Slide Report Assignment
Hh Ari
examples.zipExamples/Jennifer Jane Faulsto Slide Report for FALL 2016 EXAMPLE.pptx
Welcome to a new age of branding
Facebook as a Successful Business Tool
Jennifer J. Fausto
April 2016
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Introduction and Purpose of the Study ………………………………………………………………. 3
Research Methods ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Success Factors ………………………………………..………………………………………………………... 5
Targeted Advertising ………………………………………………………………………..…… 6
Online Survey Data …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Personal Interview Data.…………………………………………………………….………..…………….. 8
Conclusions and Recommendations …………………………………………………………………… 9
Appendix A ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10
Table of Contents
Considering that Facebook has a wealth of benefits and options for any type of organization, it’s a great starting point for any business, regardless of the type of industry (Helmrich, 2016).
The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of online tools such as social media and networks, and the benefits and success factors along with concerns and risks revolving around businesses and organizations using Facebook as a marketing tool.
The rapid growth of social media in the last few years has been well documented, and for many, a life without social networking sites —such as Facebook—is implausible. In today’s technology driven world, social networking sites have become an outlet where retailers can broaden marketing strategies to a wider range of customers. Despite the growing popularity of social media, some businesses have still been hesitant to jump aboard with dependency on sites like Facebook.
Facebook (facebook.com) is the world’s largest social media site, with over a billion users. This social platform has recently gained popularity as a successful business tool to help market any business and organization. Because of the large number of users visiting this social media site, many businesses have turned to Facebook as a way to connect to potential customers. In addition to connecting to customers, businesses have explored different ways of marketing and advertising various content, programs, and products and services to mass audiences using this social platform.
Introduction and Purpose of the Study
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
3
To determine if these concepts should be considered, I gathered relevant data needed for this research from three different data sources:
Businesses that had complete success using Facebook as an Internet marketing tool
Online surveys sent to social media users and college students
Personal interviews among those who took the online survey
These sources helped answer three main research questions, as shown in the figure on the right. This combination of data sources helped integrate data for analysis.
Research Methods
3 Research Questions
Can Facebook be used as a marketing research consultant?
How do we judge the success of using Facebook as a business tool?
What are the concerns and risks associated with Facebook marketing?
| ✓ | ✓ | |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ✓ | ✓ |
3 Data Sources
Success factors
Online surveys
Personal interviews
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
4
Facebook is the world’s largest social networking site, with over a billion users. Because of the large number of users, many businesses have turned to Facebook as a way to connect to potential customers.
ColourPop Cosmetics, an online business, has seen amazing benefits using Facebook. ColourPop was founded in 2014–and at one point, had less than 1,000 followers/fans on its Facebook page. Through a series of regular posts and promotions, the number grew to more than 200,000 followers/fans in just two years. It found that Facebook marketing is tremendously effective when it comes to content sharing and creating a viral marketing effect. The ColourPop Cosmetics’ Facebook page enables users to share content by providing links where individuals can tweet, post, pin, or otherwise share it. Its Facebook page creates a viral marketing effect that has resulted in increased exposure to generating traffic–and has led to a great demand for a yet-to-be-released product.
Success Factors of Facebook Marketing
Figure 2: ColourPop Cosmetics’ overview of its Page Insights
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
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Can Facebook be used as a marketing research consultant?
Yes. Because Facebook can analyze information that millions of users enter into their profiles, because of demographic accessibility. This is known as “targeted advertising” (Marshall, 2015).
Facebook lets companies use this information to deliver targeted advertising and promotions to a specific group. Targeted advertising strategies include pop-up ads and banners –located on the side columns of the website. In addition, the Like button on Facebook can help tailor and target a specific demographic.
Jack Marshall, reporter of The Wall Street Journal covering marketing and media, states that “Facebook said all the information is anonymized and aggregated, and that it won’t disclose any data that can be traced to particular users.”
Success Factors of Facebook Marketing: Targeted Advertising
Figure 3: Facebook gives you the option to target the exact audience you want.
http:// wiki.hostelmanagement.com/wiki/How_to_Use_Facebook
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
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Short surveys were conducted among two population groups from online communities: college students working towards a business degree and social media users.
The anonymous online surveys resulted in standardized answers that integrated data for analysis.
The online survey was conducted during March 2016 and questioned participants about the following areas:
Use of social media
Opinions regarding social media marketing
Opinions regarding the value of social media
The accompanying figure (rating type survey) shows that the majority of social media users and college students found that social media marketing was effective in areas of brand awareness and customer engagement.
Online Survey Data
Social media is effective for brand awareness
Social media has revolutionized the marketing of a product/service
Social media is effective for selling a product/service
Social media is effective for advertising a product/service
Social media is great for engaging with customers
Q: On a scale of 1-5, please state how much you agree with each statement (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree)
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
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Interviews were conducted to gain additional insight on Facebook being used as a successful business tool.
Those who stated that they took the online survey were interviewed face-to-face. The interviewees answers were put into written and printed form.
The personal interview feedback suggests the following, based on this question: “How do you feel about the new age of branding through social media websites?”
Social media sites, such as Facebook, is a very reliable, fast and easy source to use to market a brand/business.
As technology is continuously transformed and easily accessible, many companies can utilize social media platforms to reach a wide target audience.
Content engagement can make or break the way company’s use Facebook to advertise their brand/business. There is no use in creating a company Facebook page if it is not used effectively (Craig, 2011). A Facebook page has many potential benefits for a business.
Personal Interview Data
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
Based on the conclusions, the formal recommendation for this research is that businesses should measure their overview of customers by using Page Insights. Facebook offers “Facebook Insights,” which provides an overview of a company’s customers, and how those customers are connecting with the business. In other words, Facebook Insights is a powerful tool for those wanting to track user interaction on their Facebook Fan Page (Joss, 2012). This will help businesses decide on what content to post, or to find out if customers are on Facebook. In addition, business should also pay attention to People Talking About This (PTAT) and reach metrics in Insights to see how messages are handled in the Facebook community.
With the growing popularity of Facebook pages, Facebook users can follow pages tailored to their liking. Thus, Pages help customers discover and see what a business is all about because followers will receive updates from the company as new content and information is posted.
Facebook is a low-cost marketing strategy. It’s free to set-up an account, and it’s free or low priced for people setting up a business page. Marketing strategies and activities that would cost hundreds and thousands of dollars through other channels can be used on Facebook for a fraction of the cost (Queensland Government, 2014).
Facebook is an easy networking and communication tool. Many people utilize Facebook as their communication tool with friends and family. Other than Facebook being “user-friendly,” it can also provide instant customer engagement for businesses. Companies can use Facebook to interact with existing customer and/or potential customers by posting and receiving messages and content.
Conclusions
Recommendations
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
Included in this appendix is a list of questions on the survey, along with a summary of responses. The answer type is listed after each question in parentheses. As of 22 March 2016, 11 responses were made to this survey.
1. Which of the following social networking websites do you currently have an account with? Check all that apply. (Multiple choice)
Appendix A
| Answer Choices | Responses |
| 54.55% (6) | |
| 90.91% (10) | |
| 27.27% (3) | |
| YouTube | 36.36% (4) |
| Google+ | 27.27% (3) |
| 45.45% (5) | |
| 90.91% (10) | |
| Other (please specify) | 72.73% (8) |
| Answer Choices | Responses |
| Extremely likely | 90.91% (10) |
| Very likely | 0.00% (0) |
| Moderately likely | 0.00% (0) |
| Slightly likely | 0.00% (0) |
| Not at all likely | 9.09% (1) |
Responses for “other:” Snapchat (7), Tumblr (2), Shots (1)
2. In a typical week, how likely are you to use social networking websites? (Single choice)
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
| Answer Choices | Responses |
| Networking | 36.36% (4) |
| Entertainment | 90.91% (10) |
| Keep in touch with family and/or friends | 90.91% (10) |
| To learn about information on products/services | 36.36% (4) |
| Deals and promotions | 36.36% (4) |
| Other (please state what reason) | 9.09% (1) |
| Answer choices | Responses |
| 36.36% (4) | |
| 36.36% (4) | |
| 0.00% (0) | |
| YouTube | 0.00% (0) |
| Google+ | 0.00% (0) |
| 0.00% (0) | |
| 9.09% (1) | |
| Other (please specify) | 18.18% (2) |
3. In a typical week, which of the following social networking websites do you use most often? (Single choice)
Appendix A
Responses for “other:” Snapchat (2)
4. Why do you use social media? Check all that apply. (Multiple choice)
Responses for “other:” Giveaways (1)
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
| Answer Choices | Responses |
| Pretty often | 72.73% (8) |
| Not so much | 9.09% (1) |
| Never | 9.09% (1) |
| At least once a week | 0.00% (0) |
| At least once a month | 0.00% (0) |
| At least once a year | 9.09% (1) |
5. How often do you “like,” “follow,” or “engage with a company or person of interest on social media? (Single choice)
Appendix A
6. What influences you to “like,” “follow,” or engage with companies or persons of interest on social media? Check all that apply. (Multiple choice)
| Answer Choices | Responses |
| Brand awareness | 36.36% (4) |
| Type and variety of content | 63.64% (7) |
| Personal interest | 63.64% (7) |
| Recommendations | 27.27% (3) |
| Other (please specify) | 36.36% (4) |
Responses for “other:” Giveaways (3), Entertainment (1)
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
| Answer Choices | Responses |
| User reviews | 63.64% (7) |
| Promotions | 63.64% (7) |
| To ask friends or followers their recommendations and/or suggestions | 45.45% (5) |
| Neither | 27.27% (3) |
| Other (please specify) | 0.00% (0) |
7. Before purchasing an item or product, have you ever checked a social media website for any of the following reasons? Check all that apply. (Multiple choice)
Appendix A
8. How do you feel about the new age of branding through social media websites? (Closed question)
Out of the 11 responses, I chose the best response to my question:
“It definitely has evolved. It is a much easier way to connect to family, friends, and other people to engage them in your product either by posting daily about it or randomly doing giveaways. I see It Works! and Thrive all over my newsfeed. By people constantly posting about these products, I can say I have gained interest in trying them out. It is much easier than the old fashion ways of meeting up with people to show them the product or door to door. Also by paying Facebook or Instagram for sponsored ads you are hitting a variety of people YOU choose to target and it appears on their newsfeed even though you are not friends with them. Everybody is always constantly on their phones, on social media sites every day. By having people comment, like, or share you are broadening your brand awareness with the help of others. I've seen tons of companies do giveaways by liking their page and sharing the post which I myself are super interested in. It then keeps their business page on my newsfeed and keeps me wanting to check their page etc.”
*This question was part of the personal interview data portion.
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
On a scale of 1-5, please state how much you agree with each statement. 1= strongly disagree, 5= strongly agree. (Rating)
Appendix A
| Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither agree or disagree | Agree | Strongly agree | |
| Social media is effective for brand awareness | 0.00% (0) | 0.00% (0) | 0.00% (0) | 27.27% (3) | 72.73% (8) |
| Social media has revolutionized the marketing of a product/service | 0.00% (0) | 0.00% (0) | 9.09% (1) | 36.36% (4) | 54.55% (6) |
| Social media is effective for selling a product/service | 0.00% (0) | 0.00% (0) | 18.18% (2) | 27.27% (3) | 54.55% (6) |
| Social media is effective for advertising a product/service | 0.00% (0) | 9.09% (1) | 9.09% (1) | 9.09% (1) | 72.73% (8) |
| Social media is great for engaging with customers | 0.00% (0) | 0.00% (0) | 9.09% (1) | 27.27% (3) | 63.64$ (7) |
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Introduction • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Conclusions & Recommendations • Appendix A
Examples/Schuyler Caldder Slide Report for FALL 2016 EXAMPLE.pptx
Cashiering: Developing a Training
Schuyler Calder
April 18, 2016
1
Table of Contents
Purpose, Problems, and Objectives ………………………………………………. 3
Methodology ………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Findings ……………………………………………………………………………..….……… 5
Content ……………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Timing ……………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Best Practices for Implementation ……………………………………………… 8
Conclusions ………………………………………………………………...……..……….. 10
Recommendations ………………………………………………………………………. 11
References ……………………………………………………………………………….….. 12
Appendix A …………………………………………………………………………….……. 13
Appendix B ………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
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Purpose, Problems, and Objectives
Intermountain Healthcare is known for its excellent healthcare, cost-cutting provisions, and commitment to continuous improvement. One area of cost cutting deals with the training of cashiers, which lessens the amount of money lost to theft, fraud, and error. Intermountain lost over $4,000 last month alone, because of cashier error—see the table to the right, which lists cash overages/shortages by business unit (Appendix B).
The purpose of this report is to help in the development of a training for all cashiers primarily by identifying: concepts to include in the training, timing for implementation, and best practices for the training and implementation.
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
3
Methodology
Data was gathered from:
Scholarly journals
Accounting policies and procedures of Intermountain
A survey of the company’s cash accountants
Information gathered from the accounting information system
Scholarly journals were searched for information regarding the best practices of implementation. Accounting policies and procedures were used as a basis for the content included. The survey of cash accountants was quantitative in nature and focused on areas of concern. Data from the survey was primarily analyzed using bar charts and is included in Appendix A. Finally, the accounting information system was used to discover areas of loss and trends in receipting. The information was analyzed using pivot tables and bar charts and is included in Appendix B.
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
4
Content
The responsibilities of a cashier can be boiled down to five main activities/practices:
Sales recorded when the customer is present (Intermountain, 2015, p. 2).
Correct use and filing of handwritten receipts (Intermountain, 2013a, p. 1).
Correct use and filing of Miscellaneous Cash Received Log (MCRL), especially as it pertains to non-patient account, gift shop, cafeteria, and pharmacy payments (Intermountain, 2013c, p. 1).
Correctly receipting and documenting refunds, voids, and over-rings (Intermountain, 2015b, p. 2).
Proper completion of daily close-out processes, including: Z-out/X-out (Intermountain, 2015a) and deposit control reconciliation form (Intermountain, 2013d, p. 2).
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
5
Content (cont.)
Analysis of the responses to the survey shows that concerns with proper cashiering center on the use of handwritten receipts, providing of refund/void slips when appropriate, and proper closing out of the day’s transactions, including X-outs and DCRs. The data, shown in a bar chart to the right, shows that these four concerns are the most important to the cash accountants (Appendix A).
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
6
Timing
Trainings can be completed at any time of the year, preference is often given to the first or last quarter; this is primarily due to the required timeframe for cash audits to be completed by the cash control accountants (Intermountain, 2014, p. 3). The majority of the cash accountants stated in the survey that the training should be completed either annually or semi-annually (Appendix A).
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
7
Best Practices for Implementation
According to the procedure on cash receipts accounting, it is the duty of the accounting director or manager to oversee and ensure completion of the training (Intermountain, 2014, p. 1). The involvement and follow-up of management in training is often a source of success; the researchers of the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory stated:
“We argue that two mechanisms within the LMX relationship might be at work. The first mechanism, which is related to the role-making process, refers to a mediation effect of leader behaviours and holds that leaders will more actively stimulate and challenge high-LMX…. employees, to engage in learning activities. The second mechanism…. holds that high-LMX employees will respond more strongly…. to their leader’s goal setting and feedback behaviours because they want to reciprocate the leader’s efforts and expectations.” (Bezuijen, van Dam, van den Berg, & Therry, 2010, p. 676)
The LMX theory centers on the involvement of management in employee’s learning and growth.
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
8
Best Practices for Implementation (cont.)
Mandy Woulfe suggested that, in order to increase engagement, trainers should: use compelling information, build on their credentials, use stories to build relevance, and choose activities that fit with the purpose—see her table of suggestions to the right (2010, p. 64). Researchers also suggest participants be required to complete normal weekly duties, as this promotes time-management behaviors, leading to higher levels of engagement (Kyndt, Govaerts, Claes, De La Marche, & Dochy, 2013, p. 330).
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
9
Conclusions
Content
Four aspects of cashiering are of special concern: DCRs and X-outs (as the closing process), handwritten receipts, and refunds/voids. These concerns are apparent both in the reviewing of the policies, as well as the survey of the cash accountants. The content of the training should focus on these four key components.
Timing
Based on the survey of cash accountants and coupled with the cash receipts accounting procedure, once a year or annually is sufficient for the timing of the training.
Best Practices for Implementation
It is apparent that management involvement is key to the success of the training. Ensuring that management stays involved in the training, and subsequent follow-up will lead to greater levels of engagement. Possible activities to use within the training include: quiz shows, simulations, and interactive discussions. The use of such activities will help to further promote engagement. Finally, participants should be required to develop themselves further by the use of time-management activities to help ensure the participants intent to learn.
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
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Recommendations
Because of our various findings and conclusions, it is suggested that training:
Focus on the concepts of: DCR’s and X-outs, handwritten receipts, and refunds/voids.
Be given annually.
Incorporate a simulation to help participants apply what they have learned and a quiz show to help check those knowledge points that cannot be tested by simulation.
Management should be involved in all stages of the training to better ensure participants engagement, and the success of the training.
Participants should also be expected to complete regular weekly duties, to better invest themselves in the training.
| Purpose | Methodology | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations |
11
References
Bezuijen, X. M., van Dam, K., van den Berg, P. T., & Thierry, H. (2010). How leaders stimulate employee learning: A leader-member exchange approach. Journal Of Occupational & Organizational Psychology, 83(3), 673-693. Doi: 10.1348/096317909X468099
Callahan, D., & Watson, M. (1995). Care of the organization: Training and development strategies. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 21(5), 376.
Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (2008). Cash receipts policy.
Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (2013a). Handwritten receipts procedure.
Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (2013b). Main cashier procedure.
Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (2013c). Miscellaneous cash procedure.
Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (2013d). Point of sale procedure.
Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (2014). Cash receipts accounting procedure.
Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (2015a). Cash receipts rural facility procedure.
Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (2015b). Cash register procedure.
Kyndt, E., Govaerts, N., Claes, T., De La Marche, J., & Dochy, F. (2013). What motivates low-qualified employees to participate in training and development? A mixed-method study on their learning intentions. Studies in Continuing Education, 35(3), 315-336, doi: 10.1080/0158037X.2013.764282.
Woulfe, M. R. (2010). Corporate training pulse check. T+D, 64(9), 62-62.
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Appendix A
The following survey was taken for the purpose of providing a basis for the cashier training. The survey highlights areas of concern, as well as suggestions for the timing of the cashier training. The survey was taken by all of the cash accountants that oversee cash receipting throughout Intermountain. Responses were gathered using the Survey Monkey, a service for gathering survey results. The results are primarily shown using bar charts.
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Appendix A (cont.)
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Appendix A (cont.)
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Appendix A (cont.)
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Appendix A (cont.)
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Appendix A (cont.)
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Appendix B
The following information was gathered from the accounting information system of Intermountain Healthcare. The purpose of the information was to provide a basis for the current problems due to lack of cashier training. The information is primarily analyzed by the use of pivot tables and bar charts. The data represents the population of transactions receipted through the month of March 2016, at all current facilities.
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Appendix B (cont.)
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Appendix B (cont.)
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Appendix B (cont.)
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Row LabelsCount of DateSum of Amount
1164(65.67)$
1265(376.62)$
1281(15.00)$
1327(197.74)$
138225.00$
143111.75$
144228.45$
1481(80.75)$
1544(37.02)$
40014(3,323.00)$
Grand Total41(4,030.60)$
Summary of Over/Shorts
March 2016
Count of PYTOT$Column Labels
Row LabelsACCACOCRDCORGrand TotalVoid Rate
114637112678209555198132.80%
1162515457391897426581293.26%
118567537982672440230169911.35%
120197235619817643851.73%
1221462280214240114751882.83%
1261800919052414311271118463022.41%
128319113448811545190395284801.39%
13011686536291251153308222701.38%
13241122100795274231205960528941.81%
1383522028551784306929296692090.43%
13912730013296078992106106331.00%
1423146471795666539400.13%
14338623267912119060133500.45%
144711141391393216712804345410630.84%
146179117239153102662140.42%
1488283949385421690.18%
1523751414488021.00%
1541126285282894466613562452820172.99%
37014322301812875416655992.96%
Grand Total3454155422161002441121283875224394481.71%
Summary of Voids
March 2016
Row LabelsNumber of RefundsSum of Refund Amounts
11417(50.56)$
1168(37.77)$
1185(13.29)$
1206(41.14)$
12613(82.20)$
1286(49.77)$
1308(13.95)$
13251(180.17)$
13846(122.09)$
1398(29.14)$
1437(24.32)$
14430(71.95)$
1487(24.00)$
15420(85.90)$
3706(16.22)$
(blank)
Grand Total238-842.47
Average15.87(56.16)$
Summary of Refunds
March 2016
Examples/Whitby Johnson Slide Report for FALL 2016 EXAMPLE.pptx
Security of Cloud Storage
Prepared by
Whitby Johnson
IT Specialist
April 15, 2016
1
Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………3
Purpose…………………………………………………………………………..3
Methods………………………………………………………………………..…4
Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………….5
Conclusions………………………………………………………………….......8
Recommendations………………………………………………………………9
Appendix………………………………………………………………………...10
2
Introduction and Purpose
Cloud storage is becoming more and more popular. Many companies are interested in the benefits that come from cloud storage, but are hesitant to use it because of the many unknowns associated with it. With cloud storage being relatively new, there are a lot of unanswered questions about security and reliability.
A lot of money can be saved by moving to cloud storage, but security has always been the number one priority and that can’t change. The purpose of this report is to provide answers to the following questions.
1. Can data be securely stored in the cloud?
2. Will moving to cloud storage provide enough savings to make it worth changing current procedures?
3. How much internal infrastructure can be eliminated by moving to cloud storage?
3
Methods
Most of the fear about cloud storage comes from individuals not knowing enough about it.
In a recent survey that was conducted as part of our research, 12 out of 14 people said they were either somewhat or vaguely familiar with cloud storage.
Surveys and Information technology articles were used to gain information on securely storing data. Research was also done on data breaches and how these events occurred.
4
Data Analysis Security
Security is the biggest concern associated with cloud storage. It is becoming almost a monthly occurrence to hear about a new data breach involving a major company.
Using a reliable company is extremely important.
Encrypting all data before it is uploaded to the cloud is crucial.
5
Data Analysis Savings
After much research, it was determined that data storage costs could be cut nearly in half by moving to cloud storage and taking advantage of other services offered, such as virtual machines.
Significant savings could be realized by not having to purchase or maintain data storage hardware on site.
From the results of a survey given to employees, it was determined that some employees are using cloud storage on a small scale. If this can be implemented on a larger scale, the entire company will start to see savings.
6
Data Analysis Infrastructure
Currently, one-fourth of our building is being used to house all server racks and data storage equipment. Moving storage to the cloud would allow conversion of most of that space to work areas for employees.
This would help solve the current overcrowding problem and save money that would have been spent expanding the facility.
Obviously, some server racks would still need to be retained to support the internal network, but 90% of our existing storage infrastructure could be removed.
7
Conclusions
After extensive research on the issue, the following conclusions were made:
Data can be securely stored in the cloud as long as certain security measures are taken. Only a reputable company that follows all of the latest industry standards in security protocol can be used. Care should be taken to ensure that all data is encrypted on our end before it is uploaded.
By storing all data in the cloud, storage costs can be cut nearly in half. The cost of paying for cloud storage would be much less than current prices to purchase and maintain internal storage. These savings could be used to fund other much needed projects.
Moving to cloud storage would allow a major increase in workspace. Right now, one-fourth of available space is used to house server racks. Moving to cloud storage would free up this area for employee workspace.
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Recommendations
Based on the conclusions listed above, the official recommendations are:
Start using cloud storage to store all data.
Care must be taken when choosing a storage company to ensure that data will be properly secured.
Proper encryption techniques must be taught to all employees, and they must encrypt everything before it is uploaded to the cloud. This will protect data in the rare event that there is a breach.
By implementing these recommendations, the company will be able to keep data secure, save money, and gain additional workspace.
9
Appendix A
Included in Appendix A is a copy of the results of a survey that reflects the feelings of individuals about cloud storage.
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