Anaysis

Analysis

Hardware is the physical component used for an electronic system. The types of hardware that are being used at LifeTime are CPUs, RAMs, motherboards, cooling fans, and hard drives for their PCs. These simple hardware components are effective enough for the company to make arrangements with its clients. 

LifeTime uses a dual-core CPU with two processing units in one chip, that helps run multiple tasks simultaneously. By having a dual-core CPU, the company is able to use one processing unit for running applications while the other is used for file backups. LifeTime uses Intel core i7 that holds up to 64 bits. 

Software is a program or a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. LifeTime uses Microsoft Windows as the main operating system software for their PCs. 

Application software are programs that perform a business function. Applications can be used for a general purpose or others are used specifically for an organization's function. LifeTime’s LT Suite is a horizontal application where it keeps track of sales. LifeTime also uses BeeKeeper which is an application that allows the organization to communicate with other branches. The software is effective as LifeTime can be updated with other branches through posts of any events that took place. There are no customized applications specifically made for LifeTime.

BeeKeeper App

LT Suite (To ensure the privacy of our customers, we are not able to share more.)

Virtualization is the process by which one physical computer hosts many different virtual computers within it. There are three types of virtualization; PC virtualization, Server virtualization, and Desktop Virtualization. LifeTime does not use virtualization however it can if the organization needs to run more than one system at the same time, server, or desktop-wise. LifeTime’s current application software has not required the organization to go through virtualization or anything within the organization that required it to do so. 

Open-source software is a software where users are allowed to access and change the source code. In this case, LifeTime does use an open-source software in order to edit and perfect the effectiveness of its software application, LT Suite. LifeTime uses both a native and web-based application. As there is a native application that can be downloaded and installed from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store. LifeTime also has a web-based application that can be accessed through the internet with this link. https://www.lifetime.life/life-time-locations/nj-florham-park.html.

An example of a new technology that is used at LifeTime’s Kids Academy is the implementation of virtual reality headsets. LifeTime uses them while the kids are in daycare while their parents are not around. If it is hard to calm the child down, they can put the virtual reality headset on and it distracts them from what is currently going on around them. With the headset, the child can play video games or virtually exist in another place and it calms them down while they’re being supervised. Virtual reality can also play a crucial role for educational purposes. This new technology can help children view things that are not accessible at the moment. Augmented reality can be utilized by LifeTime to provide a realistic experience of various environments through the use of handheld devices. The implementation of VR and AR technologies, this can give the children a new way to learn and stay entertained.

LifeTime does not have a BYOD policy since the company provides staff with devices during work hours such as tablets and pcs. Currently, the company does not use any MDM software since mobile devices are not allowed during work hours. Although, if the company does decide to implement a BYOD policy or provide its employees with mobile devices, they should use MDM software such as VMware, Citrix XenMobile, and Microsoft Intune.

A database is a collection of data that is stored virtually. Spreadsheets arrange data into rows and columns as the data gets stored in individual cells. A database can gather information from the spreadsheet, which is the external table. 

An information system that LifeTime uses is BeeKeeper. The supervisor was not allowed to disclose information about their files and fields so we do not have access to them. Metadata is data about data. An example of metadata is when one department uploads a file that contains information about a certain event at LifeTime in Florham Park, it automatically gets posted for the other departments as well. With that being said, each time someone from another department opens a file that was uploaded by that one department, they encounter metadata. 

A DBMS is a database management system. What it does is that it programs to create, process, and administer a database as it is a computerized data storing system. The database management system that LifeTime uses is its LifeTime application to store its data about its customers. 

This is what the LifeTime Fitness app looks like. 

Database applications is a collection of forms, reports, queries, and application programs that facilitate users processing a database. A database application LifeTime uses would be both the LT Suite and LifeTime Fitness application, as they both consist of the data needed and can be analyzed further within those applications. LT Suite keeps all sales transactions including payment information from each customer. The Fitness app has additional information about the customers that can be looked into through the organization. A screenshot could not be made available. However, a general report would include the customer’s name attached to their membership information. Within the application, a “query” would consist of payment information that comes from the general report of the customer's name and membership.

Types of new technologies for databases that LifeTime can use would be NewSQL. This would be a more advanced approach, perhaps a more organized database compared to the current applications that LifeTime uses. Data can be easily retrieved within the database compared to having to look into it with multiple clicks and steps to get a certain type of information. Another one would be Access, it could be easier to manage and helpful for such large amounts of data and relationships could be built. 

LAN (Local Area Network) is when computers are connected in one physical location on the premises of the company that operates the LAN. LifeTime’s computers are all LAN devices allowing employees to use the internet for work-related purposes. Each device is connected to the switch which is then connected to the router granting each device internet access.

The Internet is a network of servers or interconnected computers that communicate with each other by using internet protocols (IP). LifeTime has its own servers that are connected to switches to connect all devices wirelessly such as PCs, tablets, and security cameras. The domain name of the company’s website is “Lifetime” and the full URL is https://www.lifetime.life/life-time-locations/nj-florham-park.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=google-local-club

A protocol is an official set of rules that determines how data can be communicated through different devices as it can be used to support the cloud through a web server. Examples of important application protocols are http, https, smtp, and ftp. WSDL/SOAP are examples of web service protocols and TCP/IP are examples of internet protocols. Our company, LifeTime, uses the https application protocol the majority of the time as it is used for a secure method of communication over the internet. Another non-network protocol that LifeTime follows is having every member of the club scan their membership card at the front desk before they can come into the club. This is done in order to have a smooth course of action for signing in so that club members can show their proof of membership and that they are paying to use the service. 

The cloud is the elastic leasing of pooled computer resources over the Internet. It can be used to store and access data or programs over the internet instead of on a hard drive. The cloud is important because it saves your money as you do not have to pay for extra storage on your computer or hard drive. It also saves your time and it is convenient as it makes it easier to simultaneously share your files with others. Lastly, it is a good source of protection as it is a good way to backup your data by using the cloud to protect your files. 

Currently, the company uses Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) as its cloud service. By using IaaS, the company has more control over its OS systems. LifeTime has hired an IT contractor that deals with the servers, storages, virtualizations, and networking issues while the employees manage the company’s applications, data, runtime, and operating system software. Currently, the company is using Microsoft Azure as the provider.

One issue with LifeTime’s company network is that it has a slow network speed. Since LifeTime has a lot of members and employees using their network, the network speed tends to slow down. Due to the popular location, there are many local neighbors that use the network even when the facility is closed. From the learnings in this unit, one recommendation would be to decrease the bandwidth once the facility closes. During the busiest hours, the bandwidth can be increased. Another solution would be to create a password. Since it is a public network, creating a password that only members can get access to would be beneficial. Due to the public wifi that LifeTime provides, this increases the company’s vulnerability and makes it an easier target for hacking attempts. To prevent future hacking, the company so implement a VPN to ensure the safety of the client's information.