IT201 SNHU MelleniAds Software and Hardware Needs Worksheet How do you determine the specific hardware components needed to complete a task for a particula

IT201 SNHU MelleniAds Software and Hardware Needs Worksheet How do you determine the specific hardware components needed to complete a task for a particular type of business or organization? As you complete this milestone, recall the material discussed in the last milestone assignment.

The purpose of the milestone activities is to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. You will receive feedback from your instructor based on the rubric. Be sure to incorporate your instructor’s feedback into your final project.

Note that you will not require feedback on previous milestones to complete the next one. However, for your final project, you will need to incorporate all instructor feedback that you have received. Also note that you will cover most of the final project’s critical elements in the milestones, but there are two sections of the critical elements that you will not address until your final project submission in Module Seven.

Starting with the business needs identified, derive hardware requirements (ie: User X needs a mobile workstation = A business class laptop, with built-in storage of at least X GB, and a cell-radio, etc..). Then, for each requirement provide at least 2 possible solutions and compare and contrast then, remember COST is a determining factor, so consider price vs performance within the context of the requirement identified. For example, the table below is a good way to organize you findings, but feel free to use your own format:

Need

Option 1

Option 2

Recommendation

Qty

Total Price

Mobile workstation for remote employees

Microsoft surface Pro 6:

$900

-Windows 10

-128 GB storage

-8 GB RAM

-etc.

-etc.

Apple iPad Pro:

$999

-Apple iOS 12

-64 GB Storage

-etc.

-etc

Surface Pro 6

2

$1998

Desktop with Discrete Gfx Card

HP Desktop X:

-etc.

-etc.

Dell Desktop Y:

-etc.

-etc.

?

2

$—-?

..and so on

Notice that the Table above includes unit price, Qty, and total price; it is critical to always consider the budget.

Overview: Basic knowledge of computers is practically essential for productively engaging in twenty-first-century life. Working knowledge of computer platform technologies impacts everyone from help desk personnel and field technicians to project managers and business executives. In order to make sound business decisions, one must have the ability to analyze business needs and compare available computer technology options for effectively meeting those needs. Scenario: You have been hired as an IT consultant by an entrepreneur starting a small advertising company called MilleniAds. As a start-up, your client’s company is relatively small and has a limited budget. There are only 10 employees, including a few creative directors, graphic designers, sales staff, a financial accountant, and an office administrator, with the entrepreneur acting as CEO. The current IT budget cannot exceed $25,000 and ideally should come in as far under that number as possible. MilleniAds will produce customized sales flyers, brochures, and other branded items, such as letterhead and business cards, that apply a youthful, fresh perspective targeting millennial demographics. Therefore, the company needs the ability to store and manipulate digital images and to produce physical copies of their products for their clients. The CEO wants to keep track of inventory, sales, and expenses digitally, but she does not anticipate having very complex records for the first year. She projects having only a dozen or so accounts but hopes to scale up in the coming years. It would be ideal to have a simple and user-friendly system for sharing information and files between employees. Many of the employees are millennials themselves who have indicated that their current desktop PCs are limiting their capabilities and that they prefer using their phones and other mobile devices for their professional and personal responsibilities. Two of the 10 employees will operate primarily outside of the office, soliciting business from regional firms, and they will need to access company information while on the road, in their home offices, and at customer sites. Beyond the specific information given above, you have the ability to fill in the gaps with assumptions or additional details that will make your final project unique and meaningful to you. If you have any questions, reach out to your instructor for guidance. Prompt: Given the scenario above, what are the best hardware, software, networking, and information security options for addressing your client’s business needs? Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: II. Hardware Components A. Examine the business’s issues to determine specific hardware requirements. Based on these issues, what are the major categories and components of hardware that should be considered? Identify each of the applicable requirements (hard drive storage, video cards, etc.), being sure to cite specific examples wherever appropriate. B. Then, compare and contrast the various options for meeting the requirements. Be sure to cite specific evidence from the component specification fact sheets to support your evaluation. What are their functional strengths and weaknesses? How do they compare in terms of cost and maintainability? C. Compose a final list detailing all of your specific hardware recommendations for your client. Be sure to logically justify your proposal as the best possible choice for meeting the business requirements.