RAFFA - Advancing the Concepts of Solid Nonprofit Management.  More than just an Accounting Firm.


IT Consulting & Assessment



Every technology assessment we perform is different. We always tailor the scope of our analysis based on the needs of the client.


In general, the points of coverage in our IT assessments are determined by the goals of the organization requesting the analysis. We have found that there are six major variations:

  • Needs Analysis (for a specific product or solution)
  • Strategic Planning (especially in growth-challenged environments)
  • Security Assessment or Audit / Risk Analysis
  • IT Procedures & Control Audit ( often in conjunction with a financial audit)
  • Business Process Re-engineering
  • Pre-Support / Pre-Outsourcing Baseline Assessment

What Do We Review?


Each Information Technology Assessment is customized. We will always review at least the overall configuration of systems related to each of the major areas described below. Depending on your special requirements, we may also review the detailed topics described within the areas.

File Servers
  • Inventory
  • Platform Performance
  • NOS Choice: NetWare, Windows, LINUX, etc.
  • Hardware Configuration
  • Directory Structure
  • Security & User Administration
  • Disk Subsystem, Redundancy and Fault-Tolerance
Database & Applications Servers
  • Inventory
  • Platform Performance
  • Hardware Configuration
  • Data Redundancy and Fault Tolerance
Meta-Directories
  • NDS, ED, or AD (NetWare or Windows)
  • Time Synchronization
  • Partitioning Strategy
  • Directory Health
Local Area Network
  • LAN Mapping
  • Cabling Quality
  • Performance
  • Switch/Hub Layout & Efficiency
  • Protocols in Use (IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, etc.)
Disaster Recovery Plan
  • Automatic Replication of Critical Servers
  • Replication of Critical Network Infrastructure
  • Remote Location Access
Backup Systems
  • Tape Rotation Scheme
  • Backup Policies / Off-Site Storage
  • Server Being Backed Up
  • Backup Completion Time
  • Media Quality
  • Physical File Restoration
Power Supply
  • Automatic Shutdown of Critical Servers
  • Backup of Critical Network Infrastructure (such as hubs and routers)
  • Backup Power Supply & Health
Internet Connectivity
  • DNS & Zone data; Authoritative Host
  • E-mail & Web Access
  • Router Type & Configuration
  • Firewall Security and Performance
  • Gateways
  • TCP/IP Address Assignments; NAT; DHCP
Wide-Area Network(s)
  • Topology
  • Remote User Support
  • Performance
Virus Protection
  • Workstations
  • Servers
  • Special Agents For Mail Servers and Databases
  • Licensing/Expiration
  • Automatic Updating
Remote Access (In/Out)
  • Configuration
  • Security
  • Remote Node vs. Remote Control
  • Citrix Server & Configuration
Telephony
  • PRI / T1 Configuration; Reliability
  • Broadband Service & Configuration
  • POTS Lines & Distribution
  • Modem Use & Security
Internet / Web Services
  • Security
  • Performance & Integration
  • Maintenance Procedures
Email
  • Post Office Configurations
  • Internet Connectivity
  • Internal Policies, if appropriate
Enterprise Applications
  • Database Security & Design
  • File Server Security
  • Replication Schedules
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Mail / Collaboration / Facsimile
  • New Applications / Integration
Workstations
  • Hardware Inventory
  • Operating Systems
  • Installed Applications
  • Network Card Configuration
  • Standardization Vhardware
  • Standardization Vsoftware & Configuration
Desktop/Productivity Applications
  • Application Inventory
  • License Compliance
  • Workstation and Server Based Application Documentation
Policy and Procedure
  • Review Existing P&P's
  • User Creation / Deletion
  • File Restoration Requests
  • E-mail Confidentiality
  • Content Access & Control
Staffing Requirements
  • Expertise
  • Effort
  • Focus
Training Requirements
  • User
  • Administrator
  • Executive
Contact us via email or call 202.955.6528 to find out how RAFFA can help you with your IT consulting and assessment needs.