Platform Architecture assessment FORM

 

This assessment is designed to support the planning and implementation of Target Platform Architecture recommended standards and best practices. The assessment applies to IT projects that include business requirements that propose or require modifications and/or additions to existing deployments of platform devices.

Score. Questions for the four (4) platform device categories are scored with one (1) point for a “Yes” answer, and zero (0) for a “No” answer. Maximum possible is the total number of questions for each category.

Definitions:

Applicable is defined as pertinent, related to, relevant, and appropriate.

Capability is the potential and ability for development or use. It is the capacity to be used or developed for a purpose.

Device includes logical groupings or categories of server, storage, and end-user (client) platforms in use statewide, or within a budget unit.

Maximize is defined as taking full advantage of the subject attribute(s).

Variety is defined simply as more than one. Note: the intent of versatility is to maximize flexibility and usefulness of a device relative to the applicable budget unit business applications.

Widespread is defined as extensive and prevalent.

Platform Device Name/Description:

Category

Max. Possible

Score

Category Description

1. Versatility

8

 

Provides interoperability, flexibility, adaptability, and scalability without requiring substantial modification.

2. Operating Systems

6

 

Utilizes open- or pervasive-industry-standard, secure, operating systems.

3. Operating Systems Security

7

 

Addresses the security functionality of Operating Systems.

4. Open Standard Interfaces & Drivers

4

 

Adheres to open-system-standard interface specifications and utilizes device drivers with IEEE interfacing and industry de facto standard protocols and formats.

Total Rating Points

25

 

 

 

1. Versatility refers to a device’s capability (assuming connectivity where applicable) to provide interoperability, flexibility, adaptability, and scalability without requiring substantial modification.

Score 1 Rating Point for a “Yes” answer

Yes

1. Is the device capable of delivering applicable EA Target Technologies and Statewide IT standards without major upgrades and additional costs?

 

2. Is the device capable of delivering or providing secure (as defined by Statewide IT Security Policy and Standards) end-user interface access to a variety of business applications (HRIS, email, office productivity applications, Internet, telephony, voice mail, etc.) without substantial modifications, regardless of end-user location?

 

3. Is the device capable of delivering or providing end-user interface access to a variety of business applications maximizing a fully converged network, regardless of end-user location?

 

4a. Server only – is the device capable of hosting or delivering multiple, and varied application solutions, with sufficient reliability, redundancy, and fault tolerance to support essential budget unit business operations?

 

4b. Storage only – is the device capable of hosting or delivering storage for multiple, and varied application solutions, with sufficient reliability, redundancy, and fault tolerance to support essential budget unit business operations?

 

4c. End-user device only – is the device capable of providing one common point for end-user connectivity access and productivity for multiple and varied application solutions?

 

5. Is the device able to maximize the use of the Statewide Network Infrastructure standards?

 

6. Is the device capable of accommodating increased demands for service and new application solutions without substantial modifications?

 

7. Are widespread choices for off-the-shelf application solutions, without modifications, available for this device?

 

8. Does the versatility of this device directly improve the quality and timeliness of budget unit business functions?

 

Total Rating Points

 

2. Operating Systems refer to a device’s, or networks, capability to utilize open- or pervasive-industry-standard operating systems.

Score 1 Rating Point for a “Yes” answer

Yes

1. Is an open-industry-standard operating system currently available for this device?

 

2. Is the operating system currently deployed with this device an open or industry de facto standard operating system?

 

3. Does the operating system currently deployed with this device allow for all updates to be pushed to, or accepted by, all associated devices?

 

4. Does the same version of the operating system currently deployed with this device have mass availability?

 

5. Is the installed version of the operating system currently deployed with this device the most current production version, or undergoing continued development by the manufacturer?

 

6. Is the operating system currently deployed with this device scheduled for future production releases?

 

Total Rating Points

 

 

3. Operating Systems Security refers to a security functionality that is available with the Operating System (must be answered relative to responses in 2. Operating Systems.)

Score 1 Rating Point for a “Yes” answer

Yes

1. Do the operating system security services align with Statewide IT Security Policy and Standards?

 

2. Does the operating system security allow for logging and the security controls for applications, platform, and network levels to be integrated to reduce and eliminate redundancies?

 

3. Does the operating system support access, authentication, and authorization techniques as defined in the Statewide IT Security Policy and Standards?

 

4. Does the operating system allow for an integrated LDAP directory service?

 

5. Does the operating system allow for all security updates to be pushed to, or accepted by, all associated devices?

 

6. Does the operating system allow for logging and the restriction, including preventing end-user override, of particular functions or services, such as non-essential or redundant services, communication options that are susceptible or prone to abuse, and operating-system-level utilities?

 

7. Can extraneous services, open ports, etc., be easily removed from “default installations of the operating system” and prevented from returning when the operating system is upgraded?

 

Total Rating Points

 

 

4. Open Standard Interfaces and Drivers refer to a device’s capability to adhere to open-system-standard interface specifications and to utilize device drivers that use IEEE and industry de facto standard protocols and formats.

Score 1 Rating Point for a “Yes” answer

Yes

1. Does the device utilize Statewide Network Infrastructure Standards for communication protocols?

 

2. Is the device capable of being configured, managed, and maintained using standard SNMP-based management tools?

 

3. Is the device capable of utilizing open-standard drivers that employ IEEE-interfaces and industry de facto standard software drivers?

 

4. Are multiple, off-the-shelf, peripheral devices that conform to open-system-standards and that utilize industry de facto standard drivers available for this device?

 

Total Rating Points