5-2 Project One Technology, Hardware, and Software Newton PDF

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1 Project One: Technology, Hardware, and Software

Project One: Technology, Hardware, and Software Deidra Newton 4th June 2021

2 Technology Needs In this scenario I will be working as a contracted information technology specialist for James Otis Tax Association. My company has been asked to provide our expertise in identifying the technology components needed for the computer systems, networks, and address security needs. James Otis Tax Association is growing rapidly, and it is my job to ensure that each new employee has appropriate tools and technology to effectively complete their new roles. The new roles that I will be providing technology needs for our Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Tax Specialist (TP), and Data-Entry Specialist (DES). Certified Public Accountant (CPA): The Certified Public Accountant is a senior position that requires the employee to not only handling sensitive customer data from personal tax returns but also preparing tax returns for corporate clients. The CPA is also responsible for the personal tax returns filled out by the tax and data-entry specialist employees. Hardware: o o o o o

Dell XPS 15 Dell Docking Station USB 3.0 Screen Protector Grand stream IP All in-one printer HP OfficeJet Pro 9025

Software: o o o o

Microsoft 365 (Business) Norton Antivirus Cisco AnyConnect Windows 10 pro

Security: o o o o o o

Admin/User Password protection system, encryption, firewalls antivirus data and email encryption, password exp. (90days), Strong password requirements.

3 I chose to go with a laptop for this role, and I went with the Dell XPS 15. It is thin, lightweight, it has got the best CPU, way more storage, superb keyboard with dedicated numerical FN keys and numerical keypad. It also has 4k resolution meaning an increase of 1.5 in screen area for work and which can affect your workflow. The battery life on this device is about 12 hours 19 minutes along with 15.6” 4k UHD Infinity Edge Touchscreen. I would suggest 16GB RAM and 512 GB SSD with Core i7-10750H. The 13” model has an 11th generation processer, but it won’t be any faster than the model that I suggest for the workloads in the given role. The docking station is equipped to use a USB to easily connect your laptop when needed. I suggest a screen protector to allow for privacy when handling sensitive data or documents on your device. The software programs I have selected are Windows 10 pro and Microsoft Office 365 for business use to perform all necessary daily tasks work related. I decided on Cisco AnyConnect to allow users to work remotely, when necessary, but also providing the necessary security to secure work related session remotely. This role requires a high level of security based on the sensitive information that is being used. I will recommend encryptions of data, firewalls, Norton antivirus, and the wireless security. I also suggest admin/user password protection system, password expirations after 90 days, and strong passwords requirements.

Tax Specialist (TS): The Tax Specialist position has a dual role of entering data and verifying that tax returns are correct. This position involves customer interaction in gathering data for minimizing taxes owed or maximizing tax refunds. This position has many different roles, and it is important that they follow the law as the tax expert supervises clients under difficult or complicated fiscal regulations. Due to the demand of tasks involving planning taxes, reviewing tax laws, producing records I would suggest that the employee uses a desktop.

4 Hardware: o Dell Precision 3440 o o o o

o o o o

10th Gen Intel 8GB DDR4 RAM 258GB of SSD drive DELL s2721d 27” Monitor

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM636 HP Office Jet 4650 all-in-one printer Signature pad Grand stream IP

Software: o Docusign, o Adbobe pro o Cisco Anyconnect o Norton Antivirus, o Microsoft 265 (Business) Security: o Admin/User Password protection system o encryption o firewalls o antivirus o data and email encryption o password exp. (90days)

The hardware that I have decided to use for this role are the DELL Precision 3440 10th gen intel with 8GB DDR4 RAM and 258 GB SSD drive. The DELL 27” ultra-thin monitor for a large enough screen to view all necessary tax documents. The signature pad will allow clients to sign necessary documents quickly and efficiently. The software’s are basically the same as the Certified Public Accountant just with Adobe pro added for edits, viewing, and creating PDFS. The security measures that I have chosen are the same as the CPA.

Data-Entry Specialist (DES): The Data-Entry Specialist role requires data entry for personal tax returns for customers who walk in the door. Although the data-entry specialist works with sensitive customer data,

5 they do not have access to the tax returns once the returns are submitted to the tax specialist for review. The data-entry specialist converts client data into the system for tax purposes, and once all necessary information is updated in the system it is then given to the tac specialist. For security purposes once the information is provided to the tax specialist, they are no longer able to access the documents. Hardware: o Dell Precision 3440 o 10th Gen Intel o 8GB DDR4 RAM o 258GB of SSD drive o DELL s2721d 27” Monitor o o o o o

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM636 Microsoft Surface Series HP Office Jet 4650 all-in-one printer Signature pad Grand stream IP

Software: o Docusign, o Adbobe pro o Cisco Anyconnect o Norton Antivirus, o Microsoft 265 (Business) o Secure Cloud-Based System Security: o o o o o o o o

Admin/User Password protection system encryption firewalls antivirus password exp. (90days) Strong password requirements fire wall access protected by the companies VPN Session length auto time-out.

6 The hardware that I have decided to use for this role is the same as the Tax Specialist, I will be adding in a tablet to create more flexibility with walk in clients to check schedules and/or appointments. The grand stream IP will be mainly utilized by the DES to contact clients for further information, or just to answer any business-related questions. This role does require the employee to handle sensitive information as well and therefore they will need to ensure all security measures are met daily. I am suggesting an auto sign out for the devices to prioritize security when handling customers or walk-ins.

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References Laptopstudy. (2021, April 17). The 5 Best Laptops for Accounting in 2021 (Accountants & Students). Laptop Study. https://laptopstudy.com/best-laptop-for-accounting/. Stimpson, J. (2019, July 29). Six cybersecurity musts for tax pros. Accounting Today. https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/six-cybersecurity-musts-for-tax-preparers. Seymour, S. (2021, June 3). List of 10 Best Project Management Tools. Financesonline.com. https://financesonline.com/list-10-best-project-management-software-tools/....