Alpha Omega IT

Project Charter

Prepared by: Alpha Omega IT

Reviewed by: Jeffrey Dagher
V2.3

Table of Contents
1. Document Details...............................................................................3
1.1 Document History............................................................................................. 3
1.2 Document Purpose............................................................................................ 3
1.3 Document Audience.......................................................................................... 3
1.4 Document Task Breakdown..............................................................................3
1.5 Quality Assurance............................................................................................. 4
2. Who We Are........................................................................................4
2.1 Corporate Aims................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Mission statement............................................................................................. 5
2.3 Vision Statement.............................................................................................. 5
2.4 Alpha Omegas Products and Services ..............................................................5
3. Our Client Eastcoast Contracting Pty Ltd...........................................5
4. The Problem ......................................................................................7
4.1 Implication of the Problem................................................................................8
4.2 Results if the Problem is not Fixed....................................................................8
5. The Proposed Solution .......................................................................9
5.1 Features of Proposed Model............................................................................10
5.2 Graphic Network Diagram...............................................................................11
6. Detailed Stakeholders ......................................................................13
7. Deliverables.....................................................................................17
7.1 Hand Over Dates.............................................................................................18

1. DOCUMENT DETAILS
1.1 DOCUMENT HISTORY
Date
17 February 2008

Revised By
Alpha Omega IT

24 February 2008

S. Alexander

03 March 2008

Alpha Omega IT

10 March 2008

S. Alexander

28 April 2008

J. Dagher

16 June 2008

J. Dagher

31 July 2008

S. Alexander

Changes Made
Sections A, B, C, E & F
provided by Alpha Omega
team
Document reviewed by Team
Leader. Standards applied to
document.
Sections D & G provided by
Alpha Omega team
Document reviewed by Team
Leader and Submitted
Reviewed after first hand
back from Project Manager
(Teacher)
Reviewed after second hand
back from Project Manager
(Teacher)
Updates to member roles and
formatting

Version
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.0
2.2
2.3

1.2 DOCUMENT PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to outline who Alpha Omega is, who the client is
and define the problem. It will be used as a reference document for further planning
and designing of documents such as the Project Management Plan and the
Feasibility Study. As well as defining the problem it will also provide an initial
solution for the client.

1.3 DOCUMENT AUDIENCE

This document will be given to our client, ie. Eastcoast Contracting for review and
consultation if necessary. Alpha Omega team members will also use this document
in their respective roles as a reference and planning document. Team members
include the Project Manager, Lead Designer, Quality Assurance Manager and the
Hardware and Software Managers.

1.4 DOCUMENT TASK BREAKDOWN

Name
Jeff Dagher

Section
2. Alpha Omega Details.
7. Deliverables & Dates
Review & make changes to document

Mark Odrljin

3. Eastcoast Contracting Details

4. The Problem
5.1 Features
5.2 Network Diagram

Stuart Alexander

1 Document Overview
5. The Proposed Solution
Review & make changes to document

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Christine Zhou

6. Stakeholders

Laxmi Joshi

4. The Problem

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE

2. WHO WE ARE
Alpha Omega IT is a small/medium organisation that contracts out to other
organisations in which to develop and maintain computing network systems to meet
their needs. Alpha Omega offices are located in the Sydney CBD. The team consists
of 5 members with various skill sets allowing projects to be carried out from the
design phase through to implementation. The teams areas of expertise are listed
below.
Alpha Omega was founded in 2005 and has successfully implemented over a dozen
systems in small businesses. We pride ourselves in specialising in finding IT
solutions for small business.
Project Members

Members Roles

Stuart Alexander

Project Leader
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Standards Coordinator
Hardware Manager

Jeffrey Dagher

Deputy Leader
Lead Designer
Implementation Coordinator
Presentation Coordinator

Christine Zhou

Recording Secretary
Software Manager
Testing Coordinator
Network Administrator
Security Coordinator

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2.1 CORPORATE AIMS

Alpha
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Omega IT corporate aims are:

Develop systems customised on the requirements of our clients
Ensure high satisfaction is achieved through our services and products
Provide a highly dependable team which can provide support when required
To always try and improve our products and services.
Expand the business to be able to handle demands for large organisations
across the nation.

2.2 MISSION

STATEMENT

Our mission is to provide a highly satisfactory system customised to your specific

requirements along with ongoing technical support and satisfaction to all our clients
throughout the business agreement.

2.3 VISION STATEMENT

Our vision is to ensure that all consumers receive the latest and most innovative
ideas from our products and services leaving them satisfied. Alpha Omega strives to
constantly monitor and improve its services to achieve a greater competitive
advantage over other IT organisations within the Sydney CBD area.

2.4 ALPHA OMEGAS PRODUCTS

AND

SERVICES

Alpha Omega IT is an organisation which designs and develops computing systems

for organisations which may be starting a new system or require an upgrade to their
current system as it may no longer meet their needs. We deal with organisation
sized anywhere from small (single location) to large (multiple sites across the
country). The products/services Alpha Omega IT provides are as followed:

Create system plans/ implementation ideas for new or modifying existing

system

Develop and implement systems which we create depending on your

demands/needs

Provide technical support (having our own help desk, contact details which
allows clients to contact if they require assistance with any aspect of the
system we developed for them)

Training for the newly created system (user documentation/guides as well as

training when first implemented)

3. OUR CLIENT EASTCOAST CONTRACTING PTY LTD

Eastcoast Contracting is a nursing contracting department based in Melbourne.
They specialise in contracting out nurses to the elderly may it be at home care or at
a retirement home. The Melbourne office currently has 12 employees.
They would like to expand their Contracting department and open up a branch in
Sydney NSW. Eastcoast is currently looking for an appropriate premise in Sydney
which is located within the St George area. The premises will be similar in size to
Melbourne and will initially employ 8 people. There will be limited connectivity
between the two offices. Eastcoast is looking to expand to more employees in the
future.

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Eastcoast has stated that any system that is implemented needs to provide the
same level of security as their Melbourne office and have the same functionality
including office and database software. They value confidentiality and secure data.

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All their staff will use the system and they advised that they will need at least 6
desktops for the office and 2 laptops for staff when they are out of the office. The
current situation with the person who will maintain the system once implemented is
not known but the client has advised that the new System Administrator will require
training with user manuals and complete documentation of the system.

4. THE PROBLEM
Eastcoast Contracting is planning to extend their contracting business by opening
another office in Sydney. Their main problem is that they are ready to establish the
new office and begin operating but have no computerised system in place. They are
required to get operational as soon as possible to minimise loss of business and
productivity.
Other problems that are occurring include the branch having no facilities in which to
allow them to communicate with their Melbourne branch, stakeholders. This
problem is due to a lack of facilities including electronic mail which would allow
them to send updates or information to all users that can connect to the system.
Fax and printing capabilities is another facility they lack which allows them to send
or receive hard copy data between clients and other branches.
Another problem is they have too many records to store in a Microsoft Access
database, which could potentially mean it takes a long time to search through the
information. As more data is gathered the database will need to be able to cope
with the increased volume without adversely affecting the speed of data retrieval or
increasing the difficulty for the end user to find what is required. The staff level of
computer skills is varied and a user friendly interface will need to be considered.
Budgeting is a considerably large factor of the problem as Eastcoast are aware that
creating a new network can be very costly. The main concerns raised are about the
cost of cabling as this can be a significant cost of the whole system. A preference
for a wireless infrastructure has been expressed due to the savings that can be
made.
Security is vital for Eastcoast due to their stored confidential data. When thinking of
taking the wireless approach the security factor of the network needs to be
considered due to it being broadcasted amongst a set area increasing the risk of
intrusion.
Wireless networks have other benefits including increased mobility for users.
Eastcoast staff who use laptops will be able to easily move desks without having to
worry about having a network port to connect to.
Eastcoast anticipates having staff on the road and still be able to connect to the
office. The connection will need to be sufficiently fast and also address the security
and budget concerns.

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4.1 IMPLICATION

OF THE

PROBLEM

The problems identified need to be addressed when planning the solution so as to

fulfil the requirements of the business. In addition to the initial planning there will
also need to be reviews all through the project life cycle to ensure the problems are
resolved.
When purchasing hardware and software the items selected need to be good value
for money. The items need to be as low a price as possible that also address all
other requirements including sufficient security, scalability and functional features.
Training will need to be provided for all staff outlining the basics of the wireless
network, its limitations, security and how it functions. Training manuals may need
to be provided. Policies and procedures will need to be reviewed or newly created
that cover system operation and information such as correct storage of electronic
files.
The system will need to be designed holistically in regards to security. Each part of
the system needs to be reviewed as part of the whole to identify any weaknesses.
Including the Wireless Access Points, other network devices, workstations, servers
and business processes. Each staff member will be made aware of their
responsibility to ensure security.
Printing and fax facilities can come either combined in one device or separate
whereby it will be determined by the cost and efficiency factors. If electronic
messaging is provided to employees then policies regarding appropriate usage and
further training will need to be put into place so we can block out potential threats.
Restrictions on who employees can contact may also need to be enforced.
An implication for the database will be selecting one that can hold more than a
Microsoft Access database and is user friendly. The current database in the
Melbourne office has been identified as insufficient for the Sydney office. The
database which is selected may be integrated into the Melbourne office in the
future but at this stage has no relevance on the current project.
Not only is the system administrator in charge of ensuring network security in the
office, they will also be in charge of ensuring the VPN connections are not
compromised. A method which will be utilised is IPsec VPN. Its features are:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Controlled access to the intranet

Strong encryption
Simple design
Less server setup

This ensures data confidentiality and integrity through authentication and

encryption of network traffic. It also has the benefit of being easy to manage.

4.2 RESULTS

IF THE

PROBLEM

IS NOT

FIXED

Outlined above are the problems facing Eastcoast Contracting with their expansion
into Sydney. If solutions are not found for the problem the following results could
occur:

Loss of business and clients due to them not being operational. Their clients
will then seek out competitors services.

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Loss of profit/money. If they are restricted in conducting their business and

are unable to provide services in which they specialise in due to lack of
facilities and infrastructure, they will consequently lose profits.

Employees at the Sydney location are limited in what they are able to do due
to having limited services resulting in an unproductive workforce and a
waste of resources to the business.

Employee frustration could occur if the software selected is not user friendly,
especially the database which is used frequently.

On the road staff will not be able to connect to the office electronically
resulting in other communication methods such as telephony being used.
This results in time wastage and potentially incorrect information being
provided.

Hackers and cyber vandalism can attack the business if proper security procedures
are not addressed. The outcome of not having a secure system are:

Unauthorised people using the wireless connection to connect to the internet

(that the business has paid for) will result in higher costs and less bandwidth
for business operations.

Breach of client confidentiality. This could lead to law suits costing millions of
dollars and loss of reputation.

Criminals taking control of the connection and using it for illegal activities
such as spreading of viruss or mass spamming. These illegal activities will
be traced back to the legitimate business.

5. THE PROPOSED SOLUTION

The major objective of the solution is to provide a wirelessly networked office
environment for Eastcoast Contracting allowing them to continue their business of
providing contractor nursing staff. The system will include servers to run the backend programs, network hardware including switches, routers and wireless access
points and desktop machines to connect to this network infrastructure.
Included in the system there will be a way for nurses to communicate with
Eastcoast through the internet and for Eastcoast to manage their staffing
requirements through a relational database. Printing and fax capability are also part
of the outlined system.
Stated below are the products and services that Alpha Omega can provide to
Eastcoast.

Wireless connectivity between desktops and servers

Electronic mail

Web presence/webpage

Purchase of hardware and software after providing quotes and invoices to

Eastcoast

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Installation of office software, relational database and all hardware to run the
system

Proper safeguards in place to deny unrestricted access including software

and hardware measures

A system which allows further expansion of the business through a scalable

architecture

VPN access for users off site

Documentation of system design to assist the recruited IT staff member

Initial training for users outlining key functions of the system

A prototype of the system will be developed showing the functionality of the

proposed system which can then be fully implemented into Eastcoast Contracting
by Alpha Omega. This prototype will be operational within the 18 month time period
as requested by Eastcoast.
What is not covered by Alpha Omega

Ongoing maintenance of the IT infrastructure

Training of staff on the office or database software

Configuring the database with Eastcoasts data

Services outside of the agreed SLA

5.1 FEATURES

OF

PROPOSED MODEL

The current features of the proposed model are a follows

Being able to access the network anywhere in the office and not being
limited to the amount of computers to connect to it. This is possible via the
use of an access point which will be created if the proposed model goes
ahead.

Remote access to the network, our on site staff are required to hold laptops
so they can access data or any other resource on our network wirelessly.
Using a VPN router will make this possible to do so.

Each user of the system will be provided with an email address so that they
are constantly up to date with all processes and updates that may occur to
our system as long as they have internet access or are logged onto our
network. Email server is created and will run 24/7 so all users can retrieve
information required.

Fast access to files, an individual file server is created so that processes will
be kept to a minimum also allowing direct access to files and data required.

The database to be created will be designed to be user friendly, logically set

out and allow for data to be easily entered, modified and searched.

User friendly client workstation/laptop software enabling all users of the

system to conduct their work efficiently and be productive.

Capable of communicating with users outside the business (customers and

various stakeholders) through the use of electronic mail eg. Email and

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Alpha Omega IT

websites. Mail server will be created to allow communication between all

stakeholders of the business so information can be sent and retrieved easily.

The administrator of the system can easily insert new staff and users and to
assign rights accordingly. The security will allow multiple levels of rights
including user, modifying and administrator rights. The Domain server is the
centre of administering accounts on this network.

The router selected will provide security by limiting which pcs are connected
by IP addresses, it will allow the VPN users to remote into the office network.

A facility which allows both printing and faxing will be the multifunction
device which will connect directly into the local network allowing all logged
in users to connect to it. This device allows users to print from any
workstation/laptop onsite as well as send faxes directly from their PCs or
manually.

Anti virus software will also provide a more stable and reliable system to
Eastcoast Contracting and that is one of their main concerns. The software
allows for real time scanning so that it constantly monitors the systems in
and outgoing data.

Security features which will be incorporated into the system include setting
strong passwords, monitoring network traffic for unauthorised access, MAC
address filtering and group policy management

5.2 GRAPHIC NETWORK DIAGRAM

This shows a graphical representation of the network and the key components of
the system.

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6. DETAILED STAKEHOLDERS
Following are the stakeholders who have a vested interest in the success of
the project.
Name

Organization Job Title

Maria Faraone

Eastcoast Pty
Ltd
Alpha Omega
Employer

CEO, Project
Sponsor

Responsibility/Interest in
Project
1. Approve the submitted budget
plan.
2. Make the final decision and
sign off on the recommended
solution.
3. Provide the business
requirements of the project.
4. Also an end user of the
system.

Maria Faraone

TAFE

Teacher, Project 1. Review and provide feedback

Manager
of documentation submitted
and sign off project
deliverables.
2. Provide input into the
direction that the project is
taking if necessary.

Eastcoast staff/
End User

Eastcoast Pty
Ltd

Various

1. Provide user feedback in the

testing phase.
2. Using the software through
the desktop machine or
through the VPN.
3. Input data into the system
though the database and
directly from
clients/contractors.
4. Processing jobs and
information accordingly

IT Staff Member

Eastcoast Pty
Ltd

System Admin

1. Maintain the system after

implementation.
2. Receive all documentation of
the configuration of the
project.
3. Also an end user of the
system.

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Alpha Omega IT

Name

Organization Job Title

Stuart Alexander

Alpha Omega
IT Pty Ltd

Project Leader
Quality
Assurance Coordinator

Responsibility/Interest in
Project
1. Allocate tasks and due dates
to team members.
2. Provide input into all aspects
of the project.

Standards Coordinator

3. Provide feedback to Eastcoast

on status of project.

Hardware
Manager

4. Review documentation with

Standards Co-ordinator.
5. Chair meetings with Eastcoast
CEO and Alpha Omega staff.
6. Ensure the project is fulfilling
customer needs and that staff
are following best practice
procedures.
7. Research and verify which
hardware components will be
most beneficial to final design
of the system.

Christine Zhou

Alpha Omega
IT Pty Ltd

Network
Administrator
Recording
Secretary
Software
Manager
Testing Coordinator
Security Coordinator

1. Research, recommend and

oversee installation of
software in the system.
2. Prepare the software
implementation plan and
oversee the installations.
3. Prepare a testing plan for the
system and record outputs of
tests.
1. Record minutes of meetings
2. Check that the security of the
system meets the
requirements set by the
customer (Eastcoast
Contracting)

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Alpha Omega IT

Name

Organization Job Title

Jeffrey Dagher

Alpha Omega
IT Pty Ltd

Deputy Leader
Lead Designer

Responsibility/Interest in
Project
1. Assume Project Leader duties
if Project Leader is
unavailable.

Implementation 2. Prepare security standards for

Coordinator
project and ensure they are
abided by in the project.
Presentation
Coordinator
3. Advise on hardware
specifications and purchase all
hardware.
4. Design network diagrams and
advise on network
specifications to implement in
the project.
5. Research, recommend and
design project solutions and
incorporate recommendations
from Network Admin, Security
& Hardware Managers into the
project.
6. Prepare an implementation
plan and co-ordinate the
implementation of the HW &
SW in conjunction with the
Software Manager.
7. Prepare and oversee final
presentation.
8. Design an implementation
plan for the design of the new
system
9. Coordinate the final
presentation of the network
Customers of
Eastcoast

None

None

These include nursing staff

wanting to register with
Eastcoast, the general public
requiring more information on
Eastcoasts services and the
companies employing the
services of Eastcoast.
Their main interaction with the
system will be through the
website. They can also provide
feedback through Eastcoast if
there is some functionality
missing from the website.

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Alpha Omega IT

Name

Organization Job Title

Vendors of
Project

None

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None

- 16 -

Responsibility/Interest in
Project
Alpha Omega will purchase
software and hardware for the
project from our vendors. They
may be able to make
recommendations of one brand
over another or if there is
compatibility issues.

Alpha Omega IT

7. DELIVERABLES
As Alpha Omega IT has been contracted out to construct and implement a new
network for their new location in Sydney, St George Area. The system we are to
deliver to Eastcoast Contracting will rectify the problem they are currently
experiencing. Alpha Omega IT deliverables are as followed:
Documentation that Alpha Omega will provide to Eastcoast Contracting includes:

Project Charter

Project Management Plan

Feasibility Study

Requirements Specification Report

Design Report

Testing Plan

Implementation Plan

Disaster Recovery Plan

Maintenance Plan

User Documentation

Client Support Plan

Post Implementation Review

New User Requirements

A prototype of the system will be developed to allow for testing and evaluating, it
will include all the following aspects:
Hardware Components to be used:

File Server and Domain Controller

Mail Server

Database Server

6 desktops and 2 laptops connected wirelessly to the network

Wireless access points and switches

Router with VPN enabled thus allows users to remotely connect to network

2 multifunction devices (print, scan, fax) connected to network

Static website for Eastcoast Contracting ready for uploading to a website

hosting site

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Alpha Omega IT

Software Components to be used:

Server Operating software either Microsoft products or Linux alternative

Desktop operating systems running Microsoft Vista or Linux alternative

Microsoft Office/Open Office

Server software as detailed above

Antivirus/spyware software

All necessary networking software

Internet connection supplied by internet service provider

All detail of the deliverables listen above allows Eastcoast Contracting to operate
productively and efficiently. This solution shall allow it to overcome all its problems
that are occurring. If Eastcoast Contracting are pleased with the project plan they
will then begin implementation.

7.1 HAND OVER DATES

Deliverable

Date to be implemented

Project Charter

10.3.08

Project Management Plan

7.4.08

Feasibility Report

12.5.08

Requirements Specification

16.6.08

Design Report

1.9.08

Server Prototype

10.10.08

Network Prototype

10.10.08

PC Client Prototype

10.10.08

Testing Plan

24.11.08

Test of Whole System prototype

24.11.08

Implementation Plan

9.2.09

Disaster Recovery Plan

9.2.09

Maintenance Plan

9.3.09

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Alpha Omega IT