for business sustainability
iv) Reduction of business expenses
1.5 Project Scope
This project will focus on improving business procedures for STP to enable business
effectiveness and efficiency through information storage, retrieval, security and integration.
The project will cover all STP branches including Wollongong Bathurst, Lithgow and
Sydney.
1.6 Project Strategic Alignment
Strategic alignment is the process of getting business actions into line with the organizations
planned objectives (Dictionary, 2017). STP objectives include having real time data in order
to serve customers with the right information. STP will therefore be required to enter the right
information in company systems in order to do this. Manufacturing, marketing and

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implementing business procedures with all employees jointly working together will help STP
achieve its strategic goals.
2.0 Network Security
Network security refers to tasks and procedures used to safeguard the security of connected
network systems in an organization. Since STP has more than one branches and these
branches are using distributed databases, security is very crucial. Network security is
important for STP as it will prevent information theft and maintain productivity (Ciampa,
2014).
2.1 Data Security Procedures
Data security will involve the following;
i. Data confidentiality will ensure that only approved individuals will be able to access
sensitive information through encryption protocols
ii. Data integrity will certify that the data is accurate and no unapproved person or
malware will alter it.
iii. Data availability will enable that information has value and STP authorized users
are assured of its integrity and can access the information.
iv. Authentication will ensure that a person is who they say they are
v. Authorization will approve a system or an individual that provides authentication to
access specific information in the country.
vi. Accounting will provide event tracking including who access what system in which
location of STP at what time and all the stock control information.

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Figure 1: Data security (Ciampa, 2014)
2.2 Mobile Device Security
Mobile computing devices include cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), e-readers,
tablets and notebooks computers (Viswanathan, 2017). Because mobile devices have the
capability to access internet access, staff can use them to log in the company network. If not
secured, they can bring in a lot of network several security risks including being used for
location tracking, limited physical security because they can be easily stolen, staff can use
them to install unsecured apps on them and they can easily be used to access untrusted
content (Ciampa, 2014). As a result of advancing technology, employees can now bring their
own devices (BYOD) at work which create network security risks. It will be important for
STP to lay down policies to ensure that mobile device security is in check to ensure network
security.

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2.2.1 Mobile Device Management (MDM)
To maintain mobile device security, STP can implement Mobile Device Management
(MDM). MDM technology allows control over all the mobile devices used by using
applications that control, lock and encrypt device software which will help ensure entire
network security (Ogie, 2016).
3.0 Plan for Hardware and Software Purchases
To be able to achieve its strategic goals, STP needs to purchase several hardware and
software components to integrate with existing tools.
3.1 ERP Software
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a software technology that assimilates business
systems and software’s together so that to achieve daily business activities including
management, accounting, project management, manufacturing and procurement (Oracle,
2017). An ERP system will combine together STP business processes and enable uniform
data flow and enable real time data access and report generation. ERP will also eliminate data
duplication and offer data integrity (NetSuite, 2017).
3.2 Disk Storage Devices
STP requires hardware based storage devices for creating an ERP infrastructure (Jenzer, et
al., 2008). Disk storage will help in data and information storage data backup, porting and
extracting (Techopedia, 2017).
3.3 Server Hardware
Server hardware manages access to centralized resources in a network (Beal, 2017). For STP
server hardware will enable modern software-defined data center and the foundation to

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developing a flexible cloud infrastructure. The existing desktop systems are limited in terms
of RAM, storage and graphic intensive applications. Servers have extended RAM, storage
and will excel at supporting all STP database applications (Dell, 2017).
3.4 Mobile Computing Devices
Mobile computing devices including notebooks, smart phones and tablet computers will
greatly support staff in their work. STP staff can use them to access company network while
in the field which will help enhance customer experience and enable real time updates
(Davidson, 2013).
4.0 Business Continuity
Business continuity refers to a set of operations necessary to keep an organization running in
case of the interruption normal operations (SANSInstitute, 2002). For a business to survive, it
is very crucial that an organization is able to maintain its procedures in case of a calamity
(Ciampa, 2014). Business continuity planning involves testing the process of recognizing to
threat exposure, creating recovery processes, and checking to see if they are satisfactory. To
ensure business continuity, STP is required to develop a plan to ensure the business continues
to operate, STP therefore requires to create procedures, compile and maintain them in
readiness for disaster events. Business stability planning also includes defining who will be
approved to take over in case of a disastrous event. (Ciampa, 2014). For business continuity,
an important tool is the business impact analysis (BIA). BIA ascertains critical business
processes and computes their impacts on the financial and operational position of the
business.
5.0 Risk Management
Business risks refer to a possibility that something will affect your business (BusinessGov,
2016). For any business a risk can turn out to be a prospect or a trial, depending on how it is

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managed. Thus, risk management is a practice that deals with improbable business decisions.
For STP, practicing risk management will lessen any negative impacts that may affect the
company.
5.1 IT Contingency Planning
Contingency planning involve procedures to be followed in the event of huge IT happening
including data security breaches or incidents that directly affects IT systems (Swanson, et al.,
2002). Contingency planning will ensure that STP will continue to operate at a satisfactory
level in the event of an IT disaster (Ciampa, 2014).
5.2 Data Backup
Information backup will involve copying information for STP to a different storage facilities
so that it can be retrieved and used in case of disaster. To enable this, STP can install RAID
supported servers that provide back up support in case of hard disk failure (Cisco, 2017).
5.3 Benefits of Risk Management
i) Resource saving
ii) Building a secure and safe setting for employees, clients and visitors
iii) Increasing operations stability
iv) Reducing legal obligation
v) Data and information protection
6.0 Conclusion
Technology advances have brought a lot of transformation for business organizations. Thus,
businesses are increasingly adopting these advances in order to gain a competitive advantage
and improve business productivity and ensure continuity. Businesses that have embraced IT
technologies have been able to streamline and improve their business processes as well as
enhance customer experience.

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7.0 Recommendation
For the company to achieve its strategic goals, the information manager recommends the
following
i) Installation of ERP software to streamline information in all the branches
ii) Server hardware deployment to enable an efficient IT infrastructure and centralized
information
iii) Company staff should be trained on how to use newly acquired systems in order to be
efficient in their work and improve business productivity
iv) Continuous staff training on securing the company network to prevent intrusion from
hackers
v) Implement contingency planning and back-up procedures
vi) Implement mobile device management policies to secure STP network

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8.0 References
Beal, V., 2017. Wepopedia. [Online]
Available at: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/server.html
[Accessed 28 September 2017].
BusinessGov, 2016. Risk management. [Online]
Available at: https://www.business.gov.au/info/run/risk-management
[Accessed 29 September 2017].
Ciampa, M., 2014. CompTIA Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals. 5th ed.
United States: Cengage, Boston .
Cisco, 2017. Introduction to RAID - Cisco UCS Servers RAID Guide. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/unified_computing/ucs/c/sw/raid/
configuration/guide/RAID_GUIDE/IntroToRAID.pdf
[Accessed 29 September 2017].
Davidson, D., 2013. Mobile Computing Technology Benefits Small Businesses. [Online]
Available at: http://commandmobile.com/mobile-computing-technology-benefits-small-
businesses/
[Accessed 29 September 2017].
Dell, 2017. What is a server?. [Online]
Available at: http://www.dell.com/downloads/us/bsd/What_Is_a_Server.pdf
[Accessed 28 September 2017].
Dictionary, B., 2017. Business Dictionary. [Online]
Available at: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/strategic-alignment.html
[Accessed 28 September 2017].

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Jenzer, A. et al., 2008. Infrastructure Technology Basics for SAP Deployment. 3rd ed.
s.l.:Pearson.
NetSuite, 2017. Net Suite. [Online]
Available at: http://www.netsuite.com/portal/products/erp.shtml
[Accessed 28 September 2017].
Ogie, R., 2016. Bring your own device: an overview of risk assessment. s.l.:IEEE .
Oracle, 2017. Oracle. [Online]
Available at: https://www.oracle.com/applications/erp/what-is-erp.html
[Accessed 30 September 2017].
SANSInstitute, 2002. SANS. [Online]
Available at: https://www.sans.org/reading-room/whitepapers/recovery/introduction-
business-continuity-planning-559
[Accessed 29 September 2017].
Swanson, M. et al., 2002. Contingency Planning Guide for Information Technology Systems;
NIST. [Online]
Available at: https://ithandbook.ffiec.gov/media/22151/ex_nist_sp_800_34.pdf
[Accessed 28 September 2017].
Techopedia, 2017. Storage device. [Online]
Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/1119/storage-device
[Accessed 28 September 2017].
Viswanathan, P., 2017. What Is a Mobile Device?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-mobile-device-2373355
[Accessed 28 September 2017].

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