Now that we had identified what it is that we want to sell on our webstore and who it is that we want to sell it to, we can now choose what type of hardware and software we will need. In order for our system to be operating at maximum efficiency, Eysie and Sehr Management Information System Consultants recommend a three tiered system because of existing system compatibilities. Tier one will consist of a web server layer, this layer will handle incoming internet requests, load balance requests, display html pages, route web requests to application server, and assemble data from an application server into web pages for clients. (George, 259)
The second tier is the application server layer, this layer will authenticate users, process transactions, retrieve and send data to web server, and retrieve and send data to existing application systems. (George, 259)
Tier three, the final layer, is the existing corporate network. This is the tier that we will operate our customer tracking system, our inventory system, and our order fulfillment system. (George, 259)
The next step in implementing a webstore for Pine Valley Furniture is to develop a conceptual design. In order to properly design a webstore, we must first break down our feasibility concerns. The four stages we must break our feasibility concerns into are operational, technical, schedule, legal, and political. Operational means that our store will be open 7/24/365, and must have constant customer support. Technical means that we may need to acquire a new skill set for development, maintenance and operation. Schedule relates to what time we want the system operating by, for example quarter 3. Legal aspects relate to credit card authorization and fraud. (George 107)
The aspect of analyzing design refers to website navigation and flexibility. When designing a website, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First off, navigation should remain consistent throughout the entire site; this limits the chance of users getting lost within the site. Secondly, graphics should be lightweight to allow for quick page display. (George, 143)
Now we need to begin to address and analyze the risks and benefits of making this transition. In order fully address this notion of analyzing costs and benefits; we must first distinguish between tangible and intangible costs and benefits. Let’s first discuss Tangible benefits. The two major tangible benefits that will be achieved by this transition will be lower per-transaction over head cost as well as repeat business. The first tangible costs we will explore are one time only costs. The costs include internet service set up fee, hardware, development cost, and data entry. Some recurring tangible costs include internet servicing hosting fee, software, support, maintenance, and decreased sales via traditional channels. (George, 106)
Some intangible benefits of making this transition would be, first to market, foundation for complete Web-based information system, and simplicity for customers.
And finally, a few intangible costs include no face to face interaction, and not all customers use the internet. (George, 106)
We now move into the next phase of implementation which is evaluating an alternative. In this case, there are three possible alternatives. We will discuss all three options and mention the advantages and disadvantages of each. Our first option is to outsource the application server provider. The advantages of this would be that all the hardware is located off site, application is developed professionally and managed off site, and thus provides excellent emergency response. Some disadvantages of this option would be that it is inflexible, difficult to integrate with existing systems, and the resources are shared with other clients. (George, 258)
The second option is to enterprise a resource planning system. The advantages of this would be stability and available documentation. Disadvantages of this option would be that it requires internal development, and would render documentation crucial during planning and development. (George, 258)
The last thing that we need to address is how essential the commitment to this transition is. If this is going to be a successful transformation, the entire organization must exhibit unilateral support from the CEO throughout the entire organization.
In conclusion, Eysie and Sehr Management Information System Consultants are willing to implement this ecommerce system for Pine Valley Furniture and are eager to do so as soon as possible.
References
George, Hoffer, Valacich. Essentials of Systems Analysis and Design. 2nd edition, India. 2002 p. 149-258