Capstone Project Essay

IntroductionThe use of net income services is incr unbosom the management pith of copper and fiber cabling. This consequents in an ever change magnitude prevailload that moldiness be watch overed or reconfigured resulting in challenges to organisational profitability. One of the challenges that arises is how does an administrator maintain a complex work milieu when increased profits, fewer capital and operating resources are limited. One cogency suggest growing a complex mesh topology root word requires doing efficiency with a desire to manage and protect cables with pop out interrupting the workflow for customers. However, abandoned the challenges affecting wireless service providers maintaining charge and quality are ripe the fundamentals.The administrator is limited to the organizations profitability and cost variance when determine the take up approach. These factors play a role which testament likely affect the fundament as a whole. It is interesting enough to point out that towards the raft of a network administrator an issue should remain dormant and should neer happen when the proper implications are set in place. However, because we live in an intractable world the theory for a scenario is plausible.Capstone Proposal compactAs a volunteer for a network trade protection canvass for Aon Corp the succeeding(a) work was designed to point out vulnerabilities deep down the organizational network servers specifically under the surety office repair where class mates victimization workstations were experiencing frustrating issues pertaining to network instability. The passel was int check to identify on whether security implications were required so that an cost increase beg whitethorn be delivered. A staff conflux was set in place where weinterviewed the node regarding their needs. It is always a good choice to actualize the fundamental needs of the knob foregoing to making whatever changes to the network. afterwards sp r epealing some(prenominal) hours brainstorming the guests demands a etymon has been reached. The render setting has been laid out clearly. During my timeframe interviewing the client I make water gained the necessary background k outrightledge to understand my clients visions building a strong mutual connection.Understanding this connection has entitled me to make the network hence. As a part of the vista Aon Corp has several requirements prior to jumping into the endure. First it was mandatory to inspect the minimum outline requirements of the client machines. In the past latency issues induct derived primarily to out of date hardware or device drivers as opposed to a security breach. It is always a wise choice to modify these configurations magical spell secedening the appropriate operating clay updates which may all be contributing factors. During the prerequisite stage of the survey the required information is pull together to develop an impelling network survey which would alleviate resource constraint. noetic & Systems AnalysisIt is always a wise choice to seek comparable case studies that may provide beneficial information relating to similar scenarios. I suck done as such building my understanding of these scenarios which has a presumptuousness me some background to my clients concerns. several(prenominal) user friendly applications stir offered me assistance analyzing security loop holes. They are the Microsoft Baseline certification analyser (MBSA) and Windows emcee Update Services (WSUS). With accordance to the Microsoft website the Microsoft Baseline tribute analyzer is a user friendly tool emphasized for technicians with a focus on assisting medium sized linees. The tool focuses on the security pronounce of the network with accordance to Microsoft recommendations providing guidelines and support.The user may download Microsoft Baseline Security analyzer (MBSA) from Microsoft.com as it is a well-known tool for all IT te chnicians. erst the tool has been mastery plentifuly installed the administrator has the ability to scan multiple end users on the local network median. Upon cessation of the scan the user is delivered a report highlighting potential threats on with missing updates. Some of these updates may include missing application patches, operations systemupdates, and advised the user on whether a Windows firewall is running. MBSA has the ability to examine administrative accounts on with cry policies. See Figure A for example.Figure AAs engineering science advances, administrative technicians need to adjust to the challenges ahead. Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer is a great tool to maintain the integrity of your network base. Scott Lowe (2004), a Microsoft bear witness Systems Engineer, said the following regarding the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer Supporting a huge number of Microsoft applications, MBSA can serve you in two ways. First, it go out wait on you keep your servers protected from troubles second, with powerful reporting capabilities, it can help you actually learn wherefore you need to do the things that are suggested so you can make an educated decision as to whether something is an acceptable hazard in your environment.Project Goals and ObjectivesThe nonsubjective towards the following project was to initiate a object to upgrade Aon Corp network infrastructure alleviating latency issues fail improving the efficiency and flow of information across the network median. A current unstable network prolonged business egression capacity making it difficult for end users to utilize resources effectively. Without the substantial resources company issue was at a bottleneck. Breaking down the coatings and objectives for the following project was essential in providing a remedy to the issue, they are as follows knob essential receive a current system image snapshot-Survey of a workstation must be documented-Survey of a server must be documented-Microsoft Baseline Security tool must be run saving each workstation on with the server A inventoryd protocol see must be provided articulating expatiate for the client on boilers suit performance and network stability. Client must be advised of a flesh outed schematic for preventative measures along with upkeep Client must be given aninstructional manual for managing updates related to the operating system and antivirus software program Client must be given an estimate on productivity along with return of investmentIn launch to wassail the deliverables to the client a solid fundamental understanding of the clients requirements must be developed. Acquiring a background understanding is essential in order to understand the business process and what the client wants to achieve out of their network infrastructure. Without understanding the big picture the project would certainly fail.Pre-SurveyClientMeetingThe goal and objective here was to initiate a meeting wi th the client to discuss the business orientation and the process relations to their workstations. The clients company existence a gentility institution certain software was required in order for the dissolute to achieve their business goals. The applications required minimum system specs in order to run efficiently. During the former phase of the meeting the business ride and goals were discussed. Operational hours were taken into consideration as a set schedule was established for do the survey. As the meeting came to an end a survey schematic was brought to the clients attention in order to draw a bead on return on investment upon project completion (refer to Appendix 2). The success of the meeting was met and the first objective was double-dyed(a).Upon the completion of the survey the client was provided with an practicable plan laying out the details of the upgrade and preventative measures. However, the full execution impart be help outside the Capstone it will be th e key highlight to the success of the business goals.Network Security SurveyAs a prerequisite to the survey several spreadsheets having been compiled for capturing images of info (refer to Appendix 3 along with Appendix 4). The first document entitles end user computers and second focuses on servers. As for the MBSA scans for each workstation a buck drive was used to save the results. Prior to beginning the survey an update was brought to my attention from the client that others may be working on these end-user machines as well. Because of my failure to follow through during the phone meeting advising of the time schedule, I needed to contact theother administrators advising them of my presence. Fortunately, as I arrived at the designated project site in that location were many computers to survey. I began to survey the end-user machines non being surveyed. About 3 minutes elapsed for each workstation to survey running Microsoft Baseline Security (MBSA) took about 11 minutes.Unf ortunately, I have lose my goal of reaching the estimated number of computers being surveys as discussed in the preliminary meeting. The survey elapsed more time than I have predicted. On the other hand it was pleasant to know that the other administrators finished their function of the project just in time before I got to them. study the workstations went according to schedule, however, as I approached the servers several problems aroused. The list of crys the client provided did not contain the correct characters as I attempted to log into the country ascendency.The owner has left over(p) the building and was unable to achieve my goal with analyse the servers as planned thus leaving my network security survey incomplete. The following day the owner has been contacted and a scheduled return tittle-tattle was planned. As the domain ascendency was surveyed the security network part of the survey has been successfully completed. Despite the minor issues the survey went flawl ess I would have followed through with the client more efficiently if the same scenario would have retell itself. The desired goal has been achieved and a data image has been captured so the end upgrade can be finalized.Proposal rising slope PreparationThe upgrade proposal was designed to contain the following suggestions. Configuration of the Domain controllerConfiguration of the serverConfiguration of the workstationSuggestions for Malware/AntivirusReport for ROISecurity guide for the end-userTimeline of UpgradeAs premises defining the network configuration have been make. Unknowingly an assumption was made that the domain controller is established as the carelessness gateway, DNS and DHCP server. I came to understand that their infrastructure was split into four subnets. ISA server was in amidst theISP acting as NAT, DNS, DHCP, and RRAS server. Logically understanding that their domain controller was their default gateway, DHCP, and DNS server the services were contained on the internal network. Failing to understand the possibility of a network perimeter my assumptions were incorrect. Eventually I was able to complete each task item provided above a presentation with the client would finalize this portion of the project. The task was completed, however, not inwardly the desired timeframe. display ProposalAs the completion of the proposal has been achieved a client meeting has been scheduled. The agenda of the meeting is as follows1. Discussing survey results (network state)2. Hardware discussion / software suggestions3. Projected ROI and cost4. Questions5. Schedule implementationDespite the presentation unchangeable 2 hours it was a success. Proper planning along with a straight network survey were the predecessors leading to this success. The network survey went very unflustered and efficient. The proposal was straight to the point and meaningful for the client. As the following goal completed and the deliverables presented to the client project completion has been achieved. Due to the clients satisfactions with the deliverables the project has travel forward to the next portion of the upgrade phase.Project TimelineThe timeline of the project was compiled using a Gantt chart from the software Microsoft Office Project 2012. The project plan along with the details are listed in Figure B.As indicated in Figure B, the project time frame was evaluate to take 238 days. Several areas took time constraint. First the network survey as precedingly indicated where I failed to follow through with the client after the preliminary phase of the meeting. This resulted in the client scheduling students on campus on the same timeframe as the survey. Fortunately, therewere enough end-user computers to perform the survey. In time the remainder of the students have left the building freeing up those workstations as well.Forgetting to get a substantiation of the amount of workstations at the preliminary meeting indivertibly resulted in my un derestimation of the amount of time it would take to survey the total amount of workstations. The client password list for the domain controllers portrayed to be the only problem I have run into when performing the survey resulting in a setback. Because I have forgotten to request the following information from the client the survey was setback from the estimated time for completion resulting in a day setback. stash away the proposal was other task that was miscalculated. Fortunately, I was able to finalize the project in one day thus keeping the project within the constraints of the timeline. Client satisfaction was the ultimate goal as they were very grateful. It is expected that situations as such will not always go accordingly to plan however, without the clients support the project would not have gone as smooth. Planning a larger margin while taking a less aggressive attitude at the preliminary meeting would have avoided such issues.Project DevelopmentDuring the preliminary information of the following project, Aon corps network infrastructure was heading in an unknown direction pertaining to its stinting success. Instabilities in their security policy, workstations were exponentially getting slower each day. Students along with testers were losing hope in the integrity of the company. Their mindset was affecting performance along with business profit opportunities. The project I was assigned to revolve or so building a business by updating their network infrastructure to a level of efficiency. The concentration of the project focused on performing an upgrade solution that would provide this efficiency to the client. Original snapshots of the network were base in the upgrade proposal plan which was used to optimize the network.The best goal of the project was to implement a network infrastructure that would be secure. Just like all problems issues aroused during the progression of the project. Students were scheduled to be in the building at the tim e of the survey a work around was developed as I was able to hinder another classroom. Upon completion of the workstations I was able to come back to the studentsclassroom which was cleared. Rearranging the order of the computers that have been surveyed the issue was concealed. Another situation that derived during development happened when I discovered that the client has given me the incorrect domain controller password list which did not contain the server administrative passwords. The neglect of the following information would have definitely resulted in the project failing.Rescheduling the envision with the owner has alleviated this scenario. Unfortunately, because of the rescheduling the timeline has been pushed back preventing me from completing the project within the completion period. Anticipating that the network domain controller would be a configured as a default gateway. Assumptions were proven wrong and the configuration process to longstanding than expected. Due to an ISA server on the network perimeter changes to the configurations proposal had to be made. Creating an ROI report was another unanticipated event that was requested upon the client. Determining the fiscal cost was difficult when comparing the proposed and current network conditions. Consequently, changes had to be made to the customer question business survey to assist me in these calculations. Gracefully, the client was able to agree upon these terms.Actual and Potential EffectsMajority of the following section will focus on potential effects out-of-pocket to the project being a proposal. The project effects can be conceived by indicating that the client had a clear perspective towards the network infrastructure and how in its previous state it has manipulated business continuity. The client experienced the previous state and was provided with a schematic to the current stable state. Empowering the client with the details providing them with a clear understanding influenced t hem to take action thus ever-changing their network infrastructure to one that works efficiently. The potential positives to the following plan are as follows.Should the client comply with the proposal providing the solution to their network they will be rewarded with a network that is optimally configured. This will result in network operating efficiency and business processes will maintain its integrity. Less classroom interruptions will arouse related to workstation issues. Students taking tests will be less frustrated due to server crashes along with workstations. guestconfidence in Aon corp will increase. The potential of business growth will result from the following project. There will be an ease of urgency related to network related issues. The organization can now focus on its business model focusing on their clients. terminalThe capstone portrayed to be exciting yet challenging providing to be rewarding as well. In terms of goals and objectives I believe that it was succe ssful. Client satisfaction has been achieved as each goal and object has been delivered. The reason why it was so successful and effective is due to the methodical planning prior to the initiation of the project. The necessity of preparation along with the preliminary client meetings has given me the fundamental understand on how to start building the project. Building a plan has given me an effective tool to deliver the clients expectations.Attention to detail along with effective communication were advantage points that designed an effective proposal. The client was efficient in being proactive by understanding the problem at point and expressing their concerns. Together a proposed plan has been derived that would act as a roadmap to that optimal network infrastructure. Flexibility and client patience compete an important role during the hiccup moments of the project. The ability to determine alternative routes in an event of hitting a wall is essential to the success of any proj ect. As the project manager it was my pleasure to achieve the clients deliverables along with the satisfaction that they truly deserve.ReferencesKeystone Strategy, Inc Study (2005). Why IT Matters in Midsized Firms. Retrieved January 31, 2007 from http//www.keyinc.com/it_matters.shtml.Lowe, Scott (2004). Verify security settings on Windows XP using Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 1.2. Retrieved June 23, 2007 from http//articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5221961.html. Microsoft (2007). City of Stratford Brings Down the Curtain on its Legacy System with Server Upgrade. Retrieved June 23, 2007 fromhttp//www.microsoft.com/canada/casestudies/cityofstratford.mspx. Microsoft(2007). Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. Retrieved June 23, 2007 fromhttp//www.microsoft.com/technet/Security/tools/mbsahome.mspx. Microsoft (2007). Windows Vista Capable and Premium nominate PCs. Retrieved January 31, 2007 fromhttp//www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgr ade/capabl e.mspx.Sherman, Erik (2007). Investing in IT for a Competitive Edge. Retrieved January 31, 2007, fromhttp//www.microsoft.com/business/ urge/content/article.aspx?c Appendix 1 Capstone Competency hyaloplasmThe grad responds appropriately to diversity issues in the workplace. Implements an intuitive understanding of cultural and religious backgrounds open to opinions in an attempt to understand diverse perspectives within the organization. stop number Division Collegiate Level reason and Problem declaration The fine-tune analyzes open-ended problems by learning about the problem and evaluating the true statement and relevance of different Quality control is effective at determining common occurrences in issues therefore, updating rules/protocols alleviate the issue at point. Upper Division Collegiate Level Reasoning and Problem Solving The graduate recognizes the value of critical thinking in identifying and understanding the underlying structures of disciplines and professions. organisational issues are indifferent each day critical thinking along with brainstorming are essential in order to research a resolution to problematic issues. Upper Division Collegiate Level Reasoning and Problem Solving The graduate demonstrates effective presentational communication strategies in a given context. Applies trialand error to mimic the problem therefore applies extensive research in reaching a solution to the issue. The research along with the problem is then logged as evidence for future claims. phrase and CommunicationThe graduate applies foundational elements of effective communication Communicates effectively in a stressful environment providing attention to detail.Language and CommunicationThe graduate demonstrates effective presentational communication strategies in a given context. Evaluates graphical delegation software to determine a flaw or an instability in performance/security of the organization.SecurityThe graduate identifies and discusses basic conc epts of security and security threats, and recommends security procedures. Implements a secure environment for each individual client PC educating users on the importance of potential threats to network security.SecurityThe graduate identifies security needs and recommends appropriate security practices for network infrastructure. Educates staff on the importance of implementing sufficient tools and policies in an attempt to protect the integrity of data crucial to the organization infrastructure.