The Bead Bar is a pseudo business created to teach the concepts of Information Technology and how it relates to business enterprise.
The Bead Bar, an arts and crafts oriented company that enables its customers to design and make their own jewelry using various materials, contracted BRJ Consulting to determine their information technology needs. The Bead Bar currently consists of three divisions spread throughout the United States: studios, franchises, and the Bead Bar on Board, a portable Bead Bar designed for cruise ships. The Bead Bar has outgrown its current paper-based system, whose poor efficiency limits growth opportunities in today's global business market. (Malaga, 2005)
The Bead Bar consists of multiple sites; therefore, a strong networking system that includes a distributed database will provide the stability needed to prevent costly downtime that would result if databases were located solely at the Bead Bar Headquarters. A distributed database will connect headquarters with each branch of the Bead Bar, and each location will need to be synchronized on a daily basis. The relational model database combines speed, flexibility, and ease of use. The Oracle 9i Database software, an enterprise database specifically designed to manage distributed data, would meet the Bead Bar's current and future need for a stable and efficient database management system. A distributed database necessitates all the Bead Bar's computers be routed through a network and telecommunication system; the database must be configured properly through a network to enable it to operate at full capacity.(Malaga, 2005)
The managers of the Bead Bar described the features each was most interested in or concerned about: unsightly appearance of a wired network; studios interconnected to each other and headquarters; an easier way to send and receive designs; access to corporate office from virtually anywhere; speedier method of receiving financial data, electronically receive sales data and send marketing material; reduce paperwork and speed up request processing; and ability to send and receive employee forms electronically. (Malaga, 2005)
A network topology dictates device layout on a network; although the bus, ring, and star topology are more frequently chosen, the mesh topology will fulfill the Bead Bar Executive's needs. Because the Bead Bar has multiple locations spread across the United States, a mesh topology, with a wide area network (WAN) linked through a public telecommunication network such as a satellite or leased phone line, will enable each site to share data with both efficiently, quickly, and reliably. A wireless network will resolve any conflict over the unsightly appearance of a wired system and would allow for easier repositioning of office furniture and decor.
A client/server architecture is the best network choice for the Bead Bar because it is extremely powerful and works as both a client and a server. The client/server is capable of handling numerous requests instantaneously and can be programmed to act as a storage unit as well as maintaining the ability to allocate client records. The enormous memory capabilities make it ideal for all relevant data relating to daily ventures. Because all Bead Bar associates do not need full access to all company and client data, a client/server architecture allows for total management of data access ensuring confidential information remains private.
Security threats are a significant concern to businesses; the major security threats affecting the Bead Bar are internal and external breaches, computer viruses, and improperly configured systems. Poorly written software exposes the company to external breaches: hackers, crackers, and script kiddies. Disgruntled and ex-employees leave the company open to internal breaches because of access to systems, passwords, and system weaknesses. Developing a security awareness plan protects the organization; the first step is to generate a risk analysis ascertaining the threat level, system value, weaknesses, and data value. Responsibilities must be doled out with a clear understanding of each individual's role, including training employees to recognize and thwart social engineering--a hacker fishing for insider information to exploit. The system requires configuring: updating software and securing e-mail systems. Virus protection software eliminates threats from computer worms and viruses.
Computers and other technologies will be secured by limiting employee access to only areas required to complete job responsibilities; each employee will have specific data access levels. The network will be secured via passwords with policies to dictate their use and renewal. A plan will be put into place for detecting and reporting intrusions via the use of honey pots and tracking. Policies will be set dictating personal use of company computer systems.
Dependable data backup and systems recovery are extremely important safeguards. IBackup's Enhanced Backup Plan, an internet-based backup plan, offers efficient backup and is capable of restoring servers and computers: both desktop and portable, at an affordable price. (IBackup, n.d.) For systems recovery, Sungard's hot site services allow access to a pre-set server in case of a major disaster for a reasonable yearly fee. (Garvey, M. 2003)
The World Wide Web has enabled companies with limited local clientele to expand into the global economy. A website will allow the promotion of material quality and provide valuable information. Using the Web as a marketing device will increase clientele immensely. Search engine registration and use of precise keywords will provide the most advantageous magnitude of traffic to The Bead Bar's website.
The capability of ensuring customer trust through secure financial transactions ensures client confidence and ensures frequent repeat shopping. The Bead Bar can accomplish this through the use of an established verifiable identity with the use of authentic digital certificates and securing identifying client information including passwords and payment information through the use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption software that blocks any attempts to intercept data transmissions.
The inclusion of an online catalog, shopping cart, and secure payment processing are also essential to customer satisfaction and security and is available through merchant accounts like ChoicePay which offers the added benefit to the consumer of being able to choose their method of payment. E-business is essential to conquering the limitations of facility space and distances that are experienced by many budding businesses while at the same time increasing the horizon and growth outlook. The ability to access products and services online enables potential clients to order anytime without regard to hours of operation or location.
There are numerous problems that can arise in any network solution; however, it is vital, for growth to continue, that a network system be strong, secure and reliable. The preceding recommendations were made with considerable thought to the most cost effective solution that would meet the Bead Bar's current and future needs while ensuring operations are conducted with reduced order while meeting the networking needs of the Bead Bar and its various locations. The recommendations made will ensure the Bead Bar operates with increased efficiency and productivity, while reducing order shortfalls, invoicing errors, and delays in order fulfillments that are prevalent in paper-based systems. The recommendations made by BRJ Consulting will result in improved organization and enhanced communication while facilitating expediential growth opportunities.
References
Garvey, M. (2003). Sungard's new focus. Information Week: Defining the Business Value of Technology.
IBackup. (n.d.). Pricing plans.
Malaga, R. A. (2005). Information systems technology. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
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