Network Update Lab Finalize the Business Proposal

Learning objective: By the end of this exercise, students will be able to compile a comprehensive business proposal for a network update, including an executive summary, current state assessment, proposed network update plan, cost-benefit analysis, implementation plan, and conclusion.

Combine your findings into a final proposal

Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! You’ve assessed General’s current network, designed an update plan, built a financial case, and mapped out your implementation strategy. Now, it’s time to package all that hard work into a polished, professional business proposal.

Create a new Google Document for your proposal. Ensure the document can be viewed publicly so your instructor can access it. Use a clear and professional format, with headings, subheadings, and bullet points, to make it easy to read.

Your proposal document should include:

• Executive summary: A high-level overview of the project, highlighting the key problems, proposed solutions, and expected benefits. Keep it concise and compelling - this will hook General’s leadership.

• Current state assessment: A summary of your findings from the network assessment, focusing on the key challenges and opportunities for improvement. Include details on the existing topology, performance metrics, security posture, and so on.

• Proposed network update plan: A detailed description of your proposed changes, including the technical specifications (new Catalyst switches, Meraki wireless, AWS Direct Connect, and so on), rationale, and expected outcomes. Use diagrams and visuals to illustrate the proposed new network architecture.

• Cost-benefit analysis: A clear presentation of the financial case for the project, including estimated costs (broken down by category), projected benefits (quantified wherever possible), and ROI metrics. Use charts and graphs to make the data easy to digest.

• Implementation plan: An overview of your phased approach to executing the network update, including key milestones, dependencies, and risk mitigation strategies. To help visualize the overall project schedule, you may want to provide a high-level timeline (for example, a Gantt chart).

• Conclusion and next steps: Wrap it up with a strong closing argument for why General should approve and invest in this network update. Reiterate the key benefits and ROI. Outline the immediate next steps (for example, kickoff meeting, procurement, and so on) and who will be responsible for each.

As you craft your proposal, keep your audience in mind. Use clear, concise language and visual aids like diagrams and charts to make your case. Anticipate potential questions or objections (for example, around cost, risk, disruption to business) and address them proactively.

Remember, this proposal is your chance to showcase your technical chops, business acumen, and communication skills. A well-crafted, persuasive proposal can be the difference between a green light and a dead end.

So take your time, and get ready to wow General with your network update vision!