ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select ISP based on selection criteria approved by the client

1.1. Review comparable characteristics of a range of hosting services including web hosting facilities, data transfer, level of service, functionality, hosting plans and pricing plans

1.2. Review client usage and ensure that email and mailing list services are flexible enough to meet current and future business needs

1.3. Review support service standards to ensure they meet the needs of the business

1.4. Ensure internet service provider (ISP) hosting service has sufficient data capacity to cover partial outages

1.5. Determine availability of security technologies

1.6. Determine availability of scripting languages

1.7. Evaluate optional server applications for advanced web business functions

1.8. Confirm client selection criteria and select internet service provider (ISP) hosting service that best matches the criteria

2. Ensure guarantee of permanent online presence

2.1. Establish that the web hosting service has systems in place to monitor server performance and availability

2.2. Negotiate escalation procedures and performance standards with internet service provider

2.3. Establish that security and back-up procedures are articulated and meet business needs

3. Ensure that web host meets technical requirements

3.1. Take action to ensure that operating system supports the preferred business development software, applications, extensions and databases

3.2. Establish that the web host servers support dynamic websites using the preferred business technologies

3.3. Establish that the web host provides current and future disk space requirements

3.4. Establish that the site analysis reports are available and flexible enough to meet business needs

3.5. Establish that the security systems and payment technologies meet business and customers expectations and requirements

4. Performance is benchmarked and tested against specified criteria

4.1. Test the performance of the ISP during on- and off-peak times and record outcomes

4.2. Establish that the email and mailing services have back-up procedures in place and are protected from damage, erasure or unwanted damage

4.3. Take action to ensure support services perform in line with business needs

Required skills

Basic negotiation skills

Analytical skills for determining appropriate pricing and services plan for the business

Forward planning skills in relation to identifying future business needs

Required knowledge

Internet security issues

Server technologies

Operating systems used by ISPs

Customer and business needs and relationships

Performance expectations from customers and end users

Applying performance benchmarks

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

Assessment must confirm the ability to evaluate and select a web hosting service that meets the current and future needs of the business.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:

Hosting plans, prices and service agreements

Technology underpinning the ISP and services offered

Business plan outlining future directions for the business

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The effectiveness of an organisation's online presence is significantly determined by the quality, cost and features of the web hosting service provider or ISP. Web hosts often tailor their services to serve the needs of a particular type of client and the selection of an appropriate bundle of features and provider is an important decision for the organisation.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to take responsibility for comparing and evaluating ISP services.

The breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination would be characteristic.

The demonstration of competency may also require self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.

Assessment must ensure:

Applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. It may include participation in teams including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.

Method of assessment

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICAA5056B Prepare disaster recovery and contingency plans

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas

Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements

Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations

Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes

Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters

Take some responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Serverapplications may include:

file sharing

printer sharing

messaging

web services

network and remote access

database and data warehousing

directory services

management

line of business applications

terminal services

Operating system may include but is not limited to:

Linux 7.0 or above

Windows 2000 or above

Apple OS X or above

Servers may include:

Apache HTTP server

IBM VisualAge and WebSphere

Microsoft-Internet-Information-Server

NetDynamics

Lotus Domino

Netscape Enterprise server, Netscape-FastTrack, Netscape-Commerce

Sun Microsystems iPlanet web server

iPlanet-Enterprise

Sun Microsystems Java web server

Email servers

FTP servers

Scripting languages may include:

Pearl

VBscript

VB.Net Javascript

PHP, Python

Security technologies may include:

secure socket layer (SSL)

PKI

payment gateways

Hosting plans may include:

disk storage

CGI access

scripts

POP accounts

dedicated servers

e-business hosting

co-location of servers

Databases may include:

Oracle

PostegreSQL

Microsoft SQL Server

My SQL

SQL

Unit sector

Support

This unit contains employability skills.