Overview
Case Study: Edge Data Center for San Luis Obispo
You and a group of business partners are interesting in building alocalized edge data center to service the city of San Luis Obispo, California. Edge data centers are smaller, localized, self-contained data centers providing low latency (minimal delay) access for local users.
You will need to do some research on edge data centers and what type of equipment and facilities will be required. You will also need to determine the appropriate size of the Bakersfield market that this data center will support so you can scale your project to the expect demand.
Prepare a case study that will discuss the existing knowledge about cost estimating related to large scale projects. Yourdiscussion can include cost estimating methods that are available but not appropriate in this application so it can be demonstrated why these are not appropriate.
You will conclude the case study by modeling one or more of the methods and then conclude by discussing the results of your modeling and whether one or more of these methods would be valid in this application.
When completed with this case study you will have a basic understanding of the business model and technology for edge data storage. You will also become familiar with the process for collecting andestimating the costs associated with a startup technology business
CASE STUDY TEMPLATE
1. Problem Statements
2. Concepts
3. Modeling and Calculations of Concepts
4. Evaluation of ConceptsThis generalized list is to give you an idea of what is required in each section. The specifics will depend on the particular Case Study. Try to stay with the headings given in this template. If you are uncertain then be sure to ask the Instructor.
Feel free to cut-and-paste Excel spreadsheet data or scanned images into your report.
Reference the first lecture on the concept of Design project development.
1. PROBLEM STATEMENT
In this section restate the information in the case study into a Problem Statement. This Statement should clearly articulate what is the Problem that needs to be addressed. You need to define the need and/or economic wants. It can be solving a technical issue; reducing costs; finding a new design; finding new economic wants; and other issues. Each Case Study will be different.
This should include any technical and non-technical information given in the Case Study. I can also include other information that may be available in the textbook or other sources (Internet, other publications).
As the textbook states, “A thoughtful and reasoned statement specifying the problem will lead to a more efficient result”.
2. CONCEPTS
This is where you document possible solutions to the Problem Statement. This is the result of your team discussions and emails (your brainstorming of ideas). If you add unique and thoughtful concepts not included in the textbook this could improve your grade.
In this step you will use existing knowledge (noted in the Problem Statement) and add new knowledge or simply find a new combination of the existing knowledge.
You can list only one solution concept if there is reasonably only one solution. You can list all the reasonable ideas you came up with in your discussions. You may want to list a solution that is feasible but not desired and give a short explanation of why this is not going to be pursued (it can be one or more sentences). Having more than one concept would be useful in a real world application where you may need to start over or justify your choice.
3. MODELING AND CALCULATIONS OF CONCEPTS
This is where you will perform analysis of your Concept(s). It may be mathematical calculations from formulas in the textbook, simulated physical models and can be as sophisticated as you like (to improve your grade).
As the Case Studies become more complex you may want to use techniques from Operations Research, such as Simulation, linear programming or any other technique you would like to apply. You may find it an interesting challenge to bring tools you learned in other courses into these Cost Analysis problems.
4. EVALUATION OF CONCEPTS
The final section requires you to state a decision based on matching your Modeling/Calculations to solving the Problem Statement. If you had more than one Concept then you will choose the best alternative.
It must answer the following questions (may be different for each Case Study):
1. Does your solution(s) satisfy the requirements?
2. What are the Costs to implement?
3. What are the Cost savings?
4. What is the time frame, or issues involved in implementing the solution?
5. Does the solution match the capabilities and core competencies of the company?
6. Are there any other issues or considerations that have been addressed or need to be considered? (manufacturability, serviceability, etc.)