stablishing a Multi-Operating System Configuration   Term Paper ID:35789 Click to get this paper

Essay Subject: This paper analyzed a situation for a hypothetical company in relatio to swithching from ...... More...

15 Pages / 3375 Words 9 sources, 12 Citations, MLA Format $60.00 Return to List of Papers

Paper Abstract: This paper analyzed a situation for a hypothetical company in relation to switching from a single-operating system configuration to a multi-operating system configuration. Includes Table of Contents. Paper Introduction: assessing a proposal for a network configuration with microsoft windows nt servers and client machines with a variety of operating systems Table of Contents Page INTRODUCTION Analysis Methodology Analysis of Issues Support Issues Security Issues Data Sharing Issues Cost Issues Networking Issues Training Issues Standardization Issues Impact of the Changeover Temporary Lack of Functionality Problems Likely to Occur That Demand Solutions Implementation Plan Training Costs Cost-Benefit Considerations Conclusions Works Cited Introduction An important client group within the company has requested that theInformation Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. Effective procedures enhance the probability of thenetwork will not fail. The anticipation among graphic arts personnel at the company is thatthe productivity of their function will be improved by the changeover.Initially, the impact on the IT Department may be negative; however, thisimpact should be temporary in nature.Temporary Lack of Functionality A temporary lack of functionality may occur if the company opts tointroduce Sun Solaris-based work stations into the network configurationbefore acquiring the third-party software to assure that the MicrosoftWindows NT-based servers can provide the new machines full access toservices across the company network. 15 Conclusions ......................................... 17 Works Cited ......................................... As a part of the requirements analysis process, (a) allassumptions will be questioned, (b) all reasoning will be examined, and (b)each vision of the proposed system will be investigated (Nidumolu andKnotts 1 6). Implementation Plan If a decision is made to integrate additional operating systems in tothe company's network configuration, the initial part of the implementationwill be the acquisition of the third-party software to provide full networkaccess to the Sun Solaris workstations if they are a part of the approvedscheme. Availability dependsupon both the structuring into the network of sufficient capacity to meetuser demand and the specification of network components in the design forthe network with long mean times between failures. Morespecifically, TTF is the correlation between task requirements, individualabilities, and the functionality of the system's technology. Retrieved from the Internet 2 3- 4-21 at: http://www. The conclusions are asfollows: > First, the company should opt to integrate a new operating system into the network configuration to support graphics arts personnel > Second, the company should opt to provide Sun Solaris-based work stations for graphic arts personnel in lieu of Apple Macintosh- based desk tops Works CitedBrochu, E. L., & Thompson, R. The structure of the document following this Introductionincludes (a) analysis methodology, (b) analyses of the issues, (c) animplementation plan should the decision be to change from a single-operating system configuration to a multi-operating system configurationfor the company's network, (d) training costs should the decision be tochange the configuration of the network, (e) cost-benefit effects of achange in the network configuration, and (f) conclusions. Management Science, 4 (April 1994) 44 -465.Keshav, S. Mismatchesbetween data representations (a technology characteristic) and tasks wouldslow decision-making performance by requiring additional translationsbetween data representations or decision processes (Goodhue and Thompson213). The Microsoft Windows NT-based servers can provide full networkaccess to Apple Macintosh-based client machines at minimal cost. Nordic Journal of Computing 3 (Winter 1996), 367-387.Microsoft Corporation. The network management plan provides procedures to follow forany eventuality. Computing Canada 19 (26 April 1993), 24.Goodhue, D. Designing security into a network depends in part on hardwarespecification to assure that the network components are the leastvulnerable available. L. This networking service provides the AppleTalkstack and Macintosh file storage capabilities (Microsoft Corporation 384). Homewood, Illinois: Richard D. Service-constrained network design problems. Irwin, Inc., 1995."Operating System Technical Comparison." (12 April 2 2), 1-3. The company's ITDepartment will be required to become familiar with the security issuesrelevant to the Apple Macintosh operations system and the Sun Solarisoperating system should the decision be to incorporate one or both of thoseoperating systems into the company's network configuration. W. Thus, anyswitch to Apple Macintosh operating systems for graphic arts personnelwould necessitate the purchase of new Apple computers, which would increasethe costs of the transition substantially.Networking Issues Problems have been reported with Macintosh client systems freezingwhen logging onto Windows NT servers. Additionalcosts will be involved, however, to enable the Microsoft Windows NT-basedservers to provide full functionality to the Sun Solaris-based workstations.Training Issues Training presumably will not be a major problem for the graphics artspersonnel in the company who desire to switch to either Sun Solaris-basedwork stations or Apple Macintosh-based desk tops. The 1 issues discussed in this section are(a) support, (b) security, (c) data sharing, (d) cost, (e) networking, (f)training, (g) standardization, (h) changeover impact, (i) temporary lack offunctionality, and (j) problems that likely will occur and which likelywill require the development of solutions.Support Issues The problem of providing support for an IT system that moves from aone-platform configuration to a multi-platform configuration will increasein scope and complexity. Networkavailability, therefore, also is a function of the redundancycharacteristic of the network and the network design (Keshav 5 ). TheIT Department also must assure that the change to a multi-platformconfiguration does not impinge on the ability to structure redundancy intothe network. 4 Support Issues ................................... It is important to assurethat unprotected access points are not present in the network design. The standard NTserver can become a server for Macintosh clients by installing the "File &Printer Services for Macintosh" applications that are included in theWindows NT server software. 15 Training Costs ...................................... Training Costs Training costs for the company's IT Department personnel should not beexorbitant. For six persons for one week, the training costs should notexceed $7,2 . The requirements analysis activity function may be consideredas: (a) the identification of different perspectives on a proposed system'sfunctionality; (b) the negotiation and resolution of conflicts of theseperspectives; and (c) the recording of this resolution. It will be necessary for improvedefficiencies in the graphic arts function of the company to offset lossesattributable to the lower levels of standardization that will result fromthe transition from a single-operating system configuration to a multi-operating system configuration for the company network.Impact of Changeover From the perspective of the user, the process must produce a systemthat is characterized by a task-technology fit. 19 Introduction An important client group within the company has requested that theInformation Technology (IT) Department give consideration to a proposal toshift from a single-operating system configuration for the company's localarea network (LAN) to a multi-operating system configuration for thenetwork. Otherwise,however, the introduction of either of these operating systems in to thenetwork configuration should have minimal effects on the security of thecompany IT system.Data Sharing Issues The Windows NT servers now used by the company have a built-incapacity to work with Macintosh computers and printers. Process support also will be necessary. There is no apparent need, however,for such a temporary lack of functionality to occur.Problems Likely to Occur and Require Solution In the organizational context, the user concerns most likely to bemanifested as problematic situations in the development of systems are (a)the complexity of the organizational environment within which the systemmust function, (b) conflicting demands from different client groups withinthe organization, (c) resource constraints, (d) skilled personnelconstraints, and (e) the interdependency of client groups within theorganization. If they are anxious tomake such switches, the implication is that they have experience in usingthe alternative computers. Following thecompletion of such training, the implementation will proceed to (a) theacquisition of necessary software (Sun Solaris-based work stations) or (b)the acquisition of necessary software and hardware (Apple Macintosh-baseddesk tops). Cost-Benefit Considerations Cost-benefit considerations must be considered in relation to each ofthe potential configuration scenarios for the company's net work. The Department will find it necessary to expand the base ofknowledge among personnel to develop the in-house capacity to provideeffective and efficient support to clients regardless of the platform theyare using. 12 Temporary Lack of Functionality .................. MIS Quarterly 19 (June 1995), 213-236.Hartwick, J., and Barki, H. Computers in Business Management 7th ed. Therefore, the transition to Sun Solaris-based workstations could be accomplished at reasonable cost in relation to clientmachines. 2 Analysis Methodology ................................ Redmond, Washington: Microsoft Corporation.Nidumolu, S. These potential configurations are as follows: > Microsoft Windows NT-based servers, Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations, and Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops > Microsoft Windows NT-based servers, Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations, Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops, and Apple Macintosh-based desk tops > Microsoft Windows NT-based servers, Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations, Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops, and Sun Solaris-based work stations > Microsoft Windows NT-based servers, Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations, Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops, Sun Solaris- based work stations, and Apple Macintosh-based desk tops Analysis of Issues The analysis of the proposal to introduce either or both workstationsusing the Sun Solaris operating systems and the Apple Macintosh operatingsystem considered 1 issues. Therefore, there-design of the company's IT network must consider budget constraints whenspecifying the network structure and network components. 14 Problems Likely to Occur That Demand Solutions ... The remaining network clients in thecompany would continue to use Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations orMicrosoft Windows 98-based desk top as they are currently configured.Further, the servers for the company's network would continue to beMicrosoft Windows NT-based machines. 8 Networking Issues ................................ Ofparticular significance in the organizational context, however, is the needto recognize and to effectively address the interdependency oforganizational user groups in the development of systems (O'Brien 199). Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley Computing Series, 2 1.Marathe, M. With respectto the introduction of Sun Solaris workstations or Apple Macintoshworkstations in the company's IT systems, the assumption is that the TTFwill improve for clients in graphic arts who are requesting the change. Providing the necessary levels of additional support will be moreproblematic for the company in relation to the introduction of Sun Solariswork stations in to the network configuration than is the case if AppleMacintosh desk tops are integrated into the network configuration("Operating System Technical Comparison" 1). Engineering approach to computer networking. This problem likely can beeliminated by acquiring the latest versions of the Macintosh operatingsystem for use by graphic arts clients in the company. Scalabilitydoes not mean that the initial structure of the network will support anincrease in the demand for network resources. "Task-Technology Fit and Individual Performance". Rather, scalability meansthat the design of the network will accommodate future additions to thenetwork without a need to redesign the network and with out a need todiscard existing components of the network to integrate new components(Marathe, Ravi, and Sundaram 368). Scalability in a network provides forfuture growth of an organization and its networking demands. The characteristics of availability and reliability in anetwork imply that the network will be accessible when users need it andthat it will perform in a reliable way while in use. 14 Implementation Plan ................................. Training costs for graphics arts personnel should beminimal, and are estimated at $2, . 12 Impact of the Changeover ......................... V., Ravi, R., and Sundaram, R. In relation to network servers, however, costs would be higherto assure that the Sun Solaris-based work stations are assured to haveoptimal functionality across the company network. The configurations are various combinations ofoperating systems for the company's servers, work stations, and desk topmachines. The proposal is tochange the work stations for graphic arts personnel to (a) Sun Solaris-based work stations, (b) Apple Macintosh-based desk tops, or (c) somecombination of the two alternatives. 7 Data Sharing Issues .............................. The situation is just the reverse in relation to Apple Macintosh-basedesk tops. If the IT Department does not effectively address any one ofthese situations, the likely result will be serious problems. 7 Cost Issues ...................................... Typically, somedegree of compromise between desirable performance and budget constraintsis necessary (Keshav 29). With a Department of specialistsin the operation and support of various Microsoft operating systems, itwill be necessary for IT Department personnel to undergo training on anynew operating system introduced into the network configuration at thecompany.Standardization Issues With respect to standardization, any change that the company makes inrelation to introducing additional operating systems into its networkconfiguration will compromise the benefits of standardization that thecompany has already achieved. The problems are more complex in relation to providing services forSun Solaris-based work stations. 3 Analysis of Issues .................................. A. The director of the company's IT Department agreed to consider theproposed change. In the absence of the third-partsoftware, Sun Solaris-based computers connected to the company network willonly be able to communicate with one another (Microsoft Corporation 4 6).Cost Most organizations operate within budget constraints. Otherwise, the initial part of the implementation plan will be theconduct of training for personnel in the IT Department. 5 Security Issues .................................. Task-technology fit (TTF), thus, is the degree to which a technologyassists an individual in performing her or his portfolio of tasks. At present the configuration of the company's network includes(a) Microsoft Windows-based servers, (b) Microsoft Windows-based workstations, and (c) Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops. Windows NT Server Resource Guide. The introduction of the Unix-based Sun Solaris work stations will increase support requirements at bothclient and server level of the company's network.Security Issues A proactive approach to network security in the design of the networkis far less expensive to the organization than is dealing with a securityfailure in a reactive manner subsequent to the implementation of thenetwork. This result occurs because TTF is a criticaldeterminant of the extent to which a system is perceived to be useful andprovide user advantage (Hartwick and Barki 444). assessing a proposal for a network configuration with microsoft windows nt servers and client machines with a variety of operating systems Table of Contents Page INTRODUCTION ........................................ Thesescenarios, together with the cost-benefit information, are as follows: > Microsoft Windows NT-based servers, Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations, and Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops o Costs: No direct costs, but the company will experience costs in relation to a failure to achieve the improved productivity of the graphics art function o Benefits: No direct costs associated with the option > Microsoft Windows NT-based servers, Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations, Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops, and Apple Macintosh-based desk tops o Costs: Significant direct costs associated with the acquisition of Apple Macintosh machines and software and substantial training costs for IT Department personnel o Benefits: Improved productivity in the company's graphic arts function > Microsoft Windows NT-based servers, Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations, Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops, and Sun Solaris-based work stations o Costs: Substantial direct costs associated with IT Department and moderate costs for third-party software to assure that the Microsoft Windows-NT servers can provide full access to services for Sun Solaris-based work stations o Benefits: Improved productivity in the company's graphic arts function > Microsoft Windows NT-based servers, Microsoft Windows NT-based work stations, Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops, Sun Solaris- based work stations, and Apple Macintosh-based desk tops o Costs: Significant direct costs associated with the acquisition of Apple Macintosh machines and software, substantial training costs for IT Department personnel, and moderate costs for third-party software to assure that the Microsoft Windows-NT servers can provide full access to services for Sun Solaris-based work stations o Benefits: Improved productivity in the company's graphic arts function Conclusions Two conclusions were drawn from the analysis. This problem will be centered in the ITDepartment. Thus,it is important to seek out and examine the perspectives of allstakeholders and to resolve potential conflicts as early as possible in theprocess. User considerations areaddressed within the contexts of resource requirements, user involvement,and skills requirements. This document presents the result of an analysis of theproposal. A poor task-technology fitlikely will result in an inefficient system performance. Further,software is available at reasonable cost that allows clients to use theApple Macintosh operating system on Intel machines. "The Effects of Customizability and Reusability on Perceived Process and Competitive Performance of Software Firms". 9 Training Issues .................................. The introduction of either Sun Solaris-based work stations or AppleMacintosh-based desk tops into the configuration of the company's networkwill not result in serious operating problems for the network. osdata.com/ R., and Knotts, G. "RAD Isn't Just for System Projects Any More". 11 Standardization Issues ........................... The primary process supportwill involve preparing and facilitating client workshops, and formingclient/IT teams to jointly arrive at agreed decisions concerning theimplementation of any cross-platform services (Brochu 24). In fact, however, alloperating systems are vulnerable to security breeches. MIS Quarterly, 22 (June 1998), 1 5-137.O'Brien, J. The pervasiveness of Microsoft operating systems means that, becauseof the sheer numbers of operating systems installed, the number of securitybreeches is higher than for other operating systems. Theswitch from a one-platform configuration for the company's network to amulti-platform configuration will increase the potential for securityproblems for the network. A network management plan that provides for monitoring networkperformance so that the addressing of potential problems occurs before theybecome crises with adverse effects on the performance of the network isessential. Italso is necessary, however, to assure that the changeover does notinadvertently have an adverse impact on the TTF for the remaining clientsof the company's IT system (Goodhue and Thompson 215). Analysis Methodology The analysis methodology will follow a requirements analysisstructure. There will be a requirement for substantial additional training,however, for the company IT Department. Parties who havecontributed input for a requirements analysis have their own uniqueperspective on what the proposed system should be upon completion. The services can be provided; however,third-party software will be required to augment the Microsoft Windows NTserver operating system in order for Sun Solaris-based work stations tocommunicate across the company network. This approach,however, results in a loss of operating efficiency that is sufficientlysubstantial to render it an unacceptable solution for the problems thatgraphic arts personnel in the company are attempting to solve. The analysis methodology considers four potential configurations forthe company's network. The IT Department also must assure the availability and reliability ofthe network. Availability alsodepends upon the mean time to repair characteristics of the network. Redundancy means that additional capacity in present in thenetwork to assure continuous performance in the event of failure. The impact of TTF on system utilization is determined by theinteraction of task-technology fit and user beliefs about the consequencesof using a system. "Explaining the Role of User Participation in Information System Use". 15 Cost-Benefit Considerations ......................... The Sun Solaris operating system is available in a version that isdesigned to work on Intel-based computers without any appreciable loss inoperating function. In part also, however, network security is afunction of the access structure of the network. The company IT Department must assure that the switch to a multi-platform configuration for the network does not compromise the scalabilitycharacteristics of the network. If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.

Many of our Papers can be Downloaded From This Site!

PLEASE READ THIS, IT IS IMPORTANT!

Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm (PST). You may place orders for custom research over the phone during office hours. E-mail requests can be made to our graduate and undergraduate department any time, and will be reviewed during office hours. You may also contact customer service any time through e-mail, and we will review your message during business hours. A great many papers can be downloaded right from this site, but not all of them. If you would like to know if a particular paper is downloadable, just look in the description for: "Available for Internet Download: Y" or "Available for Internet Download: N" If you wish to purchase a paper which is NOT available for immediate download, you will need to make other shipping arrangements. Also, please be aware that these orders are processed Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (PST). If you place your order after 4:45pm on Friday, it will not be processed until the following Monday morning. We charge $8 per page for all of our pre-written reports, plus shipping (and tax for California residents). However, the highest cost of any ONE report is $136, or 17 pages. Please, take a moment. Make sure you have chosen the report you want or need BEFORE you complete your order. If you are not sure, allow us to help you. We do not offer refunds or exchanges, so it is important for you to let us answer your questions during office hours. Reports which are e-mailed or downloaded are in Microsoft Word format. We are making more reports available for e-mail delivery faster than we can update our listings. Please call to check on the status of particular reports. There are many other shipping options which are listed on the Checkout page.