Upgrade of Network Infrastructure and Equipment for Everyoung - Sustainable Practices and Technology

Description of the Task:

Scenario: 

With the increased demand and popularity of wireless networks, the production of such equipment is also on the rise and an increased supply of such equipment could result in reduced costs in the future, thus making the pricing comparable to that of the wired network. However, there is a concern on the demand for going green by ensuring lower Co2 emissions by lowering power consumption and by using energy efficient resources.  

Everyoung is a local company that operates 5 clothing retail outlets in Singapore. The company’s day to day business operations are managed by an IT office at the backend. The regular tasks that are carried out in the backend office are communication between the retail outlets, business partners, suppliers, logistic companies and other stakeholders. The office has been in need of an upgrade of their network, workstations and other peripherals that are crucial for their day-to-day business. The office is located in the heart of Singapore, and within a heritage building. The office occupies a single floor for its business operations. 

The desktop machines have Windows XP with limited RAM and processing power. Server infrastructure requires upgrade. Internet is through ADSL connection, which is unable to keep up with data demands of the business applications. Troubleshooting network issues is difficult as equipment and cable labelling has worn off. Network cables have degraded due to age. Office network is segmented as general staff, accounting, marketing, I.T, executives.

Wi-Fi is not available at the office as the building is a heritage site and no drilling is permitted. Printers and photocopiers are obsolete. Projectors are not functioning properly in the conference room. Security is poor in the building as surveillance camera installation is restricted. 

The table below lists out the current equipment specifications including network, hardware and software:

Current Equipment Specification: Singapore

For the upgrade, the following must be taken note of before you draft the plan.

The equipment to be purchased must be in compliance with the sustainability policy.. But an upgrade for efficient communication is required. Instead of 20 desktops, 10 desktops and 10 laptops are the new requirement. Research if these are more suitable for the sustainability policy that will be adapted. Hard drive, RAM capacity  and the NAS needs to be doubled. With the new set-up the application software also needs to be upgraded as per the requirement.  You will also need a suitable specification that will justify the cost and the requirements. LAN nodes are to be considered for connectivity within the same building, in order to ensure seamless connections between all the peripherals.

The upgrading details for the provision of a high speed and reliable network must be clearly described in the plan. Consider the purchase of necessary peripherals like printers, modems and access points in order to provide an efficient network. To accommodate the business growth you are tasked to prepare a network document that addresses the following criteria, based on its needs.

Take into consideration the power consumption differences for the different peripherals that are required for the set up. Before addressing the requirements of the report, research on the needs for electricity consumption, CO2 emission from the company if the current set up is complete and in use. 

Task: 

1. Prepare to integrate sustainability into planning and design stages of ICT project

1.1.Evaluate the set up for company that has been provided in the case scenario for the new set up and discuss the areas into which sustainability can be integrated. Briefly explain two sustainable practices that you will adopt.   

1.2.For the purpose of negotiating with stakeholders to establish the extent to which sustainability is to be integrated, address the following concerns that will be communicated to the relevant stakeholders. 

1.2.1.How do the two sustainable practices benefit the company?

1.2.2.Give an estimate of the power consumption and the cost for the new requirements.

1.2.3.Who are the staff included in the development and implementation of the   sustainability policy? 

1.2.4.When will the policy be ready for implementation?

1.2.5.Who are the stakeholders involved in approving the sustainability policy? 

1.3.Research on any two most suitable technology solutions that will help in the implementation of the sustainable practices that you have listed in question 1.1. Explain clearly how the technology works.     

1.4.Gather power consumption data for the new set up of  ICT equipment required for energy audit and present them clearly either in a table or a paragraph.