ICT171 Assignment 1 – 2025
Project Proposal and Total Cost of Ownership Presentation
Unit Code: ICT171 Introduction to Server Environments and Architectures
Refer to the ICT171 Assignment guidelines, Unit Guide, and student notes for further details.
Part A – Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Presentation (5
Slides)
Slide 1 – Project Overview
Title: Artisan E-Commerce Platform: Cloud-Driven Innovation
Overview:
o A modern, cloud-based e-commerce site dedicated to local artisans.
o The platform showcases handmade products with an intuitive,
responsive design.
o Emphasis on hands-on experience with deploying and managing an IaaS
server.
Technical Stack:
o OS: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
o Web Server: Apache2
o Database: MySQL
o Front-End: HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap
o Security: SSH key authentication, UFW firewall, TLS via Let’s
Encrypt
Student Note: Clearly communicate the project’s goals and technical
specifications; refer to the assignment brief and student debrief for guidance.
Slide 2 – TCO Analysis for IaaS Deployment (e.g., AWS EC2)
Assumptions & Key Components:
o Compute: AWS EC2 (e.g., t2.micro instance)
o Storage: 20GB Elastic Block Store (EBS)
o Domain & SSL: Domain registration plus a free Let’s Encrypt certificate
o Data Transfer: Based on moderate traffic estimates
o Maintenance: Minimal labor costs for server management
Modern TCO Table:
Cost Component Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 3-Year Total
Compute (EC2) $120 $120 $120 $360
Storage (EBS) $30 $30 $30 $90
Domain & SSL $15 $10 $10 $35
Data Transfer $25 $25 $25 $75
Maintenance & Labor $50 $50 $50 $150
Total $240 $235 $235 $710
Student Note: Explain the cost assumptions and be prepared to discuss scalability and
the benefits of using IaaS during your presentation.
Slide 3 – TCO Analysis for Alternative Deployment (SaaS/On-Prem)
Alternative Option:
o Deployment via a SaaS website builder (e.g., Wix, Squarespace) or a basic on-
premise hosting solution..
Modern TCO Table:
Cost Component Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 3-Year Total
Hosting (SaaS Plan) $180 $180 $180 $540
Domain & SSL $15 $10 $10 $35
Third-Party Integrations $20 $20 $20 $60
Maintenance & Support $60 $60 $60 $180
Total $275 $270 $270 $815
Examine the advantages of an IaaS model over SaaS in terms of simplicity and reduced
management overhead, while evaluating its control and cost advantages.
Slide 4 – Non-Monetary Factors & Strategic Considerations
Key Non-Cost Factors:
o Control & Customization: IaaS provides full control over server
configuration and security.
o Scalability & Flexibility: Easier to scale resources as demand
increases.
o Learning & Experience: Direct experience with cloud server
management enhances your technical skill set.
o Vendor Reliability: Consider AWS’s robust global infrastructure
versus the integrated support of SaaS platforms.
Visuals:
The deployment option is your choice, whether it's through a SaaS
website builder (e.g., Wix or Squarespace) or a basic on-premise
hosting system.
Regardless of whether you decide to deploy using a SaaS website builder (e.g., Wix or
Squarespace) or an uncomplicated on-premise hosting solution.
Whether you opt for deploying through a SaaS website builder (such as Wix or Squarespace)
or basic on-premise hosting solution Presenting Guide.
Slide 5 – Conclusion & Recommendation
Summary of TCO Comparison:
o IaaS (AWS EC2): $710 total over 3 years
o Alternative (SaaS/On-Prem): $815 total over 3 years
Recommendation:
o Choose IaaS (AWS EC2) for its cost efficiency, enhanced control, and valuable
technical learning opportunities.
Final Thought:
o “Innovate with Cloud – Empower Your Future with IaaS.”
Student Note: Ensure your concluding slide succinctly states your recommendation and
links back to the learning outcomes.
