Report on Computer Hardware and Software Requirements (ICTICT508)

This report evaluates the hardware and software requirements for a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) undergoing computerization. The analysis begins with an examination of the company's current system, which relies heavily on manual data entry using outdated software (Microsoft Office 2007). The report highlights the need for upgrades, particularly in software and hardware, to improve efficiency and customer service. Recommendations include upgrading to Windows 10, enhancing network infrastructure, and implementing a database system. Detailed hardware specifications are provided, including RAM, processor, storage, and network bandwidth. Furthermore, the report offers a cost-benefit analysis to justify the proposed upgrades and concludes with recommendations for system improvements, including database and SaaS solutions. The report emphasizes the importance of these changes for adapting to technological advancements and maintaining a competitive edge.

Running Head: COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
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Executive summary
Modern technology and services are transforming businesses. Many small and medium sized
businesses are using this advanced technology features to provide enhanced services to their
customers. The use of technology also helps in creating and maintaining adequate relationship
with the customers. Alongside this advancing technology, use of appropriate hardware and
software for the computers are also mandatory for an efficient workflow. In this report, the
discussion about the hardware and software requirement for an enterprise level is made. The
analysis of the current system and their operation is also done and based on that some
recommendations were also laid down in this report. In conclusion, few recommendations for the
upgrade of the system were proposed.

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Discussion........................................................................................................................................3
Current system and working of the enterprise.............................................................................3
New system recommendations....................................................................................................4
Hardware..................................................................................................................................4
Software...................................................................................................................................5
Cost benefit analysis........................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
Bibliography....................................................................................................................................8

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Introduction
Emerging technology and internet is transforming the business landscape rapidly. New
and improved business models are in use1. These modern technology also need the proper
hardware for the highest output. Organizations are using the advanced technology in order to
provide improved services to their customers. In this report, one organization was chosen and
their present system were analysed and based on that analysis few recommendations were laid
down to improve their services. The conclusion, from the analysis were made that the enterprise
was using outdated software and an immediate upgrade is recommended.
Discussion
Current system and working of the enterprise
The company in this report is a shopping company and uses very traditional method of
order system. The main medium of placing order available to the customers is via telephone. The
company also has a website through which they accept orders and after that they manually enter
and store the order and customer details in a Microsoft Excel Sheet. The Microsoft Office
version they use is Microsoft Office 2007 with Service pack 1. The company do not have a
wireless internet connection and they do not have any online database. All the data are stored
manually by the company employees. The different modes of payment method they offer are
cheque, credit card and cash on delivery. There is no strong and reliable online transaction
certification for the online transactions thus, most of the customers prefer cash on delivery or
cheque.
1 Audretsch, David B., Erik E. Lehmann, and Mike Wright. "Technology transfer in a global economy." The Journal
of Technology Transfer 39, no. 3 (2014): 301-312.

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The current inventory system is managed by an employee and if the product that is being
ordered is not in stock they just ship what is available at that moment. After the wrong shipment,
when the customer asks for a refund or an exchange the company arranges the correct product
and ships that. This process takes much time and repeated shipments is a waste of resources for
the company. The operating system that the company is currently using is Microsoft Windows 7
Professional which is a good choice and provides many feature. Moreover, the system the
company is using is outdated. Some upgrade are essential for the company at this moment to deal
with the fast growing technology and changes in the business field.
New system recommendations
Hardware
Hardware is an essential part for any organization. Without proper and efficient hardware
the system cannot operate effectively. Upgraded computers are available in the market but the
company can choose to assemble things according to their needs. The minimum RAM
recommended for any business purpose is 8 GB or higher, along with a fast processor which
should be minimum i5 or higher. There is a need for a better network server for the online
transactions and a printer that will provide quality output. A wireless router can reduce the wires
in the working area. To implement wireless connection the company would need to install a
router. The minimum disk storage space should be 1TB and additionally, SSD can also be used
so that if the system crashes then the data of the organization is secured2. The minimum network
bandwidth should be 256 kbps for each user.
2 Kasavajhala, Vamsee. "Solid state drive vs. hard disk drive price and performance study." Proc. Dell Tech. White
Paper(2011): 8-9.

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Software
There are a number of operating system available and can be used for effective working
of the organization. Almost all the operating systems available provide the same set of features
but Microsoft Windows OS 10 is the most popular one. With huge improvement in the Windows
7 and 8 the Windows 10 offers with high security and many additional features. It was reported
that the Windows 10 was unaffected by the WannaCry attack, the largest ransom ware attack3.
The OS provides a very simple yet attractive and efficient functions. The colourful and large
icons are very helpful to determine the applications. The advanced search assistance, known as
Cortana can reduce the time of search and provide web based search results using voice control4.
The Advanced Threat Protection also known as ATP is a promising level of protection and
security control provided by Microsoft. Using the Windows 10 Enterprise version can leverage
the cyber security for the organization. With the Windows OS the access to Office 365 is also
provided and includes many applications that can be used by the organization5. The Windows
Enterprise is available in two options E3 and E5. The plans available are for Windows 10 E3 is
$84 for one user per year and for one month the charge is $7 per user. On the contrary, the E5
version is a little costly and the price of one user for one year is $1686. One disadvantage of
using the Windows OS is the maintenance cost is high as there are many updates to the Windows
OS all around the year.
3 Anjana, T. K. "Discussion On Ransomware, Wannacry Ransomware and Cloud Storage Services Against Ransom
Malware Attacks." International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation 2 (2017): 310-314.
4 Singh, Bhupendra, and Upasna Singh. "A forensic insight into Windows 10 Cortana search." Computers &
Security 66 (2017): 142-154.
5 Katzer, Matthew. "Azure and Office 365 Security." In Securing Office 365, pp. 43-96. Apress, Berkeley, CA, 2018.
6 Microsoft.com. 2019. "How To Buy Windows 10 For Your Business - Get Windows 10". Microsoft.Com.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/windowsforbusiness/how-to-buy.

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Cost benefit analysis
Cost for the hardware 240
Cost for the software 460
Cost for the Operating System 168
Total Cost for the project 868
Total Cost for the project
Year of Project
year 0 year1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year 5 TOTALS
Net economic benefit $0.00 $900.00 $900.00 $900.00 $900.00 $900.00
Discount Rate 8% 1 0.9259 0.8573 0.7938 0.7350 0.6806
PV Of Benefits $0.00 $833.33 $771.60 $714.45 $661.53 $612.52
NPV of all BENEFITS $0.00 $833.33 $1,604.94 $2,319.39 $2,980.91 $3,593.44 $11,332.01
One Time Costs $700.00
Recurring Costs $0.00 $300.00 $300.00 $300.00 $300.00 $300.00
Discount Rate 8% 1.0000 0.9259 0.8573 0.7938 0.7350 0.6806
PV Of Recurring Costs $0.00 $277.78 $257.20 $238.15 $220.51 $204.17
NPV Of All Costs $700.00 $977.78 $1,234.98 $1,473.13 $1,693.64 $1,897.81 $7,977.34
Overall NPV $3,354.67
Overall ROI = (Overall NPV / NPV Of All Costs 0.42
Break-Even Analysis
Yearly NPV Cash Flow $0.00 $555.56 $514.40 $476.30 $441.02 $408.35
Overall NPV Cash Flow $700.00 ($144.44) $369.96 $846.26 $1,287.28 $1,695.63
Project break-even occurs between years 2 and 3
Use 1st year of positive cash flow to calculate break-even fraction 2.7767 years
Conclusion
The company is currently using back dated systems and the recommendations were made
according to that. In addition, there are many databases available in the market like the MySQL,
MangoDB and other option. So, the company can choose any one from them to manage the

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database online and more efficiently. The organization can also use SaaS (Software as a Service)
software to make their management task easy. In conclusion, it is recommended to upgrade the
system of the company with the minimum requirements and the changes proposed in the report
are cost effective.

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Bibliography
Anjana, T. K. "Discussion On Ransomware, Wannacry Ransomware and Cloud Storage Services
Against Ransom Malware Attacks." International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation 2
(2017): 310-314.
Audretsch, David B., Erik E. Lehmann, and Mike Wright. "Technology transfer in a global
economy." The Journal of Technology Transfer 39, no. 3 (2014): 301-312.
Kasavajhala, Vamsee. "Solid state drive vs. hard disk drive price and performance study." Proc.
Dell Tech. White Paper(2011): 8-9.
Katzer, Matthew. "Azure and Office 365 Security." In Securing Office 365, pp. 43-96. Apress,
Berkeley, CA, 2018.
Microsoft.com. 2019. "How To Buy Windows 10 For Your Business - Get Windows
10". Microsoft.Com. https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/windowsforbusiness/how-to-buy.
Singh, Bhupendra, and Upasna Singh. "A forensic insight into Windows 10 Cortana
search." Computers & Security 66 (2017): 142-154.