ASSESSING A PROPOSAL FOR A NETWORK CONFIGURATION WITH MICROSOFT WINDOWS NT SERVERS AND CLIENT MACHINES WITH A VARIETY OF OPERATING SYSTEMS
Introduction ........................................ 2
Analysis Methodology ................................ 3
Analysis of Issues .................................. 4
Support Issues ................................... 5
Security Issues .................................. 7
Data Sharing Issues .............................. 7
Cost Issues ...................................... 8
Networking Issues ................................ 9
Training Issues .................................. 11
Standardization Issues ........................... 12
Impact of the Changeover ......................... 12
Temporary Lack of Functionality .................. 14
Problems Likely to Occur That Demand Solutions ... 14
Implementation Plan ................................. 15
Training Costs ...................................... 15
Cost-Benefit Considerations ......................... 15
Conclusions ......................................... 17
Works Cited ......................................... 19
An important client group within the company has requested that the Information Technology (IT) Department give consideration to a proposal to shift from a single-operating system configuration for the companyÆs local area network (LAN) to a multi-operating system configuration for the network. At present the configuration of the companyÆs network includes (a) Microsoft Windows-based servers, (b) Microsoft Windows-based work stations, and (c) Microsoft Windows 98-based desk tops. The proposal is to change the work stations for graphic arts personnel to (a) Sun Solaris-based work stations, (b) Apple Macintosh-based desk tops, or (c) some combination of the two alternatives. The remaining network clients in t...