Written Assignment

For a business to expand and grow, the IT infrastructure must be able to support changing demand for services. Businesses may grow by expanding the existing business, or they may grow through mergers and acquisitions. When companies merge, the newly combined company needs systems to support it.

Research multiple options for computer virtualization and the “cloud” environment. Describe each option and how it differs from other alternatives. Explain how different options might affect a business’ ability to expand and grow naturally. Would any of the options enhance or inhibit the business’ ability to enter into mergers with other companies and combine business systems? Clarify any risks or constraints associated with a particular option. From a cybersecurity perspective, is cloud computing safer or riskier? Provide examples to support your answer. Based on the BestBuy Co. Inc., would some virtualization and cloud computing options be a better fit than others to enable your business to grow? Please explain.

This research paper should be in APA format, Times New Roman 12-point font, and double spaced. The paper must include at least three references. The length should be 4-5 pages, not including the title page and reference page.

Resources:

• Chapter 5 PowerPoint charts (Chapter_5_Section_5.2.pptx)
  
• Article: Success Factors for Integrating IT Systems After a Merger (Links to an external site.)
• Article: Mergers and acquisitions loves the cloud (Links to an external site.)
• What Does Virtualization Mean for Small Businesses? (Links to an external site.)
• Virtualization Reduces the Impact of Data Disasters (Links to an external site.)