(((((((((((Answer case 2 only )))))))))))

Case Project 1

The staff at Scenic Rivers Social Services (SRSS), a government-sponsored organization that provides counseling, education, and career assistance to rural citizens countrywide, recently learned about the advantages of using VoIP at a conference. They have asked you to consult with them on whether it would be appropriate to implement VoIP in their organization. Five staff members work in the central office, which is located in the county seat and is connected to the Internet via a T1 thats shared with the county government offices. Three other staff members work from their homes in three small towns, each at least 30 miles away from the county seat. Two of the home offices connect to the Internet using DSL, and the third home office connects using broadband cable service. Make a list of at least seven questions you would ask the SRSSs staff (for example, related to their business practices or current technology) to determine whether VoIP makes sense for them. What single factor might make or break SRSSs entry into VoIP?

Case Project 2

With your help, SRSS has been recognized as a regional leader in using technology to improve rural human services. Now the staff have decided to organize monthly seminars to discuss the use of technology in aiding disadvantaged rural residents. The seminars would feature world-renown speakers on rural proverty and health issues. SRSS staff would invite colleagues from across the nation to participate. Explain the type of technology necessary to conduct such videoconferences. For the benefit of the SRSS staff, draw a diagram that shows each element of a videoconference that involves a speaker from another country, a half-dozen participants from other states, and SRSS employees. Finally, explain whether you recommend SRSS buy or lease this technology and how you came to that conclusion.