Doc1-BusinessCaseScenario.docx

Business Case Exercise

EMAIL: From Ken Mulchahey – Chief Information Officer
To: YOU
Ref: New Servers

The desktop systems are running on a WinXP architecture and have 4 GB of RAM or less and only have 120GB Hard drive storage. These older systems are slowing down the entire operation of the business as multiple departments are complaining the connection to our servers is either hampered by these slow desktops or they cannot connect at all. This will slow down production, manufacturing, software development, and logistics. This slow down is impacting our business strategy by increasing costs which we have to pass on to our customers.
New computers may be needed, but other options such as using thin clients or starting a bring your own device (BYOD). A Thin client is a server-based environment and the desktop is just a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. There are some issues with using a thin client, we would have to purchase new servers and some departments need access to USB and DVD drives. There are security concerns with a BYOD and we will have to run regular security scans, deal with multiple operating systems, and manufacturer updates, it may be an IT nightmare if not handled right.

If we do go with new computers we will need to ensure they have at least an i7 processor with a minimum of 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Laptops may be a good portable option to look at. We have 1500 employees and we need an extra 10% of the computers to cover any new employees and bad systems. However, we must stay within a budget of $1.7million the first year and a total of $10.5million over 4 years. We will need to prove a Return on Investment of at least .64 or 64%. There will be multiple risks, such as hardware arriving on time, security, software compatibility, data transfer to the computers are a few of the risks, but there may be more, I am sure you will add to this list.
New computers will cause some changes to restrict the administrative privileges to each machine, the software will need may have to incorporate financial and personal health information data. Currently, the company does not have a project manager to run this project and we should hire one.
I have already reached out to the various departments to gather their requirements for this project, see their email responses attached. You will need to figure out if we can comply with each of their requests.

NOTE: The TCO and financial benefits have been provided for you in this exercise.

EMAIL: From: Patty O’furniture – Accounting
To: CIO Mulchahey
Ref: New Servers

Hi Ken,
Great! It is about time we updated our computers. My financial analyst here in accounting have been having trouble with their systems locking up because the system is just too old. We need to have our at least 32GB of RAM handle the financial data processes. Our systems will stay in the office and do not need to be mobile at all. Also, please know that we have to remain compliant with Sarsbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

EMAIL: From: Bill B. Baggins – Operations
To: CIO Mulchahey
Ref: New Servers

Hey Ken,
Thanks for including us in providing information about the Computers. We are in desperate need of several items. Our inventory database software has been running using 2TB external hard drives because the software has a large footprint, 16GB of RAM is fine for us. Because we are introducing two new products next year, I can see our database growing to at least 20TB just for Operations alone. With these two new products we are going to need a DVD drive to load the Computer Aided Design (CAD) specifications from our supplier, who send them on DVDs.
I was also thinking if we can get our own sever, we could build a mini-internal network where we can work on the robotics program for the manufacturing floor without bothering any other systems. I know the senior leadership has not approved this program, but if you could give me the server it would go a long way in convincing them. I know it would be costly up front because we would have to spend about $500,000 to get the additional server but even if we did not use it for the robotics program you could use the server for future growth.

EMAIL: From Payton Plase – Product Management
To: CIO Mulchahey
Ref: New Servers

Mr. Mulchahey,
Product Management just needs to ensure access to SaleForce and Office 365 products are not impeded in any way. The last time IT upgraded it was a disaster and Product Management cannot function without our tools. I am sure you will do EVERYTHING required of your position to make sure your people do not mess up our section.
On another note, we are going to be adding ten outside contractors to assist with our marketing plan for to expand into Europe. They will be starting soon and will need computers. They are going to be located off site and will need a mobile solution. Five in the U.S. and the five two in Europe. I am sure you will have to provide them with your silly security access protocols to our servers so they can only access Product Management’s material. I know you will get them set up as fast as you can so we can move forward with Product Management’s work as we keep this company successful.
If you have any questions please forward them onto my secretary.

Email: From Ty Tannick – Human Resources
Ken,
I know this project has been brought up to the Senior Management Level a few times. Each time I have voted against it. The funds used for this project could be better spent on pay raises and recruiting new employees. Just know that if you are able to get this approved, whatever system you add must comply with the HIPPA regulations as many of our employee’s medical records are on our current computers we have now, which, in my opinion are just fine.