Part A: Product Survey Project

You will use the theoretical studies of computer hardware and software (SW) and apply them to a study of real-world IT products. Using descriptions of computer hardware and software components from course lessons and the textbook, you are to write a 700 to 1000 word (no more than 1.5 line spacing and no more than 12 point type) summary of the hardware and software products that would be required for a small system for either a financial investment or architectural firm (your choice). You have a budget of $6,000. Be sure to include any specialized software in addition to the OSand Office productivity SW, anti-virus / firewall / physical security, address Internet connectivity, storage, and hardware components required. You will

a. discuss why you have chosen each component;
b. list the make and model of each component;
c. list what the manufacturer indicates as benefits of the products;
d. list how much the products cost - include a summary table with the total system cost;
e. compare the major hardware and software selections to at least two other manufacturers' products
(i) Note: software for the investment firm should not be an accounting tool - you are helping clients decide how to invest their money;
f. include security for the system; and
g. include references for your costs to document how you stayed within your budget.

Part B: Small System Design Project

You will use the information learned throughout the course to identify and document a full information system for a small company. You will apply the basic steps of the SDLC (Systems Development Life Cycle)to design and implement the IT infrastructure for an electronic health care data system for the (mythical) "Our Town" urgent care facility*by addressing what actions are taken and what decisions are made in each phase.

Make sure to address key technical issues from this course and to include and specify key elements and components of a computer system as covered in this course, including (but not limited to) the following (in no particular order):

• HIPAA compatible EMR software*
o While you could design your own application, it's acceptable (and recommended) to search, compare, and select an existing package from the Web

• Hardware that supports the EMR:
o CPU type, speed, etc.
o Memory type, size, speed, etc.
o Desktop or mobile

• In house or cloud based system

• Networking

• Operating system

• Other required software

• I/O devices (i.e., peripherals)

• Shared resources

• Storage; backup; disaster planning

• Physical and electronic Security*

• Privacy*

• While you could design your own application, it's acceptable (and recommended) to search, compare, and select an existing EMR from the Web

• Be sure to include a network diagram

Make sure your paper identifies which approach you will employ, but clearly articulate the steps used to:

1. Complete a preliminary investigation, requirements analysis, and system recommendation

2. Specify a detailed design based on your set of requirements.

3. Develop the system according to your design specification.

4. Outline how you would test the system and gain user acceptance.