Table of Contents

Strengthening existing services or products through the use of infrastructure

Existing IT infrastructure can be used to pursue opportunities

Deficiencies

Research approaches

Current Technology Examples

Emerging Technology Examples

Suggestion

To determine if the infrastructure can handle the new buildings, the SWOT analysis was done on AEnergy. “A SWOT analysis can be used to help people plan and evaluate a project or idea for a company (Harmon 2015). The SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats. The SWOT analysis was used to analyze the current situation.

Strengths:

Safeguarding

Operational

Redundant Weaknesses:

Online Network Provider

Space

Budget restrictions

Opportunities:

Technology upgrades

New Markets

Network Configuration Security Threats

Outside Threats

Setting up computer programs

Wireless Infrastructure

Possible security risks from inside an organization.

A1. Strengths could include…

Security is the foundation of security. Security is the first strength of this system. It uses many different security methods to protect information. It uses SSL authentication and VPN tunneling to secure the information and limit outsider access. An intrusion detecting service is also available to prevent unauthorized access from outside (Kumar & Venugopalan 2017, 2017). The servers’ physical security is also protected by having only four employees access to their cabinets. The IT groups have as their main goal the protection of the servers and information inside them.

Functionality is the second advantage. The system allows employees to access documents and applications shared by others. The system is accessible even if employees are not in the same place or at work.

Redundancy is the third power. Redundancy is the third strength. Both sites have identical network configurations that allow them to support one another in crisis situations. Each site has a backup daily, both on-site as well as off-site to minimize data loss. They have UPS for power outages or storms (Winston 2017).

The Internet Service Provider is the first flaw. Internet access can only be as strong as the one provider that it comes from. Because of this, expansion may be limited as the Internet traffic will grow and the provider may find it difficult to keep up with the demand. It is possible that one provider does not provide a service that can be continued during downtime.

Space is the second flaw. Space is the second weakness. The current infrastructure is not sufficient to accommodate additional employees. The new offices will not be sufficient to allow for expansion, and would slow down the expansion process.

Budget restraints is the third flaw. Executives must rely on their gut instinct to make IT investment decisions due to the uncertainty surrounding IT investment decisions. The increased use of current systems could result in data loss. Budget constraints may prevent you from purchasing the equipment needed to expand. This could lead to delays in expansion and loss of business.

Technology upgrades are the first option. AEnergy intends to invest substantial amounts in technology upgrades in order to decide if this is the right route for expansion. The technology upgrades developed from this research may help to ease the decision making process for expansion.

The second is to enter new markets. AEnergy has a unique product, so they don’t have many competitors. This allows them to enter new markets easily. IT expansion is made easier by the fact that they already have a successful setup and can just replicate it in new locations. It should not be difficult to get into new markets if you make the right investments in technology and equipment.

Network configuration is the last chance. Current network configurations mirror each other and are backed-up daily with minimal data loss. New sites allow you to compare different configurations of the network to determine whether mirroring the existing setup is enough or if an expansion will be necessary.

The first threat comes directly from the outside. Cyber breaches are increasing at alarming rates, with new vulnerability warnings almost every day (Trautman & Ormerod 2018, 2018). Cyberattacks and hackers pose a serious threat to any infrastructure. Cyber attacks and hackers can be used to access the network either systematically or physically. The infrastructure would be even more vulnerable if it were expanded, as there would be more points of entry for attackers.

Software configuration is the second major threat. Software configuration is a critical threat because attackers could use vulnerabilities in the software to attack infrastructure.

Wireless configuration is the third potential threat. Wireless configuration is another threat. An attacker could use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to gain access to the infrastructure. “Wireless networks and devices are more vulnerable than traditional wireless devices because they are present in the mobile environment” (Barnes & O’Farrell (2002). Wireless access points could be used by others to gain access to data. This could cause revenue loss and insurmountable damage.

Internal threats are the last. This is a threat that you should be aware of when expanding your business. Employers are facing a significant threat as technology evolves. Employers now face disgruntled staff who are more than happy to download confidential, proprietary, and sensitive information about their employers, before terminating an employment relationship. (Reid 2018). This growth will create a need to hire new employees. Employees who are knowingly or unknowingly a security threat to company infrastructure could result in a loss of revenue. This will also result in a decrease in revenue and an increase in the cost of technology to prevent such problems.

Infrastructure strengths that can be used to improve an existing product or service. Security is one strength that infrastructure can use to improve service or product. The company has multiple layers of security that allow access to data. This makes it possible. This will enhance the product or service and ensure that new clients or customers are comfortable knowing their data is secure from any outside intrusions. It group takes security seriously and makes it a priority that their information is safe.

Redundancy of the system is another strength that infrastructure has that can improve existing products or services. This can be used to enhance the service or product. Daily backups ensure that there is less chance of service interruptions. Redundancy ensures that data is always available in case of an interruption. This allows for the system to be restored quickly with minimal data loss. This will make the customers more productive and will also result in happier customers.

The existing IT infrastructure can help you pursue opportunities. We may be able to expand the product range of the company using the existing IT infrastructure. Because the company has committed funds to research, development and production, it will be possible to introduce a new product in order meet current and future customer needs.

With the IT infrastructure in place, we could also look at increasing sales. Increased sales will result in increased revenues. The stress created by expansion can be eased by an increase in revenues.

Deficiencies

There are several vulnerabilities and threats to the IT infrastructure. Before expansion can occur, these issues must be addressed. Disgruntled employees are a serious weakness. Because of their ability to access the system from outside, employees pose the greatest threat. Employees can also access company data and download it, potentially causing damage to the company.

IT infrastructure is at risk of being attacked from outside. Any source of attack could be used to cause company damage.

An attacker could attack the system using the wired or wireless networks. The IT group is very serious about security.

The problem with a single ISP is that the company can use it even though each of the buildings has its own account. However, adding two additional buildings to the ISP might make the service unavailable to them all. One ISP could cause one or more offices to be shut down due to inability to handle the load. Losing service can result in revenue loss.

All weaknesses can have a negative impact on the company’s success, but the most damaging is that from outside sources. External sources can cause serious damage to any part of the company. They could endanger the company’s ability to access the system. They would not only be able to access the data, but they would also be able to spend money on security upgrades and infrastructure replacements. When they access systems of other people, external sources only have one goal. They want to cause damage.

Investigating techniques

Many ideas are possible when you think about technology research. There are many options when it comes to researching technology. We can search the Internet or look at the most recent tech magazines. Or we can visit a shop to see the products in person. We need to be clear about what we want from the equipment, its price, delivery time, and whether we will need to hire installation personnel. I enjoy seeing the equipment in person. I can see the equipment in action and determine if it meets my needs. Word of mouth is almost forgotten about. I bought equipment after a friend suggested it to me. Some turn out well, others don’t. You have to take that chance when you’re looking for new items.

Current Technology Examples

The company has a current technology to combat external threats. This is done by hiring “White Hat” hackers who will test the system. These tests are intended to detect weaknesses in the system and seal them to prevent attacks from external sources (Max. 2018). We can also mitigate any threats by performing these tests quarterly.

The company also has the ability to manage networks, which is another technology it can use to combat external threats. Hackers are able to find loopholes in a company’s network, particularly if they are not properly managed. One unit in our IT department should be responsible for monitoring the company’s network and checking for potential breaches. This group will also have responsibility for training employees in how to handle company information.

Technology is constantly changing. It is important to find the best technology for you. There are many options for keeping up to date. Blogs, podcasts, forums, and other forms of web media include them. You can search Google for blogs, podcasts, and forums that discuss current technologies.

Print media include magazines and books. Bing searched for the Top 10 Tech Magazines. These include Popular Science and CHIP, American Scientist, Science News and Computer Power User. Discover Magazine is also included. Popular Mechanics. Wired. Technology Review. To find the top technology books, it is worth visiting your local bookstore. Social media include: Facebook, Twitter, and all other social media outlets.

Training sessions are another way to stay updated. There are many ways to handle training sessions. One type of training is called on-site training. In this case, the vendor sends a trainer to the location. Web-based training, in which the training class can be delivered via the Internet or intranet of the company, is another option. Face-to-face is the last way to keep up with technology news. You could look for user groups or technical conferences that meet to discuss technology. I don’t care which option I choose, keeping up-to-date with technology is crucial to maintain the IT department’s knowledge.

Emerging Technology Examples

Emerging technology is critical to our company’s future because we are an energy business. Na-TECC, an emerging technology, can assist with this. The technology uses sodium and solar energy to produce electricity. “

This new process is more efficient and leaks less heat. The technology could also be used to distribute energy (Becker 2018). The technology is already unique and could be used to provide energy. This would make us even more innovative than our competitors.

Future Power Plants would be a great way to keep up with the latest technology. SCCO2 could be used instead steam to power the turbines. It would also produce electricity. “Equipment could still be made of top-quality materials but would be significantly smaller which would lower production costs (Becker 2018, 2018). This technology also has the advantage that plants can be placed almost anywhere. These new technologies will allow us to stay competitive by being ready for the future.

Suggestion

IT must ensure that company information is safe and secure so they can remain competitive. To help achieve this, I recommend that the software used be reviewed to ensure there are no vulnerabilities. Next, we need to protect the network. This can be done with a Network firewall. Next, we need to protect our endpoint devices. These devices include servers as well desktop and mobile computers. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection and Prevention are some of the options to protect them. Content Filtering and Anti Malware are also available. We must ensure that all measures are taken to safeguard the company’s data. This is critical to our success.

Secure management practices are key to protecting company information. These can include Patch Management and Vulnerability Management. They will allow the IT department to detect any outside attempts at gaining access. Next is to provide secure access for authorized users from anywhere. These include encryption, virtual private network, and data loss prevention, which allow authorized users to gain secure access to the network. Last, we need to make security as effective as possible. Log Management, Security Incident & Event Management, as well as Training, make this possible. We can block access to all external sources if we, as IT professionals, use this process.

I did my research to justify this recommendation. U.S. News reports that hackers cost businesses between $375 million and $575 million annually. James Lewis, CSIS senior fellow ()”., stated that hackers cost companies between $375 and $575 billion annually. These companies were unable to create 200,000 jobs because of the loss of money. I don’t see how this could be justified. While we already have a competitive edge over our competitors, they would not be able to access our manufacturing processes.