2. 1
AuditFindingsReport:
Gap analysis
IT Infrastructure Analysis and recommendations
Business Flow Chart – Outline
Data backup Analysis and recommendations
Key User's knowledge and utilization of various software
Softw are License Status and recommendations
Core Software utilization
TIER 1: HIGHLEVEL
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TIER 2: LOWLEVELDEEPDIVEAUDIT
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TIER 3:THECAPSTONE
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TechnologyAudit
Technology Audit (TA) is an eye-opening innovation from Inspace. TA enables organization leaders
understand the present IT utilization levels in their organization or business. In terms of importance,
TA occupies equal status with Accounting Audits conducted in organizations. TA focuses on three
important areas Viz. Business functionality, Ease of Use and Security. It also addresses the three
sensitive areas of information/data availability, confidentiality and integrity. The Audit process follows
a structured 3 tier methodology.
Understanding Vision, Mission and the Business goals of the customer
A high level mapping of the current IT deployment in relation to thebusiness objectives
Observation and plotting of Possible Gaps between the Business objectives and IT deploy-
ment
Detailed study of deployed hardware, software, connectivity, power, security, MIS, and usability
by end users.
Identifying process coverage, data integrity, productivity improvements, reporting frequency
andadequacy, training adequacy, and system availability.
3. TechnologyAudit
2
Productivity benefits
Security benefits
Cost-saving benefits
Relationship benefits
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TA SPECTRUM COVERS:
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IT security / Vulner ability Analysis
Recommendations pertaining to technology upgrade / downgrade
Training requirements and plan of action
Power Infrastructure Audit
Networking Infrastructure Audit
Server & Backup Infrastructure Audit
Desktop & Laptop Infrastructure Audit
Generation of Asset (Hardware & Software) Document & Physical Outlay
Software Licensing Audit
General Data Security Audit
Infrastructure Maintenance Audit
Core Applications Audit
Internet/Intranet Connectivity Audit
Communication Audit (Data/Voice/Video)
Key Users' Technology Utilization Audit
Technology Audit recommendations sets the direction for organizations to optimize Return of
Investment (ROI) on IT. The success of TA is that it does not recommend investing more on IT;
rather it helps in getting more out of existing IT investments. Technology Audit recommendations
hinge on the following benefits:
4. Technology Audit 3
POWERAUDIT
The Power Audit is aimed at ensuring the power related equipment and infrastructure pertaining
to IT systems complies with standards, and whether its throughput is in line with the organization's
requirement for power for optimal efficiency and productivity of the IT systems. Since the power
can come from several sources, the scope of the Audit may include Raw Power, UPS
(Online/Offline), UPS/Inverter Batteries, Generators, Inverters, Transformers, Cabling and outlets.
Other power equipment if any may be included based on their need on a case-to-case basis.
The Power Audit follows a structured approach where critical parameters and readings for effect-
ing optimal and sustained throughput across equipments are noted and taken as basic inputs.
Wherever necessary, inputs from people involved in managing power infrastructure are also taken
to ensure that the data gathered is correct and current. Besides, a general inspection of the equip-
ments in terms of the age, environment of the equipments and current process of maintenance is
done.
Based on the data gathered and observed scenarios, the Audit team prepares the Audit report. The
Audit Report is a detailed presentation of the AS-IS scenarios which are represented as facts.
Observed issues and challenges in the existing power set up and the hazards that can impact the IT
system's effective functioning and the resulting effect on business performance is also captured.
The culmination of the Audit is the recommendations for corrective action and course of action
which is based on firm specific require
5. TechnologyAudit
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NETWORK INFRASTRUCTUREAUDIT
The Network Audit is a comprehensive audit where all the equipments and devices on the network
come under the purview. The components under the audit, both active and passive, may include
Data Switches, Routers, Hubs, Access Points, Repeaters, Voice Branch Exchanges, Data/Voice
Cabling and I/O outlets. Networking equipment out of conventional audit scope may be included
on a case-to-case basis based on the need of the business and technology environment.
The Audit follows a predefined process where critical performance parameters and metrics for
effecting optimal and sustained performance across devices and equipments are noted and taken
as basic inputs. Wherever necessary, inputs from people involved in managing Network infrastruc-
ture are also taken toensure that the data gathered is correct and current. Besides, a general
inspection of the devices and equip-
ments in terms of the age, environ-
ment of the devices and
equipments, and current process of
maintenance is done.
Based on the data and information
gathered, the Audit team maps the
business process with the existing
network infrastructure to assess fit
and compatibility of the infrastruc-
ture to meet business objectives.
The audit findings are presented in
an Audit Repor t whi ch i s a detai l ed
presentation of the AS-IS scenarios,
observed issues and challenges in
the existing Network. Deficits and
hazards that can impact effective
up-time of networks and systems are clearly identified. The Audit recommendations focuses on
taking corrective action and course of action based on the firm specific requirements and indus-
try's best practises and standards. The Audit recommendation is tightly hinged on improving
network throughput and managing and maintaining high up-time.
6. 5
SERVER & BACKUPINFRASTRUCTUREAUDIT
TechnologyAudit
The Server and Backup Audit aims at ensuring IT system exigency plans are in place to handle
unexpected failures of IT systems. The other objective of the Audit is also to ascertain whether data
retrieval capability and process is in place. The Audit covers the critical IT system units such as
Servers, Racks, Backup devices, Data storage equipment and I/O Cables. Firm specific equipment
other the ones mentioned may be included based on business need and the situation on a
case-to-case basis. Contingency plans such as Disaster Recovery (DR) and / or Business Continuity
(BCP) also come under the purview of the Audit from an Infrastructure backup and readiness
perspective.
The Audit follows a structured process where critical nodes in the system environment for effecting
optimal and sustained performance across devices and equipments are noted and taken as basic
inputs. Wherever necessary,
inputs from people involved in
managing Server and Backup
Infrastructure are also taken to
ensure that the data gathered is
correct and current. Besides, a
general inspection of the devices
and equipments in terms of the
age, environment of the devices
and equipments, and current
process of maintenance is done.
Based on the data and informa-
tion gathered, the Audit team
does a State Analysis of the
infrastructure and maps it to the
business objectives and goals.
The Audit findings are presented
in an Audit Report which is a detailed presentation of the State Analysis, observed issues and
challenges in the existing Server and Backup Infrastructure. Deficits and failure points that can
impact effective up-time of Servers and Back up Infrastructure are also clearly identified. The Audit
recommendations focuses on taking corrective action and course of action based on industry wide
best practises and standards. The Audit helps System Managers and Administrators to effectively
identify and manage failure points and ensure maximised up-time of critical back up devices and
equipment.
7. The purpose of the Desktop and Laptop Audit is to uncover possible leaks in the desktop and
laptop efficiencies in terms of processing time and usability which can impact overall IT System's
output and people productivity. Organizations where standalone PCs and Laptops are used
without servers benefit from this Audit. Similarly, organizations where the number of end users
working on PCs and laptops are high will certainly need to be audited to ensure effective function-
ing. Other end user equipments, if any, may be included based on their need on a case-to-case
basis.
The Audit follows a well defined process where each PC and laptop in the organization is fully
checked for optimal and sustained performance. Functional parameters of the PCs and laptops are
taken as inputs from people involved in using them. A general inspection of the PCs and laptops in
terms of the age, environment of the devices and equipments, and current process of maintenance
is done.
The data and information gathered
forms the basis of the Audit recom-
mendations. The Audit team does
an AS-IS Analysis of the PC and
laptop environment and maps it to
the productivity and efficiency
objectives and goals of the organi-
zation. The Audit findings are
presented in an Audit Report which
is a detailed presentation of the
AS-IS Analysis, observed issues and
challenges in the existing PC and
laptop setup. Functional deficits
and failure points that can impact
effective up-time of PCs and
laptops are also clearly identified
and noted. The Audit recommen-
dations focuses on taking corrective action and course of action based on industry wide best
practises and standards. This Audit helps System Managers and Administrators to effectively
identify and manage failure points and ensure maximised up-time of PCs and laptops.
TechnologyAudit
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DESKTOP & LAPTOP INFRASTRUCTURE AUDIT
8. 7
ITASSETASSESSMENTAUDIT
TechnologyAudit
This Audit enables organizations to keep check on the IT Assets that are currently deployed in their
organization. The audit starts with a detailed and exhaustive compilation of all IT and IT related assets
cur rently deployed. The compilation contains equipment details, their physical location, quantity,
associated user, with additional information.
That may be available with the asset
management team. Other pertinent
information about the IT Assets may be
called for by the Audit team and may be
included in the audit on a case-to-case
basis.
To help identify the actual asset placement
in the company, an outlay map diagram is
additionally generated for each location in
the organization. In some cases, a multi-city
outlay may be done depending on the geo
operations of the organization. The IT Asset
outlay depicts the various sections, cabins,
departments, building associated with the
location. Textual legends assist the reader
in gaining accurate information about the
placements. Wherever necessary, inputs
from people involved in managing the
assets are obtained to ensure and validate
that the data and information obtained is
current and correct.
In addition to the IT equipment that is deployed, a software list is generated which captures all the
software packages presently installed in the audited computer systems in the organization. The
detailed list provides information pertaining to the software products and its versions being
currently used. Wherever necessary the asset management team is involved for getting up-to-date
and correct information.
9. 8
SOFTWAREAUDIT
TechnologyAudit
License Audit
The primary focus of this audit is to ensure that the audited organization complies with standards,
policies and legal framework with respect to installing and using software. All software that is
currently being used and installed in the computer systems come under the purview of the Audit.
The software may include Operating Systems, Office Productivity Software, Accounting Software,
ERP Applications and Customized software. Other software may be included in the audit on a
case-to-case basis. Additionally, the audit attempts to highlight the security vulnerabilities due to
usage of unlicensed software, if any. Wherever necessary, people managing the software assets are
involved for getting upto-date and correct data and information.
The data and information gathered forms the basis of the Audit recommendations. The Audit team
analysis the software licenses used and maps it to the legal and security vulnerabilities of the IT
systems. Besides, its impact on business
and governance of the organization is
also analysed. The Audit findings are
presented in an Audit Report where the
observed issues and challenges in the
existing software licenses are detailed.
Security deficits and failure points that
can creep into the system environment
and which can impact smooth opera-
tion of IT systems is also detailed
wherever applicable. The Audit recom-
mendations focuses on taking correc-
tive action and course of action based
on industry wide best practises and
standards. This Audit helps S y s t em
Managers and Administrators, to
effectively manage IT by adhering to
legally approved and secure use of licensed software. Core Applications Audit The objective of this
Audit is to ensure that the key users of IT systems have understood and are proficient with the
applications they are using as part of their daily operations. The audit process begins by listing the
software applications to be audited. To facilitate a structured approach to the audit, the core applica-
tions list is grouped into four types as below:
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Technology Audit 9
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Audit
Office Productivity Applications – MS Office, Open Office which are used for
general office purposes.
Accounting Applications – Tally etc. which are used for office accounting
purposes.
ERP and Specialized Applications – AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, ERP, customized
software which is used for specialized purposes.
Organization Website – Link check, Enquiry Sheet, Domain Name Renewal and
SEO optimization check.
The first part of the Core Application
Audit is done on the Office Productivity Application
with the Client's key users as Auditees. The
software version details and features are collected
and the users' knowledge level of the application
features and their proficiency is audited. Similarly,
the Accounting Applications, Specialized Applica-
tions and the organization's website is audited.
Where the web site is of importance to the organi-
zation, the website's links, contacts and enquiry
sheet page, domain name, renewal status, etc., are
noted. Besides, a web search on sites such as
Google is carried out to find out the present SEO
optimization levels of the web site. This is done
using relevant keywords.
The data and information gathered forms the basis
of the Audit Report and recommendations. The
Core Applications Audit focuses on taking corrective action and course of action based on industry
wide best practises and standards. This Audit helps Key end users of core applications keep a check
on their knowledge proficiency levels in using application software and also to effectively improve
their productivity and efficiency.
11. TechnologyAudit
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GENERAL DATA SECURITYAUDIT
Data Access Control
User Authentication System
DataFolder Structure/Permission
Storage Media Control
Data Leak Protection
Internet / Intranet /Email Security
Firewall Setup
Anti-SPAM Setup /Anti-Virus /Anti-Spyware Setup
Data Protection
Software Patch Management
Vulner ability Assessment
Gener al Assessment (fireprotection,
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This is a comprehensive audit that focuses on the security and safety of IT infrastructure deployed
and data associated with it. The audit encompasses both Physical as well as Virtual Data security.
Information with regard to Physical Access & Security, Virtual Data Access control comprising of
the following is recorded:
Any other security related details not mentioned above may be gathered for inclusion in the audit
based on need and on a case-to-case basis. The data and information gathered forms the basis of
the Audit recommendations. The Audit team does
an AS-IS Analysis of the Security environment and
maps it to the organizations business process,
objectives and goals of the organization. The Audit
findings are presented in an Audit Report which is a
detailed presentation of the AS-IS Analysis,
observed issues and challenges in the existing set
up. Deficits and gaps in the security features, and
vulnerability and failure points that can negatively
impact data and IT security are also clearly identified
and noted. The Audit recommendations focuses on
taking corrective action and course of action based on industry wide best practises and standards.
This Audit helps System Managers and Administrators to effectively identify and manage data
leakage and unethical data access vulnerabilities and also ensure maximised security of IT systems.
12. The Infrastructure maintenance audit is aimed at ensuring that the IT systems are covered appro-
priately in terms of warranties, guarantees, on-call support and AMCs by the respective product
vendors. Further, the audit also checks the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of IT Infrastructure in
relation to sustained maintenance. Data and information pertaining to all the hardware and
software deployed is gathered. Wherever necessary, people
involved in managing IT Infrastructure are met to obtain
current and correct data and information. A physical verifica-
tion based on the collected details is carried out on a random
basis to ensure data correctness.
Once the essential information is available, a detailed report on
the observations is made. Based on the existing industry stand-
ards and best practices, a recommendation report is drafted
towards the observations made. The recommendations would
cite the corrective actions and course of action that need to be put in place in order to counter-
balance the existing problems and potential issues identified.
With internet and intranet usage in organizations increasing by the day, it is increasingly impera-
tive to manage these technologies with a view to getting
maximised benefits in terms cost and quality. In this audit,
details pertaining to all connectivity solutions deployed in the
organization come under the purview. The connectivity
solutions may Internet / Intranet connectivity, Virtual Private
Network (VPN), Radio Frequency (RF) and Metro Area Network
(MAN). Other connectivity solutions may be included based on
their need on a case-to-case basis. All necessary and critical
parameters are noted with utmost care. Wherever necessary, the
concerned people who manage these technologies and
solutions are involved for getting up-to-date and correct
information. The Audit Report is a compilation of the collected
data and information. The Report would identify and highlight the existing deficits and anomalies
in deployed solution, if any. Cost and quality implications and impact on business is detailed as
part of the Report. Recommendations are made for corrective action and course of action based
on industry standards and best practices with the objective of improving efficiency and productiv-
ity of the solutions and technologies deployed.
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INFRASTRUCTUREMAINTENANCEAUDIT
INTERNET/INTRANETCONNECTIVITYAUDIT
TechnologyAudit
13. T
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COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION AUDIT– QUALITATIVE
echnology Audit
The Communications Audit is aimed at ensuring that the commu-
nication technologies such as Data, Voice and Video deployed
within the organization are cost effective and that it delivers
optimal value for money. During this audit, the billing details of all
IT related communication solutions are taken as inputs. The
communications solutions may include Telephone Landlines,
Mobiles, Internet connections and Videoconferencing. Other
communication solutions may be included in the Audit based on
business need and on a caseto- case basis. The previous expenses
incurred in the past one quarter on communication technologies are audited. Bills and Invoices
pertaining to the same are scrutinized. Wherever necessary the people handling these technologies
and the decision makers for adoption of these communication solutions are also involved for
getting up-to-date and correct information.
The Audit Report is a detailed presentation of the AS-IS situation and the observations. Cost and
utilization anomalies, wherever present, is also highlighted as part of the report. Based on the audit
findings, the audit team presents the recommendations based on a 'best solutions paradigm' with
a clear objective to improve on cost and quality of communications solutions deployed. The recom-
mendations may also include upgrade, downgrade or change of solutions to effect long term
productivity and cost savings for the business.
This is a qualitative audit where a questionnaire is designed, prepared and sent to all the key users
of IT systems in the organization. The questionnaire is used as a medium to gather data and
information pertaining to the technology utilization of each key user. The questionnaire carries
questions that are objective and descriptive. The data gathered is
analysed by the audit team. Besides, the key users are interviewed
on a one-on-one basis so as with the objective to elucidate
information that may be possible to capture through the
questionnaire. The Audit Report is a compilation of the technol-
ogy utilization patterns and habits of the key users. Based on the
findings, the Audit recommendation is made with a view to take
corrective steps, if any, in the way IT systems are used in the
organization thereby create avenues for positive impact on
business operations.
14. 38/96, AH Block, 4th Street, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600 040. India.
Tel: +91-44-4353 1781 / 4353 1791 Fax: +91-2622 0430 Email: info@inspacetech.com
