This course features a brief fictional scenario that describes tasks that you might perform as an information technology practitioner.
Scenario
In this course scenario, you will assume the role of a Solutions Architect I at Marqwise Dynamics Technology Consulting, a firm that provides services to corporate clients seeking help with improving and getting the most from their IT systems and operations. Your current assignment is to provide a Windows 10 upgrade solution for Tetra Shillings Accounting LLC, a small accounting firm that has been the victim of several cybersecurity breaches, including a ransomware attack that resulted in the loss of critical information.
Most of the Tetra Shillings Accounting computer operating systems were found to be at least six months behind on patches and hotfixes, and the ransomware attack was the result of not keeping systems properly updated. The data that was compromised in the attack was not recoverable because the firm does not have a proper backup and recovery process in place.
The firm’s computers are currently running Windows 8.1. A legacy accounting software package that plays a crucial role in the firm’s day-to-day business operations has heretofore prevented the firm from upgrading to Windows 10 because of compatibility issues. The firm has also been hesitant to keep systems patched and updated due to those compatibility issues, which severely affected the firm’s business operations on several occasions.
The firm’s senior leadership realize they can no longer avoid or delay keeping systems updated. The CFO has already taken steps to move the accounting software application to a cloud solution, eliminating the operating system compatibility concerns. Leadership also understands that the firm has been negligent in its backup and recovery processes.
There is currently no system in place for automatically backing up data. Employees are expected to copy their work to the local file share. This has often resulted in loss of critical data because files are not getting backed up in a timely manner or not backed up at all. Leadership understands that the firm has been negligent in its backup and recovery processes and is looking for a solution to this problem.
As the Solutions Architect I for Marqwise, you will explain why the upgrade will benefit Tetra Shillings Accounting. Since the previous efforts to patch the system hampered operations, you know you will have to show the firm’s leadership that your planned upgrade will have minimal impact on their business operations.
You also need to provide a plan for keeping operating systems updated. This should include outlining the method that you will use to automate the process of deploying Windows 10 updates to all the firm’s computers. This should ensure all systems are updated monthly and the deployment should have the least effect on business operations and end users.
Finally, you need to propose a backup and recovery solution that ensures that systems and data are properly backed up daily. All solutions should be based on Microsoft solutions and best practices.
Projects
You will be completing three projects related to this scenario:
• Project 1: Windows Upgrade Plan – You will provide your supervisor at Marqwise with a plan for upgrading the Tetra Shillings Accounting operating systems to Windows 10. This is due in Week 3.
• Project 2: Windows Upgrade Proof of Concept – You will produce a proof-of-concept document to your supervisor at Marqwise to demonstrate your ability to install and configure Windows 10. This is due in Week 5.
• Project 3: Client Presentation – You will present a Windows 10 upgrade, along with a security and backup and recovery overview, to the Tetra Shillings Accounting IT team. This is due in Week 7.