Viabilidad Operativa del Portal Web
Temas abordados
Viabilidad Operativa del Portal Web
Temas abordados
The technical feasibility of developing an administrative information system for the university web portal is supported by the availability of sufficient hardware and software resources. The university possesses servers with necessary specifications such as 8GB RAM and an INTEL CORE I5 processor, and additional equipment such as a PC with a Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB RAM for information updates . Furthermore, tools like XAAMP and Wordpress are available with no licensing costs, which facilitates the construction of the web portal without additional financial burden . Additionally, the university has dedicated internet access through REUNA, which provides a high-speed connection essential for the portal's operation . There is also a reliable energy backup system involving a UPS and a generator to ensure server uptime, crucial for uninterrupted service .
The economic challenges in developing and maintaining the web portal project are primarily linked to the lack of allocated funds for these activities. Although the use of free software like XAAMP and Wordpress eliminates costs related to software licensing, funding is required for other aspects such as personnel and potential unforeseen expenses . The engineering department does not have designated financial resources for web development and must rely on formal requests through institutional channels to obtain monetary support, a process that can incur delays . Nevertheless, the existing computer hardware and the allocation of human resources within the department mitigate some financial constraints .
The university's choice of infrastructure and software significantly contributes to cost-efficiency by utilizing existing resources and free software. The hardware required for the project is already in place, eliminating the need for additional purchases . Software like XAAMP and Wordpress, which are free and do not require licensing fees, further reduce costs . The continued use of the university's own servers on campus and high-speed internet through REUNA provide reliable and cost-effective technological support for the web portal . This combination of existing infrastructure, free software, and strategic resource utilization facilitates cost-efficient management of the web project.
The potential risks of relying solely on existing hardware and software solutions for the web portal project include limitations in scalability and technological obsolescence. Existing hardware may not support future increases in user demand beyond current capacities, which could lead to performance bottlenecks . Additionally, reliance on free software like XAAMP and Wordpress, while cost-effective, might lack advanced features or support needed for future enhancements . The absence of budgeting for new acquisitions might also delay necessary upgrades, posing a risk to maintaining an effective and resilient portal infrastructure in the long term.
The technical readiness of the university's hardware and software infrastructure meets the requirements for developing a successful web portal by leveraging existing resources. The available technology, including suitably equipped computers and dedicated internet access, ensures a functioning setup for hosting and maintaining the web portal . The employment of free-to-use software solutions such as XAAMP and Wordpress provides the necessary tools for web development without additional cost implications . Furthermore, the in-house expertise and management of these systems support ongoing development and operational tasks, underpinning the effectiveness and reliability of the portal's functionality .
The university ensures the scalability of its web portal system through robust server capacity and effective scaling strategies. The system can handle high traffic, supporting bursts up to 3,000 visits per second, which is critical during peak times such as the start and end of semesters . The university also employs strategic use of its own servers located on campus to manage load without reliance on external providers . Additionally, technological provisions are in place to utilize domain management and high-speed internet connectivity to maintain consistent access and performance .
Maintaining servers on-campus at the Universidad de Tarapacá implies a high degree of control and reliability over the web services offered. This practice allows the university to avoid external hosting costs and potential dependency issues, ensuring uninterrupted access and service continuity . The control over the physical infrastructure helps in timely maintenance and upgrades, thereby enhancing server performance and security. Additionally, having the infrastructure on-campus facilitates immediate access for troubleshooting and system improvements, contributing to the overall robustness and efficiency of the web services .
The reliability of the Universidad de Tarapacá's web services is ensured by having its own servers on the campus, which negates the need for external hosting and minimizes downtime . The server infrastructure is further supported by a robust energy backup system that includes a UPS providing a 30-minute support and a generator that activates within 5 minutes, ensuring continuous power supply during outages . The history of server operation shows a high level of reliability, with no unscheduled server downtime and a record of 931 days without a shutdown, indicating robust performance and maintenance .
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) are considered in the technical implementation of the web portal project to enhance flexibility and resource utilization. By leveraging personal devices of students and staff, the project can take advantage of existing technology investments, reducing the need for institutionally provided devices . This approach aids in maximizing the efficiency of the university's existing technological infrastructure and potentially facilitates remote access and collaboration .
Operational challenges affecting the dissemination and usage of the enhanced web portal include lack of engagement and commitment from stakeholders. Despite technical capabilities, effective usage is hampered by limited interest from students and faculty . Additionally, the successful implementation and adoption of the portal require ongoing updates, software development, and maintenance which, if not properly managed, can lead to technical issues and user dissatisfaction . The presence of a dedicated laboratory manager with expertise in information systems partially mitigates these challenges but highlights the need for broader stakeholder collaboration and support .