The Most Appropriate Solution for MyBiz - Term Paper Example

Business Information System Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Overview 3 Task A 4 Identification of the Three Possible Servers 4 Compare and Contrast of the Three Selected Servers 5 Task B 10 Explanation of the Service Models of IaaS, PaaS and SaaS 10 References 20 Overview MyBiz, a medium-sized business organisation mainly deals with performing wide range of online trade. However, the web server that installed by the organization has become quite old and is not able to take the workload, which eventually raised concern regarding its service in near future. It has been anticipated that the server will soon end up followed by irreversible breakdown. Correspondingly, the current situation of the server has forced the organization to find alternative solutions for the issue that it might face later or sooner. In this regard, it has been reckoned that the organization has three possible alternatives to select for mitigating the situation. Accordingly, the first alternative in this regard, is associated with buying replacement server and run it in-house. The second alternative will require the organization to use a third party to host and run the functions using cloud services. Correspondingly, based on the above given scenario, this report intends to determine the suitability of the alternatives available for MyBiz. Contextually, the report is divided into three tasks namely Task A, Task B and Task C. Task A will attempt to identify three servers having the configuration 8TB of data, 4GB of RAM and 4 cores and further compare along with contrast the same in order to determine the most ideal server for MyBiz. Similarly, Task B will explain the three service models of cloud computing i.e. IaaS, SaaS and PaaS and will compare the same to determine the most appropriate solution for MyBiz. Likewise, Task C will attempt to compare as well as contrast the two recommended solutions identified in the previous sections i.e. Task A and B in order to make the most appropriate recommendation for MyBiz. Task A This section of the report intends to identify the three possible servers that possess the capacity for 8TB of data, 4GB of RAM, and four cores. Subsequently, the identified servers will be compared and contrasted using justified metrics in order to make a recommendation as to which of these three servers must be taken into concern for purchase. Identification of the Three Possible Servers In order to make appropriate recommendation regarding the purchase decision of the servers, it is crucial to consider certain imperative factors relevant to the servers. It can be stated in this regard that purchasing a server will be a big decision for MyBiz as this might possess long-term implications for the organization. It cannot be denied that making purchase decisions for servers are relatively difficult as there lays the presence of several vendors as well as servers available for purchase. Besides, failure to acquire suitable servers may also adversely influence the overall purpose for which they are purchased. Notably, there are varied sorts of servers that are meant for serve dissimilar purposes. Thus, the first step towards selecting a suitable server for MyBiz would be to identify the needs. Here, the ‘needs’ implies the basic requirements corresponding to the anticipated future growth and desire wish list. Nevertheless, the subsequent decisions require defining the storage capacity, optimal memory and processing speed among others. Besides, it is also important to determine web server threats and the ability of the selected web servers to effectively respond to these threats. Thus, based on the basic requirements placed by MyBiz relating to servers having the capacity of 8TB of data, 4GB of RAM and 4 cores, the three particular web servers have been selected namely “IBM System x3250 M5”, “IBM System x3100 M4” and “IBM System x3250 M4” (IBM, n.d.). The details of these web servers have been provided in the following. Compare and Contrast of the Three Selected Servers IBM System x3250 M5 This server includes basic infrastructure, email and print, file and web serving. The server is duly considered as an ideal choice for medium sized business use. Besides, it offers numerous benefits to a business organization using this server. This server is designed in a “single-socket 1U form factor”. The server also enables the business users to ensure adequate security of stored data. The rich security features included in this server are ascertained to possess the ability of effectively meeting the security requirements and addressing the security challenges faced by much business organizations in the current era. Notably, it includes Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which facilitates the business users to store cryptographic keys safely. The server is identified to be easy to deploy and manage as well. Business organizations using this particular server are also able to save considerable energy costs particularly due to their respective power-efficient design. The server also provides business organizations with the flexibility of upgrading speed along with security. The ground-breaking features of this server enable it to become an ideal choice for medium-sized business organisations like MyBiz (IBM, n.d.). The specification of IBM System x3250 M5 is presented below in the form of tabular representation. Form Factor Rack/1U Processor (max) Intel Xeon E3-1200 v3 series processor (quad-core), Core i3 series processor (quad-core), or Pentium series processor (dual-core) Cache (max) 8 MB Memory (max) 32 GB through four slots (UDIMM) Expansion slots One PCIe 3.0 x8 slot and one PCIe 3.0 x8 (electrical x4) slot Disk bays four 3.5-inch or eight 2.5-inch HDDs Maximum internal storage 12 TB Network interface Two Gigabit Ethernet ports standard Power supply (std/max) 1 fixed 300 W or up to two 460 W surplus power supplies Hot-swap components Four 3.5-inch or eight 2.5-inch HDDs, 460 W surplus power supplies RAID support Integrated IBM ServeRAID C100 RAID-0, -1, (RAID-5 upgrade via IBM Feature on Demand (FoD), optional hardware RAID-0, -1, -10 or RAID-5, -50 or RAID-6, -60 Systems management Integrated Management Module 2 (IMM2) Operating systems supported Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2/ Microsoft Windows Server 2012/Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2, Red Hat Linux, Novell SUSE Linux, VMware Source: (IBM, n.d.) IBM System x3100 M4 This server includes email, print, collaboration, firewall and other applications that are relevant to small business organisations. It has been ascertained that the server offers robust performance for its users. The server also embraces features such as reliability and ease of installation coupled with innovative management technology (IBM, n.d.). The specifications of sever is illustrated below. Form factor Tower Processor (max) Intel Xeon E3-1200v2 series (quad-core) up to 3.6 GHz/8 MB/1600 MHz, Intel Core i3 2100 series (dual-core) up to 3.4 GHz/3 MB/1333 MHz, Pentium (dual-core) up to 3.0 GHz/3 MB/1333 MHz and low-cost Celeron Cache (max) Up to 8 MB Memory (max) 1 × 4 GB standard, maximum 32 GB 1600 MHz DDR-3 UDIMMs via 4 DIMM slots Expansion slots 4 PCIe slots (x16, x8, x4, x1) Disk bays (total) 3.5" simple swap four Serial ATA (SATA) or 2.5" hot-swap 8 SAS/SATA Maximum internal storage Up to 6 TB 3.5" simple swap SATA or 8 TB 2.5" hot-swap SAS/SATA Network interface Integrated dual Gigabit Ethernet Power supply (std/max) 350 W fixed or 80-PLUS certified 300 W fixed 430 W redundant power supply RAID support ServeRAID-C100 for System x supports integrated RAID-0, -1; supports hardware RAID-0, -1, -10, -5, -6 Systems management IMM2 with offering optional upgrade key Operating systems supported Microsoft Windows Server 2012/Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2/Microsoft Windows Server 2008, SBS 2011, Red Hat Linux, SUSE Linux Source: (IBM, n.d.) IBM System x3250 M4 This server includes the applications like file and print, retail, network infrastructure and distributed programs. It also offers flexible configuration options. The server is equipped with integrated data protection as well as system management capabilities (IBM, n.d.). The specification of the server is presented hereunder. Form Factor Rack/1U Processor (max) Intel Xeon E3-1200v2 series (quad-core) up to 3.6 GHz/8 MB/1600 MHz, Intel Core i3 2100 series (dual-core) up to 3.4 GHz/3 MB/1333 MHz, Pentium (dual-core) up to 3.0 GHz/3 MB/1333 MHz Cache (max) Up to 8 MB Memory (max) Up to 32 GB via four slots (DIMM) Expansion slots One PCIe x8, one PCIe x4 for hardware RAID-0, -1, compact dual-port NIC adapter (via CTO only) Disk bays Two 3.5 in. simple-swap SATA or four 2.5 in. hot-swap/simple-swap SAS/SATA (simple-swap 2.5 in. via CTO only) Maximum internal storage Up to 8.0 TB, optical drive device optional Network interface Two Gigabit Ethernet Power supply (std/max) One fixed 300 W or up to two 460 W Simple-swap components Two 3.5 in. simple-swap SATA or four 2.5 in. hot-swap/simple-swap SAS/SATA HDDs (model dependent) RAID support Simple-swap SATA models - ServeRAID-C100 for IBM System x; hot-swap SAS model hardware RAID-0, -1 is standard (model dependent); optional hardware RAID-5 Systems management Integrated Management Module 2 (IMM2) Operating systems supported Microsoft Windows Server 2012/Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2/ Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Red Hat Linux, SUSE Linux, vSphere 5.0 Source: (IBM, n.d.) From the above presented specifications of the three selected servers, certain similarities as well as dissimilarities can be apparently observed prevailing between them. Correspondingly, IBM System x3250 M5 and IBM System x3250 M4 possesses similar benefits along with challenges to the users. However, an in-depth analysis of these two servers reflects that IBM System x3250 M5 offers slightly more benefits to the business users. On the other hand, the benefits along with the challenges associated with IBM System x3100 M4 are relatively different from the other two servers. It can be ascertained from the above presented details that IBM System x3250 M5 and IBM System x3250 M4 are equipped with certain unique features and coincides with the present needs of medium-sized business organizations such as MyBiz. Quad-core models in IBM System x3250 M5 and IBM System x3250 M4 ensure greater performance growth along with offering an increased flexibility to select efficient computing power. However, differences can be witnessed in terms of “network throughput” and “redundancy”. Notably, IBM System x3250 M5 possesses integrated quad gigabit Ethernet, while IBM System x3250 M4 and IBM System x3100 M4 possesses integrated dual gigabit Ethernet. Due to integrated quad gigabit Ethernet, the performance of IBM System x3250 M5 is far better than other two servers. The integration with IMM v2 in IBM System x3250 M5 and IBM System x3250 M4 facilitates in effective identification and management than IBM System x3100 M4 (IBM, n.d.). Moreover, these servers possess rich security features and power-efficient design that distinguish these from other servers such as IBM System x3100 M4. Thus, it can be affirmed that MyBiz can purchase either IBM System x3250 M5 or IBM System x3250 M4, as most of the features shared by these servers are quite similar. Thus, it is recommended to MyBiz to purchase particularly IBM System x3250 M5, as the server possesses integrated quad gigabit Ethernet, which determines its superior performance over IBM System x3250 M4. Task B This section of the report intends to explain the service models of IaaS, PaaS and SaaS with providing two relevant examples of each model. On further note, this section also clearly explains how the service models could be used by MyBiz to host a web site followed with recommending a particular service model for this scenario. Explanation of the Service Models of IaaS, PaaS and SaaS Cloud computing has emerged as a new paradigm for the businesses in the contemporary environment, which is apparently noted to integrate single environment not limited to applications or business models, but a diverse range of professionals for ensuring performance of common business tasks through the medium of internet. In addition, it has been ascertained that features offered by cloud computing models like software along with hardware hosting in data centres of service providers and renting experts in information technology segment are not a new concept. However, the emergence of cloud computing is widely seen to support these features through the means of broadband internet connection and virtual solutions (Gorelik, 2013). Accordingly, cloud computing is a broad concept of internet based computing, which entails broad assortment of services, wherein virtual shared servers offer appropriate infrastructures, applications, platform devices and hosting to customers particularly based on the idea of “pay-as-you-go”. Customers are able to access digitalized information stored in the internet cloud through cloud computing model. Correspondingly, “Infrastructure as a Service” (IaaS), “Platform as a Service” (PaaS) and “Software as a Service” (SaaS) are three service models of cloud computing. This can be better understood with the help of the following diagrammatical representation. Cloud Computing Service Models Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) “Infrastructure as a Service” (IaaS) is duly considered to be one of the forms of hosting, which entails the services like routing, storage and network access. In precise, IaaS involves delivery of cloud computing infrastructure including hardware in the form of storage, server and network as well as software in the form of operating systems, file systems and virtualization technology. IaaS is often argued as an improvement over traditional hosting, enabling users to acquire resources based on demand. IaaS provides users with dynamic scaling facility and embraces utility pricing model. Moreover, IaaS is considered to be ideal in such a position wherein demand remains extremely volatile and also in certain circumstances where the user organisations are growing quickly. However, IaaS is not viewed to be appropriate where the outsourcing and offshoring of data storage is difficult particularly due to legal compliance. Two examples of IaaS may be identified as Amazon EC2 and Google Compute Engine (Gorelik, 2013). Platform as a Service (PaaS) “Platform as a Service” (PaaS) is defined as a computing platform, which facilitates in quick and easy creation of web application without any convolutedness of buying or managing the infrastructure and application underneath it. In parallel, PaaS also embraces the benefits provided by SaaS model. Although PaaS is argued to be analogous to SaaS but it enables users to avail simply more benefits. Unlike SaaS where software is delivered over the web, PaaS offers platform for the developing software along with delivering the same over the web. PaaS facilitates web services and databases integration via common standards along with flexibility to create, alter, test and organize various user interface (UI) scenarios. PaaS is argued to be extremely useful in a situation wherein multiple developers remain engage in a development project or in a setting where there lays the need for external parties to establish communication with the development procedure. Nonetheless, PaaS is not considered to be a suitable choice in certain circumstances wherein there exists a need for hardware as well as software customization or in occasion where there is a requirement for portability of applications. Identifiably, two examples of PaaS include Google App Engine and Apache Stratos (Gorelik, 2013). Software as a Service (SaaS) “Software as a Service” (SaaS) is a software positioned over internet, wherein the supplier of the service permits an application to the users or customers on a subscription basis i.e. “pay-as-you-go” or at no charge when provider is able to generate revenue from sources other than the customers such as advertisements. SaaS is duly considered to be one of the rapidly growing software delivery techniques. It is centrally hosted wherein users are not required to manage application, upgrades and patches. SaaS is primarily used by sales force of an organisation as a “customer relationship management” (CRM) product. It is often viewed to be a decisive tool, wherein there exists substantial interaction between the organisations and the external players as well as circumstances requiring web or mobile access. Nevertheless, SaaS is not considered to be appropriate in certain specific situations where there is a requirement of fast processing of data and in conditions wherein legislation or regulation strictly prohibits hosting data externally. Two examples of SaaS can be apparently identified as Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365 (Diversity Limited, 2011). Explanation of a Service Model that Could Be Used By MyBiz to Host a Web Site In order to develop cloud-computing solution, it would be vital for MyBiz to consult with cloud computing service providers. Besides, in order to determine the ways that would facilitate MyBiz to host a web site using the service model, it would be vital to consider the concept of cloud hosting. Conceptually, cloud hosting is generally related with website hosting on virtual servers that are created upon computed resources from underlying physical servers. It involves both IaaS and PaaS arrangements. Under IaaS offerings, MyBiz would be served with the virtualized hardware resource based on which it will be able to install own choice of software environment prior to building its web application. On the other hand, the use of PaaS service model will provide MyBiz with an operating system, web server software, programming and database support based on which it will be able to install as well as develop its web application. MyBiz can also use SaaS as a convenient model to host website. Notably, there are three major types of deployment models including public cloud hybrid cloud and private cloud. Corresponding, MyBiz can use public cloud to host web site. The use of public cloud will require MyBiz to host web site on virtual servers that would retrieve resources from the same pool similar to other publicly available virtual servers along with using the same public networks to disseminate the data that is physically stored on the underlying physical servers, forming the cloud resource. Contextually, these public clouds would comprise security measures validating that the data is stored private and would meet the requirements for installation of most websites. Likewise, if MyBiz concerns much about the aspects of security and privacy, it can shift towards private cloud as an alternative option to host web site. Private cloud is defined as clouds that utilize ring-fenced resources (Budrienė & Zalieckaitė, 2012). Since, MyBiz is a medium-sized organization, it is suggested to use SaaS model. The model has been recommended, as it is considered to be one of the most convenient forms particularly for such type of businesses. Besides, the use of this model i.e. SaaS will eliminate the requirement of the organisation related to software integration or maintenance cost (Budrienė & Zalieckaitė, 2012). Task C This section of the report intends to compare and contrast the recommended solutions that have been provided in Task A and B in order to determine the most appropriate solutions for MyBiz. Compare and Contrast of the Recommended Solutions in Task A and B and Suggestion of One of the Two Solutions It has been apparently identified that often organisations are caught in dilemma regarding their decision to either purchase an actual server or adopt effective cloud-computing models. Notably, the following discussion attempts to address this issue by comparing and contrasting these two alternatives and justifies the most appropriate solution for MyBiz. In the previous sections i.e. task A and B, recommendations have been made to MyBiz linked with the decisions of purchasing a server. Accordingly, in the former task, it has been suggested to the organisation to purchase IBM System x3250 M5server, while in the later task, suggestion has been given to use SaaS model for meeting its requirements of web hosting. Since, MyBiz is a medium-sized organisation, purchasing an actual server is ascertained to cost huge expenditure for the company. Besides, it can be affirmed that purchasing actual server will also require MyBiz to incur heavy investments in terms of maintenance and cost outlay. Specially mentioning, ff MyBiz purchase an actual server, it is to be affirmed that the organisation will be required to hire competent IT staff for ensuring smooth functioning of its system. Notwithstanding, it can be ascertained that purchasing an actual server will allow MyBiz to exert high level of control over its IT system and staff members. However, it will be vital to mention that there will be no constraints for the organization regarding its access to software. Correspondingly, the organization can run any application particularly due to increased control level. Purchasing actual server will also enable the organization to quick access to files as well as easy backups and printers. On the other hand, it can be apparently observed that cloud computing models such as the recommended one i.e. SaaS model might provide MyBiz with certain imperative flexibility. In this regard, use of SaaS service model is reckoned to eliminate the needs of human interactions that are expected to reduce the costs associated with hiring of IT staff as in the case of purchasing actual server (Budrienė & Zalieckaitė, 2012). It is further ascertained that MyBiz with the use of SaaS service model will be eligible to pay for the services actually availed by it only. The use of SaaS service model is ascertained to provide MyBiz with the flexibility of location as the members in the organization will be able to access systems utilising web browsers from any location and device. MyBiz with the use of SaaS is projected to enjoy increased reliability and scalability. Correspondingly, MyBiz with the use of SaaS service model will be able to acquire the benefit of speedy and smooth scaling of valuable resources. Besides, it has been determined that SaaS service model will allow MyBiz with easy maintenance facility, which will ultimately result in reducing the costs associated with the maintenance of its system. Specially mentioning, there will be no need for MyBiz to regularly patch and update software as in the case of purchasing an actual server (Budrienė & Zalieckaitė, 2012). MyBiz with the use of SaaS service model is expected to avail the advantages of agility. The use of SaaS service model is further ascertained to provide the organization with the flexibility of accessing data even during the circumstances when the system devices of the organisation meets uncertain collapse or fail due to certain complications or during the situation where data of the organisation is stolen or destroyed. Nonetheless, such flexibility is available in the case if the organisation purchases an actual server. At the same time, the load capacity of the servers such as IBM System x3250 M5 is ascertained to be limited and thus the organisation cannot store data beyond the stated capacity or it will require reconfiguring its storage capacity. However, the use of SaaS service model is identified to offer peak-load capacity wherein users will not be required to engineer for load levels (Budrienė & Zalieckaitė, 2012). Notwithstanding, one of the major issues or drawbacks associated with use of SaaS service model over purchase decision of an actual server is security. Correspondingly, security issue is a continuously discussed topic, which has hindered the rate of adoption of cloud computing models such as SaaS. In this regard, it can be affirmed from a broader understanding that that the use of SaaS service model by MyBiz might lead to security issues. Since, MyBiz will have relatively less control while adopting SaaS service model, there lays a possibility of losing sensitive data of the organisation. Retrospectively, the security issue surrounding the use of cloud computing such as SaaS can be noted to hinder the widespread use of cloud computing models. Based on the above analysis and discussion, it can be affirmed that both the aforementioned solutions possess certain advantages as well as limitations. However, keeping in mind that MyBiz is a medium-sized organization, it is firmly recommended to the organisation to adopt SaaS as the most appropriate alternative. This is may be owing to the reason that SaaS model is ascertained to deliver significant advantages over acquiring an actual server. Justifiably, the service model of SaaS offers both time and cost savings for an organisation, which can be reckoned to be extremely important for the growth as well as the success of small and medium- sized organisations like MyBiz. In order to ensure successful outcome from the adoption of SaaS service model, it is ascertained that MyBiz is required to ensure proper preparation regarding the usage of cloud computing despite the issue of security is apparent for the organisation with the use of this particular service model. In this context, it has been determined that MyBiz needs to be prudent regarding the type of data that will be added to cloud server and the data that will not feed to it. It is worth mentioning that adopting cloud computing model of SaaS will open a door for the medium-sized organisations such as MyBiz to prepare itself for making better IT decisions (Budrienė & Zalieckaitė, 2012). Further observations revealed that medium-sized organisations are often struggling with saving employees’ time and organizational cost. In addition, these enterprises are also identified to face challenges of acquiring competent employees who have the ability to effectively manage and monitor varied IT related systems (Budrienė & Zalieckaitė 2012). In this regard, adopting cloud-computing models such as SaaS can be duly considered as the most appropriate solution for MyBiz by a considerable degree. References Budrienė, D. & Zalieckaitė, L., 2012. Cloud Computing Application in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Issues of Business and Law, Vol. 12, pp. 119-130. Diversity Limited, 2011. Understanding: The Cloud Computing Stack SaaS, Paas, IaaS. The Cloud Computing Stack, pp. 1-17. Gorelik, E., 2013. Cloud Computing Models. Working Paper CISL, pp. 1-81. IBM, No Date. Express System x Servers. Servers. [Online] Available at: http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/express/servers/x/ [Accessed July 17, 2014]. Read More