Assignment Question

Before an IT professional or IT department recommends the use of a specific operating system and version, an assessment of the organization’s needs must be done. Every organization, and even different departments within the same organization, will have different needs and requirements. Users within a department might need access to specific software that other users do not. The same might be true for hardware. Some users might need access to a specific server, fax machine, or printer. For this week’s discussion: Review the three scenarios from the perspective of a systems architect. Write your initial post about one of the scenarios. Respond to at least two of your peers. Scenario 1: You work for a small software company with four different departments, including Marketing, IT and Business Operations, Product Development, and Customer Support. Marketing currently has its employees use iMovie and Keynote to create their marketing materials and external presentations; there is no intention to change products since they have built their departmental standards around using that software. The IT and Business Operations department needs to use MS Visio to create system diagrams and flowcharts. This department, as well as Product Development, needs access to project management software such as Jira or Asana. Lastly, Customer Support uses a customer relationship management (CRM) program that has been supported by Windows 7 in the past. Scenario 2: You work for a large organization with 15 departments. A new leadership initiative to centralize systems includes requiring all employees to use the same OS and computers. Currently, some departments use Windows and others use macOS; some desktops within those departments have Linux-based systems. It has been discovered that some departments are still operating older OS versions, which has negatively impacted their productivity. For customer-facing departments, the SalesForce CRM is being implemented. Implementation of this CRM is what encouraged the leadership team to start a centralized initiative to have more systems connect to that CRM. Scenario 3: You are working for a major publishing company in the U.S. that has recently merged with a smaller company in the U.K. You have uncovered information that the smaller company’s desktop equipment and installed operating system have not been upgraded in a very long time. The editing department has 10 desktops that are still using Windows XP, and two desktops in the graphic design department are currently running the Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, released in 2012. Due to the nature of the organization, these software applications have been proficient in creating newsletters and e-books, and in designing print on demand for self-publishing. All desktop equipment and operating software will need to be audited and mitigated to reflect the system architecture and security model for the parent company. In your initial post, address the following: Make an OS recommendation based on your chosen scenario and provide a strong rationale. Answer the following questions: Given what is described in the scenario, what OS and version do you recommend be implemented? Should more than one kind of OS be implemented? If so, which ones? What are software and hardware requirements that support your decision? What else helped you make the decision to recommend specific OSes? If you had some difficulty making a recommendation, discuss what additional information you would need to make a well-informed decision. If you make assumptions beyond the information in the scenario that you’ve chosen, make sure you state them in your initial post. In response to two of your peers, address the following: Continue the discussion by adding to the conversation. Discuss whether you would have made the same OS decisions given the selected scenario. You can also add reasons to support your peers’ decisions that were not discussed in the initial post. Then describe some scenarios where the newest version of an OS cannot be utilized in an environment. Why and how is that the case? How can this be mitigated?

Answer

Introduction

Before recommending an operating system (OS) and version for an organization, a comprehensive assessment of its specific needs and requirements is essential. In this essay, we will delve into three distinct scenarios and provide OS recommendations based on their individual demands. Additionally, we will address the challenges associated with implementing the latest OS versions in particular environments and propose potential solutions.

Scenario 1: Small Software Company

In this scenario, a small software company with four departments has varying software and hardware needs. The Marketing department heavily relies on iMovie and Keynote for creating marketing materials and external presentations, and there is no intention to change products since they have built their departmental standards around using that software. Meanwhile, the IT and Business Operations department needs to use MS Visio for creating system diagrams and flowcharts. Additionally, both the Product Development and Customer Support departments require project management software, such as Jira or Asana, to streamline their operations. Lastly, the Customer Support department relies on a customer relationship management (CRM) program that has been supported by Windows 7 in the past.

Recommendation:

Given the diverse requirements across departments, it is prudent to implement multiple OS options to accommodate their specific needs effectively. For the Marketing department, retaining macOS is essential due to its seamless compatibility with iMovie and Keynote, ensuring a smooth continuation of their creative processes. However, for the IT and Business Operations department, a migration to Windows 10 is recommended, as it fully supports MS Visio, enhancing their ability to create system diagrams and flowcharts with ease. As for the Product Development and Customer Support departments, adopting a virtualization solution, such as VMware, is advantageous. This approach enables them to run Windows 7 alongside the necessary CRM software on macOS or Linux-based systems, ensuring compatibility without the need for a complete OS change.

Hardware Requirements:

To align with the recommended OS options, hardware upgrades are essential. These upgrades should address specifications such as CPU, RAM, and storage, ensuring that the existing hardware can fully support the chosen operating systems (Brown, 2019). In some cases, a mix of macOS-compatible and Windows-compatible hardware may be required to meet the diverse needs of different departments effectively.

Reasoning:

The recommendation to implement multiple OS options is grounded in the fundamental principle of aligning the chosen operating systems with the specific needs of each department. By doing so, it minimizes disruption to existing workflows and maximizes productivity. For instance, retaining macOS for the Marketing department allows them to continue using familiar software, reducing the learning curve and preserving efficiency. Simultaneously, the migration to Windows 10 for the IT and Business Operations department optimizes their ability to create system diagrams and flowcharts, enhancing their productivity. Lastly, adopting virtualization for the Product Development and Customer Support departments offers the flexibility to maintain compatibility with Windows 7 and the required CRM software, without necessitating a complete overhaul of the operating system (Johnson, 2020). This approach ensures that departmental needs are met while providing the necessary flexibility for future software and hardware adjustments as the organization evolves.

Scenario 2: Large Organization

Within this scenario, a significant large-scale organization encompassing 15 diverse departments is embarking on a strategic journey to centralize its intricate system infrastructure. Presently, the organization confronts a substantial challenge as it operates with a heterogeneous mix of operating systems, spanning across Windows, macOS, and Linux, which has posed a substantial detriment to overall productivity levels. Notably, the organization is on the brink of introducing Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to empower its customer-facing departments.

Recommendation:

In light of these circumstances, it is judicious and imperative to advocate for the pivotal shift towards standardization onto a singular operating system (OS). In this context, Windows 10 emerges as the most apt and compelling choice, primarily due to its ubiquitous prevalence and inherent compatibility with the forthcoming Salesforce CRM platform.

Hardware Requirements:

In tandem with this strategic OS shift, a meticulous assessment of the existing hardware landscape is paramount. This hardware evaluation aims to discern the readiness of current assets for the seamless integration of Windows 10 (White, 2021). Subsequently, based on the assessment outcomes, requisite hardware upgrades may need to be orchestrated, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance alignment.

Reasoning:

The rationale behind this strategic recommendation is profoundly rooted in the pursuit of operational streamlining and fortified security frameworks (White, 2021). By unifying the organization under the Windows 10 OS umbrella, a harmonious ecosystem of software and hardware can be cultivated, greatly simplifying management complexities. Moreover, this standardization facilitates the integration of Salesforce CRM, thereby fostering a synergistic environment that augments the efficiency and effectiveness of customer-facing operations.

Scenario 3: Publishing Company Merger

In this complex scenario, a major U.S. publishing company undergoes a transformative merger with a smaller U.K. counterpart. It is imperative to highlight that the U.K. company’s desktop equipment and installed operating systems have remained static, frozen in time, with no significant upgrades for a considerable duration. The editing department relies on a fleet of 10 desktops still powered by the venerable Windows XP, while the graphic design department perseveres with two Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion systems, a relic of 2012 vintage. It’s essential to recognize that these antiquated software applications play a pivotal role in the creation of newsletters, e-books, and the intricate design of print-on-demand materials tailored for the burgeoning self-publishing market.

Recommendation:

Given the stark obsolescence of the existing systems, it is unequivocally evident that a comprehensive overhaul is not merely advisable but imperative. The prescription for this scenario is the implementation of the modern, robust, and versatile Windows 10 operating system throughout all organizational departments.

Hardware Requirements:

To seamlessly usher in the era of Windows 10, a fundamental transformation of the existing desktop infrastructure is non-negotiable. This entails the phasing out and replacement of all existing desktops with contemporary hardware meticulously configured to meet the stringent requirements of Windows 10 (Smith, 2018).

Reasoning:

The rationale underpinning this recommendation stems from Windows 10’s multifaceted advantages. Chief among these is its provision of enhanced security protocols and robust compatibility features. This decision aligns harmoniously with the overarching architectural and security model of the parent company, thereby forming an impervious bulwark to safeguard the integrity and continuity of critical publishing tasks, ensuring they remain unencumbered by the constraints of outdated technology.

Challenges of Implementing Newer OS Versions

Implementing the latest OS versions in certain environments can be challenging due to several critical factors that organizations must address during the transition process:

1. Compatibility Issues with Legacy Software: One of the foremost challenges is ensuring that older, legacy software applications remain functional on the new OS. This compatibility issue can disrupt workflow and productivity (Smith, 2018).
2. Hardware Constraints: Upgrading to a newer OS often demands more robust hardware to deliver optimal performance. Existing hardware may fall short of the requirements, necessitating additional investments (White, 2021).
3. Retraining Staff: Staff members who are accustomed to older OS versions may require retraining to effectively navigate and utilize the features of the new OS (Brown, 2019).

Mitigation Strategies:

To address these multifaceted challenges, organizations can consider adopting the following strategic approaches:

• Compatibility Modes: Implement compatibility modes or virtualization solutions to enable legacy software to run seamlessly on the new OS (Johnson, 2020). This allows organizations to maintain critical legacy applications while migrating to a more modern OS.
• Gradual Transition: Opt for a phased approach by gradually phasing out older systems over time (Smith, 2018). Simultaneously, provide comprehensive training and support to staff members adapting to the new OS. This gradual transition minimizes disruptions and helps staff acclimate to the changes at their own pace.
• Hardware Upgrades: Invest in necessary hardware upgrades to ensure that systems meet the requirements of the latest OS (White, 2021). Upgraded hardware can significantly enhance system performance, making the transition smoother and more efficient.
• Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot tests to identify and address potential issues before executing a full-scale migration (Brown, 2019). This allows organizations to assess the compatibility of existing software and hardware with the new OS version, mitigating unforeseen challenges during the transition.

Conclusion

Selecting the right operating system for an organization is crucial to meet its unique needs. In the scenarios presented, tailored recommendations were made to align with departmental requirements. Additionally, we discussed the challenges of implementing the newest OS versions and proposed mitigation strategies to facilitate a smooth transition. Assessing organizational needs and planning accordingly is the key to a successful OS deployment.

References

Brown, A. (2019). Challenges of OS Migration: Strategies for Success. Technology Review, 12(2), 67-82.

Johnson, M. (2020). The Role of Virtualization in OS Management. IT Trends, 25(1), 112-125.

Smith, J. (2018). Operating System Selection in Modern Organizations. IT Journal, 32(4), 45-58.

White, S. (2021). Standardization in IT: Benefits and Considerations. Journal of Information Systems, 38(3), 18-30.

FAQ: Operating System Recommendations for Diverse Organizational Needs

1. Why is it important to assess an organization’s needs before recommending an operating system (OS)?

• Assessing an organization’s needs is essential because different departments and tasks may require specific software and hardware compatibility. A tailored OS recommendation ensures that the technology aligns with the workflow, improving efficiency and productivity.

2. In Scenario 1, why was it recommended to implement multiple OS options in the small software company?

• Multiple OS options were recommended to accommodate the unique requirements of each department. For instance, retaining macOS for Marketing ensures compatibility with iMovie and Keynote, while migrating IT and Business Operations to Windows 10 supports MS Visio usage.

3. In Scenario 2, why was standardizing on a single OS (Windows 10) recommended for the large organization?

• Standardizing on a single OS simplifies management, enhances security, and promotes uniformity across the organization. This approach also facilitates the integration of essential tools like Salesforce CRM, improving customer-facing operations.

4. What were the reasons for recommending Windows 10 in Scenario 3 for the publishing company merger?

• Windows 10 was recommended due to its enhanced security and compatibility with modern software. This choice aligns with the parent company’s architecture and security model, which is crucial for safeguarding critical publishing tasks.

5. What are the challenges of implementing newer OS versions in organizations?

• Challenges can include compatibility issues with legacy software, hardware constraints, and the need to retrain staff. These challenges can disrupt workflows and require careful planning to mitigate.