1. Jesse wants me to recommend a vendor who offers an ERP strategy. I need to review the SAP and Oracle Web sites, and at least two others that offer ERP solutions, and reply to her with the results and the reasons for my recommendations.
2. Visit SCR's data library to review SCR's network configuration and then send Jesse a recommendation for the TIMS system architecture. She wants me to suggest an overall client/server design, number of tiers, and network topology. She also asked me to comment on these issues: legacy data, Web-centricity, scalability, security, and batch processing that might be needed. Jesse said it was OK to make reasonable assumptions in my proposal to her.
Now you can visit the SAP and Oracle sites, then do an Internet search for other ERP solutions. You should read about Internet search tools and techniques in Part 5 of the Systems Analyst's Toolkit.
In Task 2 you have to make a comprehensive recommendation for a system architecture. A reminder: it is perfectly OK to make any reasonable assumptions you need to make when you develop the proposal. This will be a challenge, but I know you can do it.
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Data library
We are nearing the end of the systems design phase for the TIMS system. The next step is to plan the system architecture that will include hardware, software, network support, and processing methods.
Before you begin this task, I would like you to review the SAP and Oracle Web sites and any others that offer ERP solutions. We need to consider an ERP strategy, and I want your input on this issue. In thinking about TIMS, remember that we'll have to link to legacy accounting applications. Also, I hear that the Executive Committee is talking about opening three branch offices, so take that into consideration, too.
One of your first tasks should be to visit the SCR data library and review the design of the current SCR network. We currently use a client/server design with an IBM AS/400 at our headquarters location. When we implement TIMS, we will need to select a network model, which can be based on our existing topology (which is a combination of several designs that evolved over the years), or propose a new design. Either way, please include a rough sketch and an explanation of your proposal.
Also, here are some more ground rules: I would like to see a recommendation for an overall client/server design, including the number of tiers. When you work on this task, please comment on these issues: legacy data, Web-centricity, scalability, security, and batch processing that might be needed.
By the way, it is okay to make reasonable assumptions as you work on this task. Don't worry about the final details - this is only an initial proposal, and it is sure to modified. You can use your imagination, so long as you state your assumptions. The main thing is to use a checklist, as we discussed, and consider all the main issues. For each item, make a list of any additional questions you have and areas where you feel that you need more information. Also feel free to do research on the Internet or IT industry publications.
Try to have a draft for me by the end of the week so I can review it over the weekend. That will give us about 10 days to prepare for the next presentation.
Thanks.