Upgrading server 2003 to server 2008 - Research Paper Example

? Full Paper Contents Contents 2 Introduction 4 2 Why Manage Information? 5 3 Previous Works 6 4 Project Deliverables 8 5 Cost: 13 6 Windows Server 2008 15 1 Introduction The examination of data was based on its quality in order to portray real world scenarios to an extent. The system was efficient in demonstrating basic information related to the popular transport modes that were popular among specific genders. For instance, the tube was popular for males along with thirteen men using the tube but they were most popular for females with twenty-two women using the tube. However, to adopt real world scenarios, detailed inputs were required. For instance, weather forecast information, travelling of someone from somewhere etc. As people were usually late to reach to destination for many different reasons, a data check box in the system indicating reasons to select will facilitate the management to analyze reasons of late comers and absentees. Even though, travel notes can still allow selecting a reason that may be incomplete or incoherent. One more phase that affected the authenticity of data capturing techniques was the size of the sample. The information system is limited to number of people who are participating in Friday classes. The constrained is 18 students in the space of five weeks and the sample will only able to examine sample quantity of 18 students. However, it is a fact that increase sample size will result in better results. As results in figure 4, illustrated in appendices, displays that most of the people utilized tube indicating the most popular transport method with a large sample size. In this case, data can be examined thoroughly. However, if the sample size is large along with maximum time, the sample may include many students as well as the one who live nearby. This will facilitate a comprehensive creation and thought on results, making them a balanced collection of data. 2 Why Manage Information? Today’s organisations are constantly striving to achieve integration of their systems to allow information to flow freely through support strategies, decision making and processes and operations, adding greater flexibility and business support than any individual roles (O'Brien,2009). Reduced information management may lead to a creation of misinformation samples that may facilitate managers to make bad decisions along with portraying negative outcomes. The current system does not reflect extra data inputs for example attendance along with arrival time and weather forecast etc. Somehow, if a student comes late due to a bad weather, the system will not support this real world factor separately from the section named as ‘travel comments’. This is a classic example of recording unrealistic information in an information system that is not authentic. The most relevant information is constructed on weather versus travel mode. Moreover, the figure is also demonstrating the popularity of the travel method ‘tube’ that is safe in poor weather conditions. An addition to the system that similar to the tube is train. Group of people, who travelled on tubes, also travelled on trains. This is a conflict of the travel method ‘train’, as the train and tube shares different characteristics, resulting in providing inappropriate information. 2.1 Analysis As figure four, in appendix, displays the travel mode that is utilized in the majority by the consumers. The first option was the tube, next option is bus followed by a walk. This logical representation of knowledge concludes the most popular method amongst consumers. Moreover, research can be conducted in the same logical pattern to examine and discover appropriate information related to the transport mode popularity in different age groups. Data input method can be constructed in order to find out the reason of not using certain transport modes. In order to provide information that may facilitate decisions, Decision support Systems are the best choice, as they can provide information related to cost, profitability forecast and a detailed overview of the issue highlighting primary concerns on transport modes of ‘x’ indicating age and ‘y’ indicating location. For instance, tube is the most popular mode of transport among most of the group of people; DSS can facilitate to construct a scheme that may provide discounts to students for increased profitability. Time integration will guarantee the time on inputs facilitating through analysis of queries. JAD members and transport users consisting of a base of stakeholders, there is a requirement of consistent information flow between TPS, DSS and MIS. The information flow is vital, as the system need contribution of stakeholders in order to make an efficient system. The information gathered in the process must ensure a provision of appropriate and valuable data to the stakeholders, as they may access the system. 3 Previous Works Organizations rely heavily on information systems for automating business processes for operational efficiency and competitive advantage. Lot of research has been conducted on information system management and these systems are categorized generally as: The transaction processing system (TPS) is categorized at the operational level of the organization. In order to contribute with the organization’s competitive advantage a common example in a typical operational accounting system would be a payroll system and an entry order system. Moreover, for e-commerce functions, transactions processing system cal be referred as online transaction processing system and can contribute to the organization’s competitive advantage by data entry , transaction processing, maintaining a database, report generation and inquiry processing. The Management information system (MIS) is tailored for management functions as it demonstrates clear objectives to make sure that the MIS prioritize its focus on the core business process of an organization. The system focuses on the goals and objectives of the organization and at the same time, it detects factors and reasons for failures. Unique from other systems, MIS recognize human interactions and consider the human behavior factors in the processes of management. Moreover, the system identifies information coming from different sources along with objectives, enabling the system to categorize the information for efficient use. The user- friendly interface provides an easy user interface for employees, increasing efficiency of management process. Furthermore, the MIS contribute for organization’s critical success factors by creating information support to the managers. The priority is the mission critical application that facilitates the requirements of top management. Decision support system (DSS) facilitates a decision making process related to business managers and business analyst. As the managers and business analyst, need adequate data on a regular basis in order to make every day business decision, DSS can enhance and speed up this process of decision-making, resulting in overall efficiency in terms of organization’s performance. The DSS provides the required information for decision making to the employees. For instance, for a process of ordering inventory, an employee receives a report that demonstrates the items and those items as well that are at the re order level. DSS facilitates this process by signifying a re-order level quantity meeting demands based on the history of sales. These factors provide a competitive advantage Executive information system (EIS) supports business with competitive advantages due to the following factors: Advanced Communication within the organizational structure Ability to specify historic trends related to decisions Enhances executive processes and efficiency Less time required for meetings Improved mental models for executives 4 Project Deliverables 4.1 Proposed Network Health First Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization that wants to upgrade its application infrastructure by upgrading Microsoft Server 2003 to Microsoft Server 2008. The purpose is to ensure efficiency for automated processes and to make the environment paperless. Previously, token ring network was operational. Systems specifications were also incorporated with Pentium 4 processors. Moreover, network devices incorporate hubs and the hospital has seven departments in total. We will discuss step by step procedure for deploying new network requirements. 4.2 Topology / Cabling We will apply star topology. As the network design will follow a centralized server / client architecture. For implementing this network, “CAT 5” cable is used. The length required for each switch depends on the distance and the location of the router. Wikipedia defines it as “Category 5 cable includes twisted pairs in a single cable jacket. This use of lines helps preserve a high signal-to-noise ratio despite interference from both external sources and other pairs (this latter form of interference is called crosstalk). It is most commonly used for 100 Mbit/s networks” (Category 5 cable.2007). 4.3 Workstations The minimum hardware specification of the workstations: System specification Processor Intel Dual Core E5400 2.7GHZ (2MB cache – 800MHZ FSB) Motherboard Intel DG41RQ (LGA775-SND+AGP+GIGA LAN-800MHZ FSB) Memory 1GB DDRII (800 Bus) Hard drive 320GB 3.5" SATA-II 7200RPM Optical drive DVD Drive 16 X Chassis Thermal HT Support 4.4 Network devices Network devices are the objects for any network. The network functionality relies on the network devices .The dependability of the network devices emphasizes on the requirements of the organization. For example, organization dealing with 3D animation and rich media may require a Gigabit Ethernet rather than Fast Ethernet. This is because the sub ordinates share the animated data among themselves for various purposes. The 3D animation contents are large in volume and require gigabit Ethernet for moving files at a high speed within the network. 4.5 Switch Implementation Fast Ethernet switches will be implemented instead of hubs. Switches are more powerful and intuitive as compared to hubs. There are 6 departments excluding the board room. Six fast Ethernet 10/100 switches will be installed in each department. The switches will be connecting to the router. 4.6 Router Implementation Routers are implemented on a Wide Area Network (WAN) as well as on the Local Area Network (LAN). There are six switches in each department. For eliminating the unnecessary broadcast within a LAN domain, ACL can be configured to minimize the unwanted broadcast from each network node. Access rights and permissions can also be configured for restricting the user at certain level. 4.7 Access Control List (ACL) ACL can be configured for restricting and allowing the access of any network resource to the specific user or group of users. In HHF, board room required access to all the network resources. In this case, the user available in the board room is permitted to access to all the resources of the network. 4.8 Network Server The network server can be a domain controller, firewall or Windows NT server. The requirement of the network server will emphasize on the requirements of the network. Network containing 62 network nodes may require a domain controller for the administration of user accounts and permissions. 4.9 HHF Network Model Figure 2.1 4.10 IP Addressing Scheme IP version 4 scheme is best suited and cost effective for LAN implementation. The IP v6 required a high budget as the network devices supporting IP v6 are expensive, equipped with the latest technology as compared to the IP v4 Network devices. We have: Total Number of hosts = 62 IP Addresses range: 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.255 Total Usable IP addresses: 192.168.0.3 to 192.168.0.254 = 252 Gateway IP address: 192.168.0.1 Router IP Address: 192.168.0.2 VLAN can be implemented on “layer 3” switches to provide different IP addresses for each department. 4.11 Allocation of Network and Host 192.168.0.1 The blue digits represent the network part. The brown digits represent the Host part. 4.12 Splitting up of IP Address Class Range Network Address Host Address A 0-127 xxx xxx.xxx.xxx B 128-191 xxx.xxx xxx.xxx C 192-223 xxx.xxx.xxx Xxx Figure 3.3 In Figure 3.3, the range is specifying the class of the IP address. The network and host addresses are showing the available bytes for allocation. 5 Cost: The cost is calculated separately for each department. The cost includes, network devices, Workstations and Operating system software. 5.1 Administration Department System specification and cost including Windows Vista Processor Intel Dual Core E5400 2.7GHZ (2MB cache – 800MHZ FSB) Motherboard Intel DG41RQ (LGA775-SND+AGP+GIGA LAN-800MHZ FSB) Memory 1GB DDRII (800 Bus) Hard drive 320GB 3.5" SATA-II 7200RPM Optical drive HP DVDRW 24X SATA Chassis Thermal HT Support Total cost of workstations 300 x 18 = $5400 Network device Specification and cost Network switch $100 Total cost of network $100 Grand total cost $5500 5.2 Human resources System specification and cost including Windows Vista Processor Intel Dual Core E5400 2.7GHZ (2MB cache – 800MHZ FSB) Motherboard Intel DG41RQ (LGA775-SND+AGP+GIGA LAN-800MHZ FSB) Memory 1GB DDRII (800 Bus) Hard drive 320GB 3.5" SATA-II 7200RPM Optical drive HP DVDRW 24X SATA Chassis Thermal HT Support Total cost of workstations 300 x 9 = $2700 Network device Specification and cost Network switch 1 x 100 = $100 Total cost of network $100 Grand total cost $2800 5.3 Accounting System specification and cost including Windows Vista Processor Intel Dual Core E5400 2.7GHZ (2MB cache – 800MHZ FSB) Motherboard Intel DG41RQ (LGA775-SND+AGP+GIGA LAN-800MHZ FSB) Memory 1GB DDRII (800 Bus) Hard drive 320GB 3.5" SATA-II 7200RPM Optical drive HP DVDRW 24X SATA Chassis Thermal HT Support Total cost of workstations 300 x 13 = $3900 Network device Specification and cost Network switch 1 x 100 = $100 Total cost of network $100 Grand total cost $4000 5.4 Media Relations System specification and cost including Windows Vista Processor Intel Dual Core E5400 2.7GHZ (2MB cache – 800MHZ FSB) Motherboard Intel DG41RQ (LGA775-SND+AGP+GIGA LAN-800MHZ FSB) Memory 1GB DDRII (800 Bus) Hard drive 320GB 3.5" SATA-II 7200RPM Optical drive HP DVDRW 24X SATA Chassis Thermal HT Support Total cost of workstations 300 x 4 = $1,200 Network device Specification and cost Network switch 1 x 100 = $100 Total cost of network $100 Grand total cost $1,300 5.5 MIS 1. System specification and cost including Windows Vista Processor Intel Dual Core E5400 2.7GHZ (2MB cache – 800MHZ FSB) Motherboard Intel DG41RQ (LGA775-SND+AGP+GIGA LAN-800MHZ FSB) Memory 1GB DDRII (800 Bus) Hard drive 320GB 3.5" SATA-II 7200RPM Optical drive HP DVDRW 24X SATA Chassis Thermal HT Support Total cost of workstations 300 x 6 = $1800 Network device Specification and cost Network switch 1 x 100 = $100 Total cost of network $100 Grand total cost $1900 Total Cost: 5500 + 2800 +4000 + 1300 + 1900 = $15,500 Router cost: $2000 Cable Cost approx. 2000 Meters = 500 +15,500 + 2000 Grand Total = $18,200. 6 Windows Server 2008 6.1 Web The Windows Server 2008 provides the facility to experience sheer web-based skills efficiently and effectively. In addition, it also provides the customers enhanced administration and diagnostics, development and application tools and cost reduction infrastructure facility. 6.2 Virtualization The Windows server 2008 allows its users to experience server virtualization technology. Moreover, it also enables its users to improve hardware usage, optimize infrastructure, helps to lower cost and enhances server availability. 6.3 Security According to a recent survey, Windows Server 2008 is considered as the most effective and secured Windows Server. Due to the fact, it possess tough operating system and security innovations along with its Network Access Protection, Federated Rights Management and Read-Only Domain Controller, provide extraordinary levels of protection for network, for data and for organizations. 6.4 Solid Foundation for Business Workloads The Windows Server 2008 is considered as the most efficient, elastic and robust Windows Server operating system up till date. The modern techniques and structures for example Server Core, PowerShell, Windows Deployment Services and improved networking and clustering technologies are provided by the Windows Server 2008 (Thurrott, 2008). In addition, Windows Server 2008 provides its users the most stylish and reliable Windows platform in order to manage heavy workload and application needs. 6.5 Scenario Introduction The Windows Server Manager utility helps us to identify its role regarding server configuration as it is considered as Microsoft’s most customer-focused servers released till date. This server provides the multitasking server host for the customers thus providing them full control for their infrastructure. Moreover, it can act as a platform for the Hyper-V™ server virtualization role in order to run multiple servers along with different roles by each server. Also, the IT specialist will usually refer this towards “print server”, “file server”, “Web server” or “domain controller” defining that the server by its initial function. Likewise, the server is implemented to perform a specific role regarding work load or to contribute in an organizations scenario. The term “Workloads” describes the employed multiple servers that are running particular roles in order to deliver an overall solution for a mentioned scenario. For instance, , servers running Active Directory® Domain Services, Active Directory Certificate Services and Active Directory Federation Services might run distinct roles but they all contribute to a higher-level “Identity and Access Management” workload or scenario (Features to push steady windows server 2008 adoption.2008). When customers deploy Windows Server 2008, they will likely choose certain scenarios and workloads where they feel the product provides greatest value or ease of implementation with minimal disruption to their existing infrastructure. For this reason, we consider Windows Server 2008 as it will be deployed by customers in specific scenarios (Features to push steady windows server 2008 adoption.2008). We will focus on key product scenarios that support the technology investments for Windows Server 2008. If you haven’t upgraded from Server 2003 to Server 2008 — here’s the how-to you’ve been waiting for. Today I’m going to show you how to prepare for a server upgrade and how to perform it. I’ll also tell you why you need to upgrade your server to 2008; let’s start with that. 6.6 Why Upgrade to Windows Server 2008 The reason behind why customers would want to upgrade all of the servers on the networks is from Server 2003 to Server 2008 is the 2008 Functional Level. Once a customer upgrade its servers and get the 2008 Functional Level, users will gain some new attractive bonuses that are mentioned below (Features to push steady windows server 2008 adoption.2008): The first strong feature for upgrading Server 2008 is the replication of Distributed File System. Likewise, the end result is the smooth exchange of information with the domain controller. Second advantage is the added layer of advanced encryption standard support that is integrated with Kerberos protocol logins is properly safeguarded. The third advantage is the information of last interactive logon that will provide last login information in the process of user login. The end result is the last login information of users who are previously logged in the system. Lastly, the password policies can be specified with different password and account lockout policies for dissimilar set of users. This feature will ease the complex configuration for system administrators. 6.7 The Server 2008 Upgrade Process In order to upgrade the system the procedures are very simple and less time consuming. The steps that involved in upgrading before running the CD are mentioned below: T1. Before you start upgrading, make sure that your server’s hardware is up to specifications for Server 2008 (these are the recommendations, for minimum requirements): Minimum 512MB of Memory – preferably a lot more Minimum a 2GHz processor Minimum 40GB Available Hard Disk space DVD-ROM Drive Minimum Super VGA (800?600) monitor Keyboard, mouse, NIC Card, etc. 2. If you are upgrading a 2003 Domain Controller, there is requirement of copying a couple of scripts from Server 2008 disc to your Server’s hard disk and then run adprep/FORESTPREP and adprep/DOMAINPREP. 3. Now we are ready to upgrade so we can put the CD in the CD/DVD-ROM and install as normal. 6.7.1 A note to those who may have Server 2000 and want to upgrade to Server 2008 You cannot, I repeat, cannot upgrade from Server 2000 directly to Server 2008. You need to upgrade it first to Server 2003 and then go through these steps and upgrade to Server 2008. Also, make sure your Domain Functional Level is Windows Server 2003. This is really important as you won’t be able to run the upgrade if Domain Functional Level isn’t at Least Server 2003. 6.7.2 What You Need to Know Before Upgrading to Server 2008 There are a few things you should be aware of before starting the upgrade process: Ensure the 2003 server is patched with minimum Service Pack 1 Un-supported upgrades of small business server 2003 and server 2003 R2 are not compatible. The server core cannot be upgraded. 6.7.3 Preparing Your Server for Upgrade 1. Login to your Domain Controller on the server you are upgrading. First we are going to prepare the Domain Controller Database for upgrade. 2. Go ahead and insert the Server 2008 CD in your CD/DVD-ROM drive. 3. Open My Computer and right-click on CD/DVD-ROM. Then select Explore. You have to double click on sources Right-click on the folder named as adprep and select Copy To paste the copied folder, open C:\drive and press ctrl v to paste the folder on the root. The next step is to select command prompt from the start menu. After opening the command prompt, type cd\ and press enter. For verifying folder named as adprep location on the hard drive, type dir command and press enter. Next, type in cd adprep and hit Enter. This will put you in the adprep folder. The next command that will be executed from the command prompt will be adprep /forestprep. If there are previously installed operating systems on the hard drive, type C: and press enter After executing the command adprep /forestprep, a message will be displayed, as shown below: The next step will be type the second command i.e. adprep /domainprep and press enter. Domainprep will now execute and after completion, one more confirmation message will be displayed. The process is now finished and command prompt will be closed and we are ready for upgrades. 6.8 Below are the step by step Snapshots for system updates 6.8.1 6.8.2 6.8.3 6.8.4 6.8.5 6.8.6 6.8.7 6.8.8 6.8.9 Conclusion Inappropriate information can be disadvantageous as it will contribute in a critical decision making process and may lead to wrong decision influencing the performance of an organization. An efficient and robust information system loaded with Windows Server 2003 is compatible to construct information from different data inputs along with indicating linkage with queries. Accordingly, with added featured bundled in Windows Server 2008, network administrators will handle configuration issues more efficiently, resulting in value delivery of IT within the organization with a justified Return on Investment cost and stakeholder trust in Data. References Category 5 cable. (2007). Network Dictionary, , 88-88. Features to push steady windows server 2008 adoption. (2008). Computer Economics Report, 30(3), 12-17. O'Brien, 2009 J. A.Management information systems Irwin/McGraw-Hill. Thurrott, P. (2008). Windows server 2008's radical features. Windows IT Pro, 14(7), 29-33. Read More