Developing a Project Management Tool for Network Migration to Improve Transparency between Enterprises and Network Experts

Abstract

Migrating an enterprise network to a cloud-based platform can help a company realize the benefits of increased automation, security, scalability, and usability. However, completing the migration can be tedious and time-consuming, so as to require an experienced network engineer. Many small and medium-sized enterprises do not internally employ such experts. Moreover, since cloud-based migration is only completed once, companies of all sizes opt to hire a professional network engineer as a consultant. During the migration process, companies often face communication challenges with the hired consultant. The work herein describes the design of a project management tool for cloud network migration to be used as an interface between the enterprise and network engineer. Its design was based upon extensive evaluation of information and functional requirements, and the establishment of the user flow. The design of the user interfaces realizes three important features: a task-based structure that centralizes resources, a graphical map for evaluating the status of dependent tasks, and embedded learning resources for furthering knowledge of networking. In this way, the design of the interface seeks to effectively bridge gaps in communication between enterprises and network engineers.