ankit poddar final project report

8/8/2019 Ankit Poddar Final Project Report

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Mukesh Patel School Of Technology,

Management and Engineering

Information Communication TechnologyStrategy

TRAINING & PROJECT REPORT

Presented by

Mr. Ankit Poddar

Based on the training undertaken in

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd.

Project

Information Communication Technology Strategy

Period (dates)

From - 27 Jan 2009 to 29 Apr 2009

Industry Guide

Mr. V. Sarangpani

Faculty Supervisor

Ms. Pratidnya Hegde Patil

MBA-Tech-IT(3rd Year) Project Report Page 1 of 94

Author: Mr. Ankit Poddar Status: Final Dated: July 21, 2009


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TRAINING/ PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET

This is certify that

Shri _Ankit Poddar__________________________________________________

Roll No./ Exam.Seat No. 115

has completed the training & project in our company as mentioned below:

_Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Limited._______________________________

and the training report is also submitted

in partial fulfillment of

9th Trimester Industrial Training for MBA (Tech) in Information Technology sector

and the same is approved (name/signature of Industry Mentor/HR Department)

----------------------------- ----------------------------Date:-Place:Company Seal:

For SVKMs NMIMS University:

I have supervised and guided the student and reviewed the report and approve thesame:(Faculty Supervisor) (HOD)

---------------------------- -------------------------------Date:PlaceSeal of NMIMS University:




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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Mans quest for knowledge never ends. Theory and practical are essential and

complimentary to each other. We are indebted and thankful for the assistance received

from various individuals in making this project a success. We find no words to express

our gratitude towards those who were constantly involved with us throughout our tenure

in Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Mumbai.

We would like to thank Mr. Vinay Christian (IT Consultant), Mr. Sajith Nair

(Module Leader) and Ms. Kanan Vaidya (Module Leader) of TCS for provides us with

a learning platform. His guidance and support was a constant source of inspiration. He

kept faith in us and giving guidance on how to go through the critical project. We are also

very thankful to him for giving us the kind permission to work in the Institute and also

highly obliged to him for allocating us a very interesting and challenging project. The

whole staff of the TCS was highly co-operative and we are thankful for the support they

extended to us.

Wed like to thank Mr. Ketan Shah, our HOD, Ms. Pratidnya Hegde Patil

(Project Coordinator) for molding our thoughts and vision towards this project. We

appreciate their interest and concern regarding the project. He was constant source of

inspiration to us throughout our project.

Last but not the least wed also like to thank ourclassmates and other trainees

of TCS who have always been there to inspire and help us.

Name and signature of the student.

Date:

Place:




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INDEX

1. About Organisation

IntroductionActivities of Organisation

Practice Matrix

Customers

Global Presence

2. Introduction

About MHADAMHADAs Mission, Objectives and IT Vision

TCS Scope of WorkReview Study

MethodologyIssues

3. Overview of IT Strategy

Current Systems

Network Solution

Collaboration Suite

Master Data Creation

Change Management

4. General Administration DepartmentDepartment Review

Functions of General Administration DepartmentDepartmental Heirarchy

5. Application Strategy

Current Status of Applications

Proposed Systems

6. Platform Strategy

Application Architecture

Technology Architecture

Proposed PlatformFramework

7. Operations, Hardware and NetworkingInformation Flow

Current LAN/ WAN SetupCurrent Hardware Status

Available Options for Network Solution

Centralized / Decentralized Architecture

Thick / Thin / Rich Clients

VPN / Dial Up Connectivity




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About Organization

1.1 Introduction

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) provides innovative, end-to-end consulting, IT

solutions and services to Fortune 500 clients in over 50 countries. With over 45,000

consultants, over 100 branches, alliances with world IT leaders, cutting-edge R&D,

and world-class infrastructure, TCS offers products and services in eBusiness,

Application Development, Architecture & Technology Consulting, Engineering

Services, e-security, Large Projects, Quality Consulting and Infrastructure

Development, across verticals such as Banking, Financial Services, Insurance,

Telecom, Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Transportation, Life Sciences &

Healthcare, Client and Utilities.

Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS) is the world-leading information

technology consulting, services, and business process outsourcing organization that

envisioned and pioneered the adoption of the flexible global business practices that

today enable companies to operate more efficiently and produce more value.

They are part of one of Asia's largest conglomerates - the TATA Group -, which,

with its interests in Energy, Telecommunications, Financial Services, Chemicals,

Engineering & Materials, provides TCS with a grounded understanding of specific

business challenges facing global companies.

TCS commenced its operations in 1968, when the IT services industry didnt

exist as it does today. Now, with a presence in 34 countries across 6 continents, & a

comprehensive range of services across diverse industries, TCS is one of the world's

leading Information Technology companies. Seven of the Fortune Top 10 companies

are among their valued customers.




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Their products are popular all over the world. They are known to be user-friendly,

flexible, comprehensive, and trailblazers in their respective areas. The various types

of services and solutions offered by them are as follows: -

1. Consulting

2. IT services

3. BPO

4. IT Infrastructure Services

5. Engineering & Industrial Services

6. Product Based Solutions

TCS offers an optimum blend of strategy consulting and system integration

services to help organizations architect and build their services / businesses in the e-

Economy.

1.1.1 Vision

To be Global Top 10 by 2010

1.1.2 Mission

To help Customers achieve their business objectives, by providing Innovative,

Best-in-class Consulting, IT solutions and services. We shall make it a joy for all

stakeholders to work with us

1.1.3 Values

Integrity, Leading change, Excellence, Respect for individual, and Learning &

Sharing.




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1.1.4 Quality

TCS follows a continuous quality enhancement process, and as of today, fifteen

centers the Qwest, HP, Sholinganallur, Ambattur and GEDC centers in Chennai,

SEEPZ at Mumbai, Gurgaon II, Noida, and Gulab Bhavan in Delhi, and the

Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Pune, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad operations have

all been assessed at Level 5 maturity of the Software Engineering Institutes

Capability Maturity Model (SEI-CMM) scale. All major development centers

belonging to TCS are ISO 9001 certified. TCSs Quality Management System also

has ISO 9001 compliance.

1. Organization wide ISO 9001 certification

2. 15 Centres at SEI CMM Level 5 - Qwest, HP, Sholinganallur, GEDC, Ambattur

(Chennai), Gurgaon II, Noida, Gulab Bhavan (Delhi), SEEPZ, Calcutta,

Bangalore, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune

3. EACoE, our joint venture with GE assessed at SEI CMM Level 5

4. Second in the TATA Group in TBEM assessment

5. Over 1100 CQAs from TCS, the largest number from any one company,accounting for over a third of the number of CQAs in the world.

6. For SEI CMM - TCS has 40 Assessors, 3 Lead Assessors and 1 People CMM

Lead Assessor

7. First organization in the world to be assessed at PCMM Level 4 - Noida, Gurgaon

II (Delhi), Kolkata and Tidel Park (Chennai)

8. Adopting Six Sigma Practices (GE Center Bangalore) - TCS has 12 Six Sigma

Black Belts




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1.2 Activities Of the Organization

1.2.1 Research And Development

Founded in 1981, TATA Research Design and Development Center, the R&D

wing of TCS, focuses on applying science and technology to industry in particular

and society in general. The most critical input to TCS consulting practice, TRDDC,

today studies and invents leading-edge technology tools and engineering

techniques, and improves intellectual property that is applied to commercial projects

all over the world.

1.2.2 Focus Areas

1. Software Engineering

2. Language Processing

3. Process Control / Real Time Systems Object Technology

4. Software Re-usability

5. Concurrent Engineering

6. Expert Systems

7. Image Processing

8. Tool Development

9. Artificial Intelligence

10. Re-engineering & Re-usability

1.2.3 Looking Ahead

Always looking ahead, TCS is working towards being among the global top ten ITconsulting companies in the coming years. Emphasizing its commitment to quality,

TCS intends to achieve SEI CMM level 5 certification for all its development centers.

In retrospection, TCS has grown over the years not merely in size, geographical

spread and revenue. It has evolved into a corporate culture dedicated to client




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satisfaction, lasting relationships and social responsibility. It has become an

environment where the best minds from the top universities are instilled with the

finest training possible. Its human skills are ably backed by the latest in hardware,

software and telecommunication links that span the world.

The key element of TCS organization is to forge long-term strategic partnerships with

its customers. These partnerships are forged around customers business objectives

and IT strategies by configuring appropriate TCS' capabilities in Technology, Industry

and Services skills mentioned below:

IPs include:

Banking Financial Services and Insurance, retail & Distribution, Telecom,

Manufacturing and Process Industries, Health care, transportation, Utilities and

Others.

SPs include:

E-Business, Infrastructure development and management, Application development

and maintenance, Engineering services, large projects, security.




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1.3 Practice Matrix

TCS has a well defined matrix, and a well scaled up inter-connected industry to

service approach. The cross-link of the given matrix provides a good hierarchy. In

the system the practices are very nicely integrated to provide a very stringent array

and thus provide a better link for processing of the work.

Practice in TCS is integrated is such a rigid way that the interrelation and

correlation between all the services provided and the technologies present in the

Organization make the Company a must in modern IT World.

The Matrix Organization and the very advanced behavior makes the place cozy

to work in.




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o Citibank

o Compaq

o Credit Suisse First Boston

o Cummins Companyo Dell Computer Corporation

o Deutsche Bank

o Dresdner Kleinwort Benson

o Eaton Corporation

o East Midland Electricity Co.

o Fidelity Investment

o Ford Motor Company

o General Electric (world-wide)

o General Motors

o Client of Sri Lanka

o Hewlett Packardo HSBC

o IBM

o AVIVA

o Barclays

o SBI

o OBC

o MHADA

o MCGM

* (Companies in Bold are distinguished Companies)




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"The least of my worries has been whether or not the system would work,or if it would be delivered on time. The professionalism, commitment, dedication

and true passion of the TCS team made it all possible. Thank you, TCS, formaking magic every day of our lives."

- Monica Singer, CEO, Strate Limited




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Madrid

HongKong

Taipei

Geneva

HoChi

Minh

City

Frankfurt,Munich,Hamburg

Dubai

Zurich, Basel,Zug

NewDelhi

Toronto

Montreal

Sydney

Melbourne

Singapore

KualaLumpur

Mumbai

Paris

Dublin

Edinburgh

Luxembourg

Tokyo

LondonBirminghamManchesterReadingBristolBerkshireNottingham

Johannesburg

Amsterdam,Rotterdam

Brussels

CapeTown

Stockholm

Wellington

Calcutta

Bangalore Chenn

ai

Seoul

Budapest

Copenhagen

Helsinki

Oslo

BellevueDenverLosAngelesSanFranciscoSunnyvaleSan DiegoPhoenix

MinneapolisSt. LouisOhioOmahaChicagoMilwaukeeHoustonDallas

New YorkNew JerseyPittsburghRaleighRockvilleHartfordIndianapolisBostonClevelandDetroitAtlanta

Boca RatonTampaCincinnatiSao

Paulo

Montevideo

BuenosAires

MexicoCity




1.5 Global Presence




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2. Introduction

TCS, with its in-depth understanding of the Government sector and an

experience spanning over three decades, is ideally suited to be a single-point

solution provider for its clients. TCS provides clients with a complete range of

services from strategic consulting to implementation of solutions, all tailored to meet

client-specific needs.

TCS is most suited to take up strategic consultancy for organisations in the

International market, particularly the Government sector, having logged considerable

person-years of experience in that area.

TCS has provided its expertise to governmental agencies all over the world,

working with numerous hardware and software technologies, to improve the overall

image and provide better services to its constituents. TCS is also the largest player

in the government sector in India covering strategic consulting, and providing IT

solutions addressing requirements across the whole spectrum.

Maharashtra Housing & Area Development Authority (MHADA) is a premier

Housing organization in India. It is embarking upon an ambitious computerization

initiative. It is therefore imperative that the deficiencies of the present system, namely

lack of integrated systems, inefficient work procedures, lack of up-to-date and

accurate databases, lack of data sharing, etc. be eliminated before digitization.

MHADA has decided to provide a single point access web portal for citizen centric

services that would entail revamping of existing web site of the corporation.

As MHADA lacks specialized manpower in IT field, MHADA invited TCS to share

its expertise to assist MHADA in formulating an Information Technology Plan. TCS

will execute this assignment through its Architecture and Technology Consulting

practice (ATC) supported by other practices of TCS such as Government and




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Utilities. TCS will customize its IMPACT methodology for MHADA requirements and

use it for arriving at an IT Strategy and Roadmap.

This report provides the reader with the insight of how TATA Consultancy

Services Ltd (TCS) went about assisting Maharashtra Housing and Area

Development Authority (MHADA) in formulating IT strategy. It will provide insight into

the steps in executing this assignment through Architecture and Technology

Consulting Practice (ATC) supported by other practices of TCS such as Government

and Utilities. It suggests understanding the business vision and the in-depth

functioning of an organization facilitate in streamlining the processes. On the basis of

the process study, Departmental IT Plan is developed and Gap analysis is done

between current and recommended architectures, which help in preparing the tender

documents.

From all this, my area of focus was to understand the various functions of

General Administration department, to do a gap analysis of the current processes

and the required one, and formulate an IT departmental plan for the same.

I have understood the process flow for each of the functions of General

Administration department and analyzed each of the processes with the help of

process flow chart; and then done a gap analysis accordingly recommending them to

remove unnecessary steps i.e. BPR keeping in mind MHADAs business vision and

the suitability for future technology investments. I also have analyzed whether the

method can be improved by implementation of information technology.

Finally, I have formulated an IT strategy report for the same. This report is

mainly a road map for the implementation of the Departmental IT plan. Here, it

specifies the current status, deciding on requirements of efficient and suitable

proposed process and carrying out a gap analysis to arrive at a strategy and reduce

the inefficiency in the current system my area of focus was Application Strategy.



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Then, I worked on preparation of the ERP tender and training tender. After

preparing the tenders, I also formulated questionnaire, which had all the queries and

information not available in the General Administration Department. With the help of

this questionnaire all the data available could be verified and data not available could

also be obtained.

2.1 About MHADA

Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is a premier

Housing organization established under MHADA Act No. xxviii of 1976. The

enactment was to unify, consolidate and amend the laws relating to housing,

repairing and reconstruction of dangerous buildings and carrying out

improvement works in slum areas.

MHADA works in multi-institutional environment in co-ordination with State

Government and other planning and operating agencies. This requires well-

thought-out intra and inter-institutional co-ordination. The following are the key

functions of MHADA.

Providing houses in Maharashtra state.

Giving clearance as well as redevelopment of urban & rural areas.

Developing peripheral areas of existing urban & rural areas,commercial centers, new towns, and lands vested in the Authority.

Repairing and reconstructing old and dilapidated Cessed buildingsin Mumbai city

Construction & Maintenance of transit tenements.

Upgrading & improving civic amenities in slums.

Providing Slum Housing schemes.




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Undertaking mass production of dwelling units.In addition, MHADA is entrusted with the following Activities:-

Allotment of residential and non-residential tenements and plot.

Assessment and Recovery of lease rent / rent, service charges, hire

Purchase installments.

Conveyance of property to the Housing Cooperative Societies / individuals.

Allotment of transit tenements and allotment of reconstructed

tenements to the occupants / tenants of old / cessed buildings.

Providing proper amenities and maintenance of common

infrastructure services in the colonies.

2.2 MHADAs Mission, Objectives and IT Vision

2.2.1 Mission Statement

MHADAs mission statement is as follows:

To provide a more comprehensive & co-ordinated approach towards

housing development, planning and development of certain areas in a

balanced manner, with sufficient focus on quality, quantity & affordability.

2.2.2 MHADAs Objectives

Objectives related to the study are given below.

To aid promotion of housing development through streamlined

investor interface

To provide quality services through Improved service delivery,

enhance Professionalism and courtesy




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To manage resources efficiently through seamless flow of

information and Improved utilisation of human resource

potential

2.2.3 MHADA IT Vision

MHADAs IT Vision is to harness the potential of information and

communication technology to improve

Customer (Current and Prospective) interface and services

Management Information System

Communication Across Offices

Complaint Redressal Mechanism

Internal processes and procedures

Co-ordination with other Government & Non-Government

infrastructure providers

Marketing and Corporate image

MHADA's Corporate Mission is to promote and assist in housing

development for all income groups of society in Maharashtra State. .

MHADA plans to harness the potential of Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) to achieve its corporate mission and to

meet its computerization requirements in the future.

In 2005, MHADA invited Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS)

to submit a proposal for ICT initiatives. After several deliberations,

MHADA appointed TCS as its IT partner/ Technology Consultant.




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2.3 TCS Scope of Work

The TCS scope of work in each of the phases would be as follows:

A. Preparation Of Departmental IT Plans

1. Technology Assessment and suitability

2. Discussion with technology Experts

3. Identify areas of application of Information and Communication

Technologies (ICT) within the Department process

4. Provide the required inputs for Selection of Enterprise Resource

Planning (ERP) Package or any other appropriate software

package (Finance And Accounts, HR and Payroll, Estate

Management, Project Management Systems, Customer

Relationship Management Including MHADA Portal and Material

Management).

5. All tender documents shall be prepared in accordance with the IT

Plans prepared by TCS and approved by MHADA for the

respective area.

Key Deliverables:

Submission of documents on

a. IT Strategy for developing new applications, building new systems,

integrating legacy system into an interoperable and scalable

framework, building data centre, developing Geographical

Information System based systems, modifying existing business

processes, training the users, undertaking internal structuraladjustments aimed at improving efficiency, helping MHADA in

smooth change over to modern systems, implementing HR related

up gradation, implementing other key recommendations.




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b. Current Business, Application and Technical Architecture including

Security and Network Architecture.

c. Target business, Application and Technical Architecture including

Security & Network Architecture.

d. Recommending IT standards and guidelines.

B. Preparation of Following Six Type Tenders:

1. Implementation of the ERP Package (Finance and Accounts,

HR and Payroll, Estate Management, Project Management

Systems, Customer Relationship Management Including

MHADA Portal and Material Management)2. Creation of Master Files for ERP

a. Mapping data availability needs of with Master files.

b. Preparation and submission of tender for Master files

for selected ERP in required format with all technical

specification.

3. Geographical Information System (GIS) including Creation of

Respective Master Files,

a. Technology assessment

b. Determination of suitable Technology.

c. Identification of area and utility for GIS software / agency.

d. Preparation and submission of tender for the same

including creation of respective master files with all

technical specification.

4. File Management System (Includes Document Management

System of ERP) for all Departments of MHADA and specific

software for Legal Department, Legal Management System

including Creation of Respective Master Files.




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a. Identification of legal functions and verification of same

from legal department for inclusion in the legal tender.

b. Preparation and submission of tender for the same

including creation of respective master files with all

technical specifications.

c. Technology assessment, determination of suitable

Technology.

5. Computer Based Training or Any Other Tender as May be

Specified by MHADAor Readymade or Customized Software

Packages For Engineering & Architectural Departments.

6. Setting Up of Data Centre Including Required Hardware and

LAN / WAN

7. Any Other Tender In Lieu of any of above Tenders as may be

specified by MHADAor in Accordance with the Requirements

as per Directives received from the Government before Sign

Off to any of the above Tender / s.

Key Deliverables: Tender documents for the select area as above.




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C. Evaluate The Responses Received From Bidders And Submit

Report

1. Develop evaluation methodology for bidders selection for

each tender

2. Assist in scrutinizing and evaluating the tenders received

and offer comments to the MHADA for its consideration for selection

of vendors and also assist in carrying out negotiations with vendors.

3. Complete bid evaluation process management

4. Advise for customisation

5. Recommend to finalize the vendor /s to MHADA for

execution of the project.

Key Deliverable: Bid Evaluation Reports

2.4 Review study

TCS conducted a review study, which encompassed key business processes.

This revised document covers departmental IT plans. This report

Examines the current applications and their usefulness

Lists the areas which could be computerized

Details new applications which need to be developed

2.5 Methodology

TCS adopted participative methodology in which the internal team is involved at

all stages of development of new ICT strategy for the organization. A questionnaire

(given in appendix 1) was developed for each of the departments & it was sent to the

respective departments.




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Several presentations were organized in which top management personnel

participated besides key members. The purpose of the study was explained to the

participants. The idea of forming process teams was mooted and readily accepted by

the management. Accordingly, process teams representing all the departments were

formed.

These teams were asked to review the relevant process document in the light of

changes taken place in the department / organization and suggest changes. The

teams were also requested to fill in the questionnaire. These filled in questionnaires

were analyzed. Detailed discussions were held with the process teams and HODs

were held at every stage. Based on the above this document on Departmental ITplans was prepared. Further, the inputs given by the process teams are being used

to prepare the tender specification.

2.6 Issues

2.6.1 IT related issues in MHADA

There are certain IT related issues in MHADA, which need to be addressed so as

to accelerate the growth of computerization. These include:

Non- uniform technology platforms

Partial computerization

Insecure transactions

Non-Availability of data in the required format and in time

Limited connectivity

Lack of integration of various applications already deployed

No online application processing

Limited availability of skilled IT personnel




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2.6.2 Business Related Major Issues

The major Business related issues for MHADA are:

Limited focus on Customer Relationship Management.

Difficulty in getting updated and accurate information for internal as well

as external customers.

Enhancing corporate image of MHADA.




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3. Overview Of IT Strategy

This chapter highlights the major observations and recommendations. These

are categorized under the following heads.

Applications

Network

Collaboration Suite

Master file creation

Change Management

Timelines

3.1 Current Systems

3.1.1 Analysis

The applications that support the major business processes of MHADA fall short

of meeting current requirements of MHADA as the systems,

Operate on multiple platforms

Operate at multiple locations without any connectivity

Are not integrated with each other

Have limited functionalities

Are designed to support the automation of some of the manual processes

Operate in an insecure environment

These applications are specially developed for MHADA.

Thus these systems are not extracting the full potential of the Information andcommunication Technology. The following table provides a comparison between

Bespoke (tailor made applications) and ERP packages.




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Table 3.1.1.: Bespoke Systems Vs ERP Package

Parameter Bespoke ERP Package

Time required for development

and implementationHigh

Low. Customization required

for some functions.

Cost High Medium

IntegrationExtensive testing

required

Already integrated. Testing is

required.

Adoption of best practicesTo be identified and

incorporated.Incorporated

Impact of technologicalobsolescence

High. Continuous up

gradation required at a

very high cost.

New technology can be

deployed easily as the vendorcomes out with new versions

fully integrated.

3.1.2 Recommendations

TCS recommends that MHADA should opt for an integrated ERP package

rather than the re-development of these applications. The ERP package shall have

the following modules:

Finance & Accounts

Human Resource Management

Estate Management

Project Management

Materials Management

Customer Relationship Management

Portal, GIS, File Management System (including Document Management

System) & Legal Management System shall be developed and integrated with the

proposed ERP Package.




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Use of the existing Financial Accounting, Payroll, Marketing and Application for

Cessed Buildings & Transit Camps shall be discontinued after the implementation of

ERP solution.

3.1.3 Single Line Technology

As MHADA is a medium sized organization, TCS recommends the use of

single line of technology for all the applications because of the following reasons:

Required skills not available in MHADA to manage applications on

multiple technologies.

Running and maintaining applications on multiple technologies require

additional efforts and may become a costly proposition in the long run.

Integration will continue to be a major issue as and when any change is to

be incorporated.

Though this will result in total dependence on one vendor, the advantages

outweigh the risks. In case, a different technology is to be added for any specific

reason, the same may be done as an exception.

Selection of type of ERP solution will influence selection of following entities,

Operating system

Relational Data Base Management System (RDBMS)

Hardware and Networking

Bandwidth requirement

Framework (Front end)

Messaging Solution

Hence, firm recommendations will be made after finalizing ERP solution.




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3.2 Network Solution

Implementation of these solutions would require creation of organization wide

network.

Centralized Architecture is recommended due to ease of Operation and

maintenance besides better control.

Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) & Virtual Private Network (VPN) is

recommended as it can be implemented within a short time and is cost

effective. As and when, Maharashtra Governments Statewide WAN (MSWAN) is

put into operation; MHADA may consider using this network if it is made

available, cost effective and meets service quality requirements.

Selection of ERP solution will have influence on network architecture and the

bandwidth required by each office.

3.3 The Collaboration Suite

To have better communication within the organization as well as external

world, MHADA needs to have Collaboration Suite (Messaging Solution). Currently

employees use commonly available Messaging Systems such as Gmail, Yahoo and

Hotmail. These require Internet connectivity and may pose security threats. Further,

these mail ids do not identify the employees with MHADA. TCS evaluated four

Collaboration Suites.

Though extent of feature compliance is marginally higher for Lotus Domino

Notes than that of Exchange, cost is very high. Postfix costs for Lotus Domino Notes

is much less than the other suites. Selection of operating system will have a bearing

on this.




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3.4 Master Data Creation

Master files for the new applications need to be created. In the case of existing

databases, migration and enhancement would be required. As master file creation is

a time consuming exercise, MHADA shall initiate this process as soon as ERP

solution is finalized after obtaining the format from the selected vendor.

3.5 Change Management

Implementation for ERP would involve adoption of best practices and extensive

changes in the current procedures. To manage this, core team representing various

functions and various boards will be required. The key responsibilities of the process

champions are as follows:

Conceptualize new processes

Identify enhancements required in the Applications

Justify enhancements

Finalize specifications

Vet the Tender documents

Assist In Evaluation of Bids

Identify Prospective Users and Locations

Facilitate Development of New Applications

Facilitate creation of Master Files

Assist in the maintenance of the application

Get Trained In the Use of New Applications

Train Other Users




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4. General Administration Department

4.1 Department Review

The General Administration department is concerned with all the Human

Resource related issues of MHADA employees. It is under the direct supervision of

VP/CEO at MAHADA and there are a total of around 3500 employees in MHADA.

Authority at Mumbai Office that is in Bandra centrally coordinates all HR functions.

MHADA Organization is classified into Vice President (VP) office and regional

boards. The VP office and each of the 9 regional boards are further divided into

Divisions/Sections/Departments with respective cadres under them. There are 48

cadres in all like Secretary, Administrative Officer, Sr. Assistant, Jr. Assistant, Sr.

Clerk, Jr. Clerk etc. These cadres are categorized as Class I, II, III, and IV

employees.

General Administration maintains department, Cadre and Reservation

Category wise sanctioned strength for the VP as well as regional board offices. For

each cadre there is a predefined ratio for Direct Recruit and Promote.

4.2 Functions Of General Administration Department

The functions that are mainly carried out in the general administration

department are as follows:

Employee Recruitment

Maintenance of employee records

Performance Monitoring and Appraisal

Maintenance of the record of incentives

Training and Development




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General activities loan applications, telephone bills, etc

Departmental Enquiry / Disciplinary Actions

Transfers and posting

4.3 Departmental Hierarchy

Figure 1 Departmental Hierarchy



Vice President / Chief

Executive Officer

Secretar

y

Administrative Officer

(Mumbai Board + 7 otherboards)

Public Relations

Officer

Employees (Class I, II,

IIIII & IV)


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5. Application Strategy

The business objectives and organizational needs of any organization

determine its Information System (IS) Strategy. The IS strategy should also take into

consideration the current technology and the organization's ability to assimilate new

technology. The design of any IS should also consider the compilation, processing

and distribution of information. Hence the drivers for planning and design of any

information system are:

Volume, criticality and frequency of information (entities and data elements)needed.

Data processing philosophy (applications architecture).

Data distribution mechanism (networking and communication architecture).

Overall cost effectiveness.

Ease of use.

Suitability for MHADA.

Ease of Implementation.

5.1 Current Status Of Applications

A brief description of applications that are currently operational in MHADA is

given in Table below.

Table 5.1 - Current ApplicationsSr.No.

Name of the System Platform Vendor

1 Monthly & Annual AccountPreparation

Oracle 7 NIC

2 Provident Fund Accounting Windows / Unix (FoxPro) NIC




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Sr.No.

Name of the System Platform Vendor

3 Payroll Windows / Unix (FoxPro) NIC

4 Marketing System Windows (MS Access) NIC5 Preparation of Financial

Performance BudgetWindows (MS Access) NIC

6 Outstanding Payment Calculationfor Oshiwara Powai Schemes.

Windows / Unix (FoxPro) NIC

7 STAAD Pro 2002 COTS

8 Auto CAD LT 2002 COTS9 Auto Desk Architectural Desktop

3.3COTS

10 Auto Desk Map 6 COTS

11 Lottery System Windows Shanti Computer Systems

The TCS team evaluated these systems keeping in mind:

Integration with other systems

Capability to meet the future requirements of the users

Proposed IT strategy

TCS team also evaluated the requirements of the organization keeping in mind the

IT Vision of the organization.

The departmental issues and the systems required by each of the departments are

discussed in detail in the following sections.

5.1.1 Finance And Accounts Department

5.1.1.1 Current System Scenario

The Accounts and Finance department uses two systems

Accounting System

Payroll System

Accounting System




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Table 5.1.1.1 - Existing System and Entities Accounting System

Item DescriptionName of System Accounting SystemUser Department Accounts and Finance Department

Software Details Windows 98 / XP, Oracle 7i and Unix 5.0

System FunctionalityMaintenance of Accounts

Generate standard reports

Major Entities

Revenue expenditure details

Revenue income details

Capital expenditure details

Capital receipts details

The following issues pertaining to the current Accounting System emerged

during the discussion with the users.

Financial Accounting system is not integrated with other systems

available.

The system implemented (Oracle 7 i) is very old. The server may

pose problems, as it is Pentium II based & migrating to Pentium IV is

tough. Moreover, with no support available from NIC, there are issues

pertaining to maintenance.

Data transferred to Head Office consists of only abstract and no

details and hence drill down reports could not be generated. The data

transfer from regional offices is by means of MS excel workbooks

generated on a monthly basis using CDs or floppies for this transfer.

Cost Center, Budgeting and facility for Centralized Audit are not

available in the system.

Only limited divisional level MIS could be generated from the

system.

The recommended system enhancements are as follows:0

5.1.1.2 System Enhancements




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Centralized access to all MHADA offices for relevant data - both

for Data Entry and generation of reports

Following reports to be generated through the system.

Capital and Revenue receipts.

Maintenance and Repair expenditure details.

Rent received and expenditure on MHADA buildings.

Work-wise details, Project details and comparison of

Administrative Departments Permission (ADP), technical sanction

and monthly expenditure.

Area-wise income and expenditure (Sub-Division upwards).

Sub-Division-wise comparison of monthly cash flow and budget

provisions.

Cost Center-wise reports.

Monitoring Fund Movement.

5.1.2 Payroll System

5.1.2.1 Current System Scenario

The following are the issues:

The system has been implemented across the regional boards in

Maharashtra with independent databases.

The employee details have to be re-entered incase of promotions

and transfers in the master maintained at the new location due to

absence of a centralized database for employee records.

There is no provision for managing Computer Advance and the

House Rents.




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Difficulty in supplementary bills with respect to Group Insurance

Scheme / LIC, Computer Advance, Income Tax and House Rent.

This is not integrated with any other System in the organization.

All the information as required for Service Record Book is not

available in the system. Hence, Service Record Book is maintained

separately.

5.1.2.2 Recommendations

MHADA should have an integrated Human Resource Management System.

5.2 Proposed Systems

As indicated earlier, all the systems available are disparate in nature.

These systems were developed and implemented over a period of several years.

The need of the hour is to integrate all these systems. The expectations of the

stakeholders can be fulfilled in time only if a radical approach is adopted. Hence

TCS recommends implementation of a tried and tested ERP solution for MHADA.This can be achieved in less than a year, if the required data is made available in

time and cooperation of all is secured.

The following is the overview of the requirements, which are needed to be

addressed by design, development, and implementation of the ERP System. The

modules are listed as per the order of importance. The proposed features are

relevant to the organization. The Functionality matrix of the proposed modules is

provided in Appendix 2.

The modules have been selected keeping in mind the major departmental

issues as discussed above and the capability of various ERP solutions available.

It is important to note that ERP solution may not address all the issues . Further, it




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requires adoption of best practices, which will be beneficial for the organisation.

This will also call for change of procedures followed.

Description of all the Modules and their Interconnection in MHADA

5.2.1 Financial Module



ERP in MHADA


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An integrated Financial Management Module should have the

following features:

Budgeting and Planning

General Ledger

Accounts Payable

Accounts Receivable

Budgeting

Loan Management

Asset Management

Project Accounting

Cash Management

MIS

5.2.2 Human Resource management System

It is recommended that MHADA should go in for an integrated

Human Resource Management System (HRMS) along with Payroll System.

This will lead to higher effectiveness in its operations.

The following are the desired additional features of HRMS and

Payroll System:

Managing loans, etc.

MIS Reports

Performance Appraisal System (Annual Confidential Report)

Promotions and Transfers

Employee Grievances

Separation (due to resignation, dismissal, death, disability,

retirement including voluntary retirement etc)

Recruitment

Union Matters




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Non contributed PF

5.2.3 Estate Management System

The Estate Management maintains details as follows,

Managing tenement records

Managing rent records,

Conveyance

A single comprehensive point of access will increase the efficiency of

managing tenements. For this purpose, a universally accessible database needsto be made available. The best way to handle this would be to use a web portal

that provides all information about locations, maps and other related information,

The system shall provide the following details.

By location

Details of Rent charges & other service charges

Transit Tenement Details

By original owner

By mode of acquisition

By possession date

By survey number / City Survey Number

By utilization

By nature of disputes and combination of the above

It shall also provide area, compensation amount paid, lease agreement etc.




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5.2.4 Project Management

MHADA plans, manages and implements projects pertaining to acquisition

and disposal of land, different services, infrastructure and development at several

locations and construction of tenements in the state. All these projects are

implemented, where forecasting, estimation, tracking and monitoring of the

projects are required. The major projects are

Survey and demarcation of land

Creation of infrastructure facilities such as:

i. Housing

ii. Area Development

iii. Slum Improvement

iv. Rehabilitation & Reconstruction

v. Drainage systems

vi. Internal Roads

vii. Common facilities

These projects are either initiated by MHADA or done through deposit

contributory work managed by MHADA.

The Project Management has to cover following broad aspects in Projects

Execution,

Estimation

Tendering

Bid evaluation

Project monitoring and control

Bill processing

Contract Management




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5.2.5 Material Management(MM)

MHADA procure materials required for its internal consumption such as

stationery, computer peripherals, testing materials, electrical equipments,

uniforms etc. The department depending upon the consumption pattern of the

materials & anticipated future requirements generates the requirement. Materials

are procured by taking requisite permission from respective authorities.

A central store for materials is available, but not all the materials are stored &

managed by central stores. Also data on Annual Maintenance Contract of

equipments is managed at the department level.

The present system is decentralised & having no cross linkages with all the

departments of MHADA. This increases inventory carrying & procurement costs.

It is recommended to have MHADA should go for Materials Management

module of ERP to exercise effective control on all above issues.

5.2.6 Customer Relationship management

MHADA currently has no Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system

in place. As mentioned earlier, problems like customers not having access to

updated information and inability to identify potential customers can prove to be

detrimental to MHADA in the near future. Because of its scale of operation,

MHADA needs to have an effective Customer Relationship Module with

appropriate focus on different customer types and their needs.

As MHADA has a huge customer base across Maharashtra, the management

of customer related data becomes a tedious and time-consuming job if done




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manually. Hence, it is recommended to deploy a CRM system for the same,

which would provide a comprehensive view of the customers to the users.

The following are the desired features of the CRM module:

Provision for grouping customers

Provision of Search Facility

Maintenance of payment details

Management of complaint redressal

Generation of standard reports archive

5.2.7 Portal

Portal shall be a single comprehensive point of access for all the stake

holders viz. existing and prospective customers, Employees and other

Government agencies to provide efficient services and to enhance the

effectives of MHADAs processes.

The proposed portal shall have the following features:

Portal for Existing & Prospective Customers

i. User Id and passwords for all registered customers

ii. Downloadable forms

iii. Information on schemes

iv. Information and statistics repository

v. Reference number for tracking status of application

vi. Search facility

vii. Payment gateway

viii. Complaint Management System including complaint

status.

ix. Comprehensive Help & FAQ

x. Multilingual Support




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Portal for External Agencies

i. User id management for other Government agencies

Portal for Employees (Position based)

The portal shall be integrated with File Management System & Complaint

Management System

i. Access with role based security

ii. Email and SMS alerts on receipt of complaints /

applications

iii. Automatic updation of status of application

iv. Escalate complaints in the workflow as per Service Level

Agreements (SLAs).

v. MIS

5.2.8 Geographical Information System,

MHADA has identified GIS as the need of the hour technology for better

management of activities from acquisition & disposal of land to management of

estate and transit camps. GIS is further required for better decision making in

redevelopment / reconstruction of cessed buildings in the city of Mumbai as most

of the data involved is spatial in nature.

Following are the layers to be covered:

Land

Buildings (Including Cessed buildings & Transit Camps)

5.2.9 File Management System(including Document

Management System)




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As most of the processes are workflow intensive and involve movement files

across departments, MHADA requires fast and easy access to files in automated

system. Hence a comprehensive File Management System would provide a

common platform for maintaining files, harmonize the workflow of respective

departments.

Following are the desired features for File Management System:

Processing of file (notings)

File Room (Repository for files)

Physical File Management (Shadow physical file movement)

Knowledge Management

Dashboard and MIS

Automated workflow

Electronic File System

While discussing the issues of the File Management, it was highlighted that a

robust Document Management System for the organization is necessary for

quick and easy retrieval of information. The broad functionalities of the Document

Management System are as follows:

Managing unstructured information (text documents, engineering

drawings)

Integration with applications like CRM and ERP

Content Lifecycle management

Workflow management

The features of Document Management System will be incorporated in File

Management System.

5.2.10 Legal Management System




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Managing cases manually has led to duplication of efforts and inefficient

information handling thereby delaying decision-making process, which is

detrimental to MHADAs interests.

5.2.11 Collaborative Suite

In an integrated environment, MHADA needs to have a collaboration suite to

interact with the internal as well as the external world & also for initiating the

workflows of different systems. TCS team identified the following features, which

would be required by MHADA.

Mail Transfer Agent (MTA)

Message Store System (MSS)

Secured Web-mail Service

Authorization / Directory Service

Global Filtering

Anti-SPAM and Anti Virus Service

Backup solution

Centralized Help desk

Bulletin and Discussion forums

Mobile Access (Push Pull Technology)

Instant messaging / chatting

Available Choices in messaging system are:

1. Microsoft Exchange

2. IBM Lotus Domino

3. Novell GroupWise

4. Postfix

The selection of messaging system for MHADA depends on operating

system, which in turn depends on selection of ERP.




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The decision for the same can be taken after selection & finalisation of ERP

package & corresponding operating system.

6. Platform Strategy

The application and technology architecture enables mapping out the technology

and application into a framework. It is very critical for an organization since it avoids

serious operational or design issues like scalability and reliability problems.

6.1 Application Architecture

Applications in the past have been built by integrating local system services

such as file systems and device drivers, which were very flexible, but are error-

prone, costly and time-consuming.

Today, complex distributed applications are being constructed that integrate

existing applications and services from all over their networks. Although this has

been a powerful architectural model for a number of years; it creates "islands of

information" that cause significant problems, particularly with respect to

integration.

With the advent of Internet and with the help of Web technology, it is possible

to create powerful applications that can be used by anyone, anywhere. It further

increases the reach of applications and enables the continual delivery of service

through a communication network.

Programming languages like .NET and J2EE facilitate this idea by joining the

tightly coupled, highly productive aspects of n-tier computing with the loosely

coupled, message-oriented concepts of the Web. This style of computing is




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called XML Web services. It represents the next evolution of application

development and is the basis for conceptual application architecture.

6.2 Technology Architecture

The technology architecture would form the basis for achieving enterprise

wide services in MHADA. The proposed architecture also needs to integrate the

activities of various departments and provide efficient and convenient execution

of the various transactions within MHADA. The system makes the inter and intra

departmental information exchange an easier and transparent task which in turn

will help MHADA serve the clients better. While addressing, the inter- and intra-

departmental data sharing within the departments, the architecture should

eventually get integrated with other external systems being developed for the

entire Maharashtra state and which are currently outside MHADA. The

Architecture should also enable interface to the existing departmental systems

thereby enabling data integration.

The high level diagram for technology architecture is presented below. The

bottom layer indicates the infrastructure services comprising operating system,

hardware and networking. The middle layer is the information services, which has

the centralized data. The top layer indicates the application services such as

portal etc.




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Typical 3 Tier Architecture.

6.3 Proposed Platform

TCS proposes standardization for front-end technology, back-end database

and operating system across all MHADAs IT infrastructure.

6.3.1 Operating System As Platforms

An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages the

hardware and software resources of a computer. The OS performs basic

tasks, such as controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing the processing

of instructions, controlling input and output devices, facilitating networking

and managing files.

There platforms are 2 main, which MHADA needs to evaluate, namely

LINUX and Microsoft Windows. The following factors are considered for

analysis.

Table 6.3.1: Comparison of Linux and Microsoft Operating Systems for Desktop

Sr.No.

Parameters Linux Microsoft Windows-XP/Vista Ready/ Vista

1 Familiarity and Level ofcomfort

Nil Very Good

2 Easier integration Requires additional effort, asrequirements of multipletechnologies need to befulfilled.

Technology providerensures integration

3 Maturity Good Very Good and Proven4 Availability of ERP

solution for adoptionMajor ERP solutions canoperate on this technology

Major ERP solutions canoperate on this




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Sr.No.

Parameters Linux Microsoft Windows-XP/Vista Ready/ Vista

except Microsofts ERP

Solution

technology including

Microsofts ERP5 Training required to

adopt new technologyRequired - complexityinvolved is more.

May be required in somecases but is muchsimpler to learn.

6 Time required to adoptnew technology

High Low

7 Ownership oftechnology

No specific owner as thereare multiple service providerssuch as Novell and Red hatwho provide value addservices and maintenance

Owned by Microsoft

8 Continuous

improvement

Depends upon the success of

Linux. Else, ServiceProviders may stop improvingthe product.

Committed to improve

the technology andprovide support.

9 Cost reduction There is competition amongstservice providers.

Cost reduction may beexpected of competitionincreases from Linuxservice providers.

10 Assured maintenanceservices

Depends upon the success ofLinux. Else, ServiceProviders may stopsupporting the product.

Very Good

11 Overall Cost Though it is available free of

cost, for manuals andsupport, service providershave to be paid.

Reasonable.

12 Security Very good Vulnerable to virusattack.

It is difficult for medium sized organizations like MHADA to maintain

multiple technologies. Hence, we recommend proven and mature technology

rather than a technology that is yet to mature. As MHADA is embarking on

large scale computerization, it is preferable to proceed with the familiartechnology to avoid additional cost involved in training the personnel to adapt

to a new technology besides more time is also required to do so. This

recommendation is made in the light of factors mentioned above and shall not

be treated in isolation as it is context relevant.




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Hence, MHADA should standardize on Windows XP/ Vista ready (and

later Vista) as its Desktop operating system. It is learnt that most of the

computers procured by MHADA comply with this. Though there is some initial

cost advantage in adopting Linux, it is widely believed that maintenance costs

over a long run neutralize the initial cost advantage. Since the approach

proposed is for centralized applications delivered on a browser front end it is

advised to continue using Internet Explorer on Windows.

6.4 Framework

In software development, a framework is a defined support structure in which

another software project can be organized and developed. A framework may

include support programs, code libraries, a scripting language, or other software

to help develop and glue together the different components of a software project.

Frameworks are designed with the intent of facilitating software development,

by allowing designers and programmers more time on meeting to spend software

requirements rather than dealing with the more tedious low level details of

providing a working system. For example, a team using Apache Struts to develop

a web site can focus on how deposit refunds are going to work rather than how to

control navigation between pages in a bug-free manner. However, there are

common complaints that using frameworks adds to "code bloat", and that a

predominance of competing and complementary frameworks means that one

wastes time on rote programming and design, rather than time spent on learning

frameworks.

Table 6.4: Comparison of Development Frameworks

Sr.No.

FeatureMicrosoft

. NET FrameworkJ2EE Framework

1 ProgrammingLanguage

C# Java

2 Core Components . NET Common components Java Core API




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Sr.No.

FeatureMicrosoft

. NET FrameworkJ2EE Framework

3 Server Pages Active Server Pages (ASP) Java Server Pages (JSP)

4 RuntimeEnvironments

IL Common LanguageRuntime (CLR)

Java Virtual Machine (JVM),CORBA IDL and ORB

5 Web Components Win Forms and Web Forms Java Swing6 Database

ConnectivityADO + SOAP based web

servicesJDBC, EJB, JMS and Java

XML Libraries (XML4J,JAXP)

7 Performance of Applications

Depends on machine memorysize and processing capability

Depends on size of memory

8 ApplicationDevelopment Time

Quicker due to available libraryresources

Slower due to lack of libraryresources

9 Skills availability Very good Very good

10 O/S dependence Yes No

MHADA should adopt a centralized architecture and all applications should

be web enabled. Any one of the development frame works can be used

depending upon Operating System and ERP solution selected.




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. Operations, Hardware and Networking

7.1 Information Flow

HO(Mumbai Board, R&R

Board, SIB, Konkan Board)

R&R - Tardeo

The information flow amongst various offices under Mumbai and Konkan Board is

depicted in the diagram above. In the first phase, the Data Center shall support MHADA



R&R -Colaba

R&R - Byculla

R&R - KalachowkieR&R - Sion

R&R - Chandanwadi

R&R - Dadar

R&R - Worli

Konkan Board - Kalyan

R&R - Parel

Dy. CE - ICT

R&R - Bandra M.B. - Goregaon

M.B. - Andheri


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office at Bandra. In the second phase, it shall cover the offices mentioned above. In the

third phase all the regional boards shall be covered.

7.2 Current LAN/WAN Setup

MHADA currently has LAN set up in Head Office located at Bandra,

covering over 85% of the computers. HO has 256 kbps Internet Leased Line

connectivity. However, other offices have neither LAN nor connected by

WAN.

7.3 Current Hardware Status

Table 7.3: Current Hardware availability in HO

Hardware

DescriptionNumber*

Desktops 329

Servers 9

Printers 213

Scanners 4

Laptops 20

UPS 9

Network

Switches16




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7.4 Available Options For Network Solution

A robust communication infrastructure is needed for a successful

implementation of e-Governance. Also, a Wide Area Network is essential for

effective communication.

The available options are:

Centralised V/s De-centralised

Dialup V/s Leased (VPN)

Thin Clients V/s Thick Clients V/s Rich Clients

Scenarios:

Centralised, VPN, Clients

Decentralized, Dialup, Thick Clients

7.5 Centralized/ De-centralized Architecture

7.5.1 Centralized Architecture

Centralized systems are the most familiar form of topology, typically seen as

the client / server pattern used by databases, web servers, and other simple

distributed systems. All functions are centralized into one server with many clients

connecting directly to the server to send and receive information. Many

applications called "peer-to-peer" also have a centralized component.




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Centralized systems form the most popular system topology, typically

seen as the client / server pattern. All functions and information are

centralized on a single server (sometimes referred to as the hub), with many

clients (the spokes) connecting directly to the server to send and receive

information. Both control flow and data flow take place through the central

server. The primary advantage of centralized systems is their simplicity.

Because all data is concentrated in one place, centralized systems are easily

managed and have no questions of data consistency or coherence.

Centralized systems are also relatively easy to secure, since there is only one

host to be protected.

The advantages are as follows:

Sharing resources Single place to access network management applications and

information

Avoidance of duplication of databases

Learning




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Security / access control

Achievement of scale of economies

Security easier to maintain

The disadvantages are:

Greater reliance on WAN reliability and capacity

Limited ability to meet user needs

Inflexibility

Increased dependency and vulnerability

7.5.2 De-centralized Architecture

Decentralized systems are characterized by a group of related, but not

necessarily interconnected platforms, running independent copies of the same (or

equivalent) applications with independent copies of data. The current state of the

group is not automatically maintained. Instead of a single (central) processor with

multiple users, the decentralized system has multiple (distributed) processors with

single or multiple users. The processors do not necessarily communicateelectronically. This characteristic prevents the system from automatically

maintaining the state of the distributed system and is the primary distinction

between the decentralized model and the other two distributed system models.




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The advantages are as follows

Greater fit between systems and local needs

Higher usage of computerised system

Faster development

Perceived lower cost

The disadvantages are as follows

Barrier to sharing data

Increased resources including human resources

Duplication of effort




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Lack of learning and control

Failure to achieve economies of scale

7.6 Thick/ Thin/ Rich Clients

A client is a computer system that accesses a (remote) service on another

computerby some kind ofnetwork. The term was first applied to devices computers via

a network. There are basically two types of clients: Thin client and Thick client.

that were not capable of running their own stand-alone programs, but could interact with

remote

7.6.1 Thin Clients

Thin client is a synonym for the Network Computer (NC) or personal

computers for businesses that are designed to be centrally-managed, configured

with only essential equipment, and devoid of CD-ROM players, diskette drives, and

expansion slots. A thin client is a minimal client. Thin clients utilize as few

resources on the host computer as possible. A thin client's job is generally merely

to display graphical information provided by an application server, which performs

the bulk of any required data processing. The term derives from the fact that smallcomputers in networks tend to be clients of local area network and other servers.

The features are as follows:

The processing speed becomes a critical factor in this case. speed

is slow. Everything must wait for the server to process and transmit the

next screen information. Therefore the server

The infrastructure cost is low because there is no need of physical

hard disk at each terminal.

Different browsers may require different plug-ins to support

features such as video streaming.

In case of link failure, all the operations will come to halt this will

lead to long queues of customer at service facility end.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_networkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devicehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_programhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_networkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devicehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_programhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_system


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Responsive

Easy to deploy

Broad Reach

Easy Change Management

Web Service and Offline / Online Support

Use of existing workstations

Enhanced data security

The following table provides a comparison of clients.

Table 7.6: Comparison between Thick / Thin and Rich Clients:

Parameters Thin Client Thick Client Rich Client

Speed Slow Fast Fast

Cost Low Medium Medium

Look and feelBrowser supportfeatures required

IntegratedWeb service and offline /

online

Link Dependent Yes No No

Data entry and

Processing

Only data entry and no

processing

Data entry as well asprocessing on the

clientAs per the requirement

7.7 VPN and Dial-up Connectivity

A virtual private network (VPN) is a private communications network often used

within a company to communicate confidentially over a publicly accessible network. VPN

message traffic can be carried over a public networking infrastructure (e.g. the Internet)

on top of standard protocols, or over a service providers private network with a defined

Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the VPN customer and the VPN service

provider. VPNs can provide great benefits for extended geographic community, as are

required in MHADAs case.

MBA-Tech-IT(3rd Year)

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