Understanding Small Business Network Needs For this assignment, we are exploring the unique needs of micro - and small businesses. To begin, you are going to create a purchasing budget for a traditional network configuration. Then, you are going to go shopping again to find a cost for similar needs, but only through as many hosted / cloud services as possible to match the services supplied through equipment purchased to be onsite.

Part 1 - Traditional Network

Create a small business network for an independent retail store or restaurant. They are looking for a company to give them a cost for equipment and software purchases.

Find pricing for:

1 Server (Design for RAID storage, 5 Users licenses, Data Backup, 8 GB of RAM min, Microsoft Server 2012 R2 Essentials, and Microsoft Exchange)

3 PCs with Monitor, included antivirus software solutions and backup solution for data stored on PC hard drive, Microsoft Office 2013 Home & Business version.

Network Router and Firewall with Wireless (802.11n)

Assume wiring and other infrastructure is already in place.

Accounting Software: Quickbooks Pro

The business wants to pump music into area where customers are, what solutions can you find for this?

At this time, you are are not going to price this out, but a consultant would also be concerned with broadband connectivity, telephone service and even possibly a telephone system.

Part 2 - Cloud Solution

Take previous budget and compare it to what you can do when you outsource services to a hosted / cloud environment. Put these services in the Hosting Budget - include initial price and then on-going yearly cost. If cloud service not available, what alternate solutions can you use if you avoid purchasing a traditional server? Some of the costs and/or equipment may be the same from the first budget.

1. File Storage and Backup 2. Email Services 3. Website Hosting 4. Accounting Software 5. PC solutions (3) 6. Antivirus 7. Office Productivity Software (i.e. Microsoft Office) 8. Wireless Router

Which solution would you recommend (Traditional Network vs. Cloud Solution) and why?

I know that this is out of the comfort zone for some, but work with what you know, and see what you can come up with. I have opened up the Forum for this project for you to be able to share ideas with classmates. --You must use online sources only (no books). --number of sources: as you need, there is no specific number, but it should be more than 10