Chapter 2: DeterminingBusiness and Technical Requirements

MICROSOFT EXAM OBJECTIVES COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER

• Analyze the impact of Active Directory on the existing technical environment.

  • Analyze hardware and software requirements.

  • Analyze current level of service within an existing technical environment.

  • Analyze current network administration model.

  • Analyze network requirements.

• Analyze existing network operating system implementation.

  • Identify the existing domain model.

  • Identify the number and location of domain controllers on the network.

  • Identify the configuration details of all servers on the network. Server types might include primary domain controllers, backup domain controllers, file servers, print servers, and Web servers.

• Analyze security requirements for the Active Directory directory service.

  • Analyze current security policies, standards, and procedures.

• Design the Active Directory infrastructure to meet business and technical requirements.

  • Design the envisioned administration model.

• Identify network topology and performance levels.

  • Identify constraints in the current network infrastructure.

  • Interpret current baseline performance requirements for each major subsystem.

• Analyze the impact of the infrastructure design on the existing technical environment.

  • Analyze hardware and software requirements.

  • Analyze current level of service within the existing technical environment.

  • Analyze network requirements.

In the previous chapter, we introduced and discussed different administrative models. As we move on through the book, these models will be referenced and noted as to how they affect, or are affected by, the design elements.

The material within this chapter is essentially the building blocks for the remainder of the book. If you do not understand how the business currently runs, what services and systems are currently in place, or the future requirements, you will not have a foundation on which to design a functional Active Directory or network infrastructure.

When put into a position where you are responsible for designing the next incarnation of your directory service and network infrastructure, you soon discover that you need to become an expert on everything related to your network. Most network administrators have a good grasp of the business practices and day-to-day activities within their organization. However, they may not have such a good grasp of the current technologies required as part of the new proposed infrastructure. That is where outside consultants can be of great benefit. Whereas some companies take on the task of designing their own infrastructure, many more decide that the current staff should continue the work they are doing, and they bring in another company that specializes in designing, planning, and implementing.

Stepping into any organization and reviewing their current network infrastructure and administrative design can be a daunting challenge. Not only are you in a position where you need to have a firm understanding of the technologies you are planning to implement, you are responsible for learning the intricacies of the current business. No two companies are created the same. Due to business practices, administrative decisions, and budget constraints, two companies that provide the same service will implement their business practices in completely different manners. This is where the knowledge of the system s administrators becomes a great benefit to the consultant.

It is critical that the entire current infrastructure is documented. Without a comprehensive outline of what is currently in place, the new design will be flawed and the implementation will most likely need to be reworked. Any redesign work that needs to take place will end up costing the company more, either in man-hours, overextended budgets , or both.

When you are determining the requirements for the organization, you need to consider several areas that make up the organizational infrastructure. Starting with the current system implementation, you need to identify what is already in place. This includes the current directory services, resources, and the administrative control over those resources. Secondly, you need to assess the software requirements . Finally, you need to assess the hardware requirements based on the currently installed systems and software. Once all of this is determined, you have the information required to start documenting the current infrastructure and making design decisions for an Active Directory and network infrastructure that is viable for the company.