Bead Bar Network

Introduction

Growing a business in the twenty first century necessitates that technology is a large part of that business. Globalization is more prevalent as businesses enter the Internet age and reap the benefits of a company network. The Bead Bar is ready to take these steps and have asked for an outline of the development of a high-level computer network, including the topology and architecture that would best suit their needs. The managers at Bead Bar would also like to know what advantages and drawbacks that the recommended network would provide to the company. The Bead Bar managers have many requests when it comes to what type of network would best serve their needs, so the steps put into developing a computer network should encompass those needs while keeping mindful of the cost and expertise needed to build and maintain such a system.

Background

Bead Bar is a company that specializes in allowing customers to create their own bead jewelry. Bead Bar has six studios, five franchises, and Bead Bar on Board which is designed for cruise ships. The studios and franchises are located in major cities around the United States. Besides the eight senior staff members, the company has 15 full-time employees and about 20 part-time employees.

The senior staff has planned to use a distributed database called Oracle 9i, and this requires all of the Bead Bar’s computers to be connected through a network and a telecommunications system. Meredith, the President and Owner, would like a wireless network for headquarters. They have nine desktop computers and two notebook computers and the computers are located in different rooms. Mitch, the VP of Bead Bar on Board, would like to access the corporate network from anywhere.

A wireless computer network would accommodate not only Meredith and Mitch, but it would also benefit the company in so many other ways. By connecting the studios to headquarters, the database could be updated daily and synchronized. More services and the exchanging of new designs could be provided to the franchises. Financial and sales data would be readily available. Paperwork could be eliminated making processes faster. In summation, a network would allow the Bead