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Client Technology Tracking System

INTRODUCTION

I n this section you will learn background information that will prepare you to understand and complete each of the milestones of this case study. This information includes a history of the business, a description of the business’s current facilities, and the descriptions of the problems that triggered the project.

Case Background

Coastline Systems Consulting is a provider of managed computer networks and web services located in Destin, Florida. The staff of seven IT technicians, web designers, and systems integrators provides a range of networking, computer hardware, and software solutions to area businesses. Coastline works with clients to analyze their business needs. They then provide a packaged solution that often combines web services, networking and computer hardware, purchased software, and custom programming. In addition to the seven technicians, Coastline has one receptionist/bookkeeper.

As a small organization, Coastline is an informal, "shirt-sleeve" environment. Everyone is on a first-name basis, even with Peter Charles, the president.

Organization Structure

Coastline Systems Consulting

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Information Systems Facilities

PCs

Each technician works uses a Dell notebook: o Pentium M class machines with 512 MB RAM, 30-50 GB hard drives
The bookkeeper/receptionist has a Dell Optiplex desktop running a Pentium 4, 256 MB RAM, and an 80 GB hard drive:
Operating systems - MS Windows Windows XP Professional
Tools - MS Office 2003 suite plus other software depending on use
Internet Browser – IE 6 and Mozilla FireFox
E-mail Client - Mozilla Thunderbird
Various inkjet and laser printers

Servers

Dell PowerEdge 2800 Server o 1 GB of RAM, 80 GB RAID-5 hard drive storage o Operating system - MS Windows Server