BUSINESS REQUIREMENT PLAN
DataWiz is a data collection and analytics company specializing in collection, analysis and storage of data. The company was incepted as a result of existence of a wide gap in business analysis data and information forecasting in the business world. The company is based in Los Angeles and is specialized in analyzing web data and information of business entities in the area and beyond.
For the past two years, the company has been in operation and its financial standing has grown immensely to over $70 million. Consequently, the volume of data gathered has grown beyond expectation and it is expected that in the next coming year’s business will be booming and the company will surpass $100 million.
In order to continue its business operations effectively and attract more companies adopting data and web analytics, it needs to expand its operational infrastructure to accommodate the growing demands. The company needs to increase its data warehousing needs as well as information systems among other parameters. Currently, its business partners are satisfied with the services it offers but the anticipated business growth may overwhelm current operational parameters. As a result, this business requirement plan is expected to highlight the major infrastructural and operational metrics that will ensure seamless expansion and growth.
Expansion process needs to be fully crafted to safeguard business processes and reduce down-time. Some of the possible risks include financial, technical and operational aspects. The company does not have sufficient funds to implement a onetime expansion exercise. Likewise, expansion will require more additional staff. Finally, training of employees on the new infrastructure will take time and may impact on business processes.
- Current and future outsourcing and offshoring aspects
- Information systems in place and expected changes to support business analytics and interfaces
- Data warehouses needs and operational databases in use as well as the expected expansion
- Description of the information systems that the company currently utilizes and the expected physical infrastructure changes that will support infrastructure, security and analytic interfaces.
INFORMATION SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE
In an era where studying and understanding the user behavior is essential to continuously streamline the online business and arrive at the best business decisions that justify investments, content information systems are the way to go. Today’s businesses have realized the need for a justified investment in every online presence they engage in.. Content management systems are desired for best integration with web analytics and development and implementation of such systems will benefit the company in a big way. Businesses desire cutting-edge tracking and analytics from the content creation process to its use. The importance of CMS in web analytics transpires from the fact that non-technical staff such as the marketing staff can efficiently participate in the process of managing, updating and deriving reports without relying on the services of html experts. Integrating CMS with other data gathering and analysis tools will enable clients have quick visibility of who visited their sites, what they searched for, what needs to be changed and what is working well. The CMS will offer flexible workflows in managing data analysis and as such, offers efficiency and flexibility in the already resource constraint business entities.
DATABASE MANAGEMENT
DataWiz anticipates a 20% annual growth in its 10TB data warehouse. DataWiz believes that, in a world where smart technological innovations is the way to go, it is important to leverage the numerous amounts of data generated from its clients and convert them to usable analytics. Safe storage and retrieval of this data is paramount to continued business and success. The company anticipates taking its services to the cloud to minimize the cost of software and maintenance. As a result, an extension of the server in a fully web based application is the cloud. Cloud computing takes the place of clients task processing. Cloud of computers acts as giant devices that perform the task queries for the users. In this scenario, the cloud computing experience distributes the performance to numerous remote computers found on the cloud thereby, eliminating compatibility issues and promoting scalability.
The company requires a stand-alone cloud-hosted database for its storage needs. A database that uses an Online Transactional Processing model can be tested and extended to other functions such as a warehouse.
OUTSOURCING AND OFFSHORE SERVICES
The company should consider an offshore data management software-as-a-service tool such as Microsoft SQL Azure Database. Microsoft SQL Azure Database is the preferred database the company might prefer to adopt in the management of its vast content on the clouds. Currently, the company manages its data using a relational database. However due to expanding data volume, relational data warehouses would not be efficient. Windows Azure leverages a distributed data center that provides enterprise class availability, scalability and built in security. Other facilities available on the Azure database include backup, testing, disaster recovery and collaboration.
INFRASTRUCTURE
DataWiz is experiencing tremendous growth as a result of efficient business practices. The company is operating from a single floor in a five storey building. In order to facilitate expansion process, it has to occupy two more additional floors. In order to achieve full business potential, it needs an expanded networking solution that guarantees better communication and internet availability. The offices will utilize a wired and wireless Local Area Network. It anticipates establishing a wired LAN for its office employees and a wireless network for mobile workers. Wireless network will accommodate mobile users within the company premises.
SECURITY
Wireless networks will be secured through the use of 802.11i security protocol with Advanced Encryption Standard for encryption. The business requires sufficient protection of sensitive computer data and employee privacy. It will also be relevant to draft a security policy that governs data access, user privileges and authentication according to NIST and FISMA standards.
Data in the clouds pose serious security challenges, and as such, the company will secure its databases through AES encryption techniques. By establishing efficient cloud security architecture, DataWiz will implement security management controls that safeguard the clients’ data. The company deals in a kind of business that demands highest level of trust for continued business. Given the flexibility and vulnerabilities associated with cloud computing, deterrent, preventive, detective and corrective controls should be established. Cloud information protection platforms at the company’s network edge ensure that data is fully protected before it leaves for the clouds. Other mechanisms include sufficient encryption key management and user policies.
The above business requirements will be implemented in steps to ensure smooth transition continuity of business operations. Expansion process will be subdivided into small tasks presided over by different personnel and external parties. It is anticipated that after full implementation of the above noted practices and processes, projected business goals will be achieved.
References
Gabor Magyar, G. K. (2007). Advances in Information Systems Development:New Methods and Practice for the Networked Society, Volume 1. Springer.
Glenn R. Lowry, R. L. (2007). Information systems and technology education. Idea Group Inc .
Shelly, G. B. (2012). Systems analysis and design (9th ed.). Boston: Thomson Course Technology.
