Client: PWGSC/GTIS/NCS Project: Internet City Architecture, Engineering and Ongoing Support Electronic Services Delivery - Internet City (GOL) Description: Avalon Works was tasked by PWGSC/GTIS/NCS to develop the architecture, the infrastructure engineering build specifications, and the implementation of the Internet City GOL Hosting centre. In addition, Avalon Works was tasked to provide ongoing 7*24 technical support and guidance. The objective of the Internet City network and computing centre was to establish a web-based service line technology environment to leverage existing Crown capabilities by meeting network and computing needs in the cross-platform technology sector (UNIX & NT). The service line grew from an initial 3 servers to a very sophisticated and complex environment comprised of over 400 servers hosting GOL needs of over 65 Federal departments, which is now referred to the Internet City. Technology Architects would meet with potential clients in order to assess their IT needs and provide an IT solution based on the NCS Internet City architecture. Avalon Works provides support for over 100 web sites and applications. Tasks performed: Technology Architecture: Developed technical architectures, frameworks and strategies, either for an organization or for a major application area, to meet the business and application requirements; Identified the policies and requirements that drive out a particular solution; Analyzed and evaluated alternative technology solutions to meet business problems; Ensured the integration of all aspects of technology solutions; Monitored industry trends to ensure that solutions fit with government and industry directions for technology. Reviewed computer software systems and data requirements as well as communications and response needs and devises computer hardware configurations to support them. Developed techniques to improve system throughout and optimized hardware utilization. Evaluated computer hardware systems relative to their ability to support specified requirements and, by determining potential and actual bottlenecks, improved system performance through recommended hardware changes. Reviewed computer software systems and data requirements as well as communication and response needs and determined operating systems and languages needed to support them Gave the constraints of the operating system and the hardware, structured software programs to operate within the environment. Improved software systems efficiency through recommending better utilization of operating system capabilities. Reviewed communications local area networks and wide area networks as to their ability to support data processing requirements. Platform Analysis: Developed and documented a detailed statement of requirements for the proposed system. Analyzed functional requirements to identify information, procedures and decision flows; Evaluated existing procedures and methods, identified and documented data base content, structure, and application sub-systems, and developed data dictionary; Defined and documented interfaces of manual to automated operations within sub-systems, to external systems and between new and existing systems; Defined input/output sources, including detail plan for technical design phase, and obtained approval of the system proposal. Designed and documents in detail all system components, their interfaces and operational environment; Designed data structures and files, sub-systems and modules, programs, batch, on line, and production monitoring procedures, testing strategy and systems; Documented system design, concepts and facilities, presented and obtained approval of detailed system design; Produced an operational system including all forms, manuals, programs, data files and procedures. IT Security Consulting: Developed IT security policies, standards, guidelines and procedures. Reviewed existing security policies, standards, guidelines and procedures and provided advice as to their appropriateness and effectiveness. Conducted compliance audits of IT operations, application systems and infrastructure. Conducted security threat and risk assessments of IT facilities, application systems and communications Conducted reviews of backup and recovery plans Investigated security incidents and reporting causes and related weaknesses and recommending remedies. Designed the security framework and implemented the security components of IT infrastructure required to protect assets and to support application systems. Provided advice on the security aspects of application systems under development. Developed and delivered IT Security awareness and training programs. Application Architecture: Developed technical architectures, frameworks and strategies, either for an organization or for a major application area, to meet the business and application requirements; Identified the policies and requirements that drive out a particular solution; Analyzed and evaluates alternative technology solutions to meet business problems; Ensured the integration of all aspects of technology solutions; Monitored industry trends to ensure that solutions fit with government and industry directions for technology; Analyzed functional requirements to identify information, procedures and decision flows; Evaluated existing procedures and methods, identified and documented data base content, structure, and application sub-systems, and developed data dictionary; Defined and documented interfaces of manual to automated operations within application sub-systems, to external systems and between new and existing systems; Defined input/output sources, including detail plan for technical design phase, and obtained approval of the system proposal. Database Administration: Defined new database structures Defined data conversion strategy Defined database conversion specifications Customized database conversion routines Finalized Conversion Strategy Generated new database with the client Worked very closely with the users in order to maintain and safeguard the database. Identified requirements for improvements to existing databases by determining users' information requirements and system performance and functional requirements. Maintained data dictionaries. Developed and implemented procedures that will ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of data stored in the database. Mediated and resolved conflicts among users' needs for data. Developed and implemented security procedures for the database, including access and user account management Advised programmers, analysts, and users about the efficient use of data Maintained configuration control of the database. Performed and/or co-ordinated updates to the database design. Controlled and co-ordinated changes to the database, including the deletion of records, changes to the existing records, additions to the database Developed and co-ordinated back-up, disaster recovery and virus protection procedures.