Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

May include but is not limited to internal departments, external organisations, individual people and employees

May be in reference to the business, system, application, network or people in the organisation

One or more servers depending on size and functionality of website and may include:
Apache HTTP
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Microsoft-Internet-Information-Server, Microsoft-IIS, Microsoft-IIS-W
Windows Server Family Products
NetDynamics
Lotus Domino
Netscape Enterprise server, Netscape-FastTrack, Netscape-Commerce
Sun Microsystems iPlanet web server
iPlanet-Enterprise
Sun Microsystems Java web server
Email servers
File and print servers
FTP servers
Proxy servers

File sharing, printer sharing, messaging, web services, network and remote access, database and data warehousing, directory services, management, line of business applications, terminal services, virtual private networks, web-DAV directory sharing

May include features relating to architecture, scalability, availability and reliability, client support, functionality (both features and limitations), server management, security, application development tools, middleware, maintenance and cost

May include customer, supplier, payroll, inventory or tax requirements of the organisation

May include but is not limited to hardware and software components that run a computer

May include but is not limited to workstations, personal computers, modems and other connectivity devices, networks, DSL modems, remote sites and servers

May include but is not limited to new hardware, hardware upgrades, new software, software upgrades, user training and implementing a new system

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.
Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment must confirm the ability to select the required hardware and software and design the server based on business and technical requirements.

Knowledge and skills
Features of current server applications depending on requirements, (e.g. Lotus Notes/Novell GroupWise for messaging)
Apache/MS IIS for web services
Novel Border Manager/MS Proxy server for network services
Oracle/MS SQL server/IBM DB2 for databases and data warehousing, Novell Directory Services/iPlanet for directory services
HP Openview/Intel LAN Desk Server Manager/CA UniCenter for management
SAP/PeopleSoft/Baan for line of business applications
MS Terminal server/Citrix MetaFrame for terminal services
Linux Terminal Services
SMB servers (Linux, BSD-based)

Features of a range of hardware components, including:

Single and multiple processors
Memory (SD and RD RAM, memory leads, bandwidth)
Chassis (size, thermals, EMI specifications, security, drive bays, cable management, ease of maintenance, LED/LCD panels, aesthetics)
Disk drives and internal/external storage devices (RAID solutions and functionality, drive formats, back-up systems - DAT/DLT/AIT, storage area networks (SANs)
Load balancers
Power (supply requirements and management; protection: back-up/line-conditioning/surge suppression, power budgeting)
Hot plug peripherals (PCI expansion cards, power supplies, hard drives, fans)
Ancillaries (racks, keyboard, monitor, cabinets, air flow)
Scaling up and scaling out
Fault tolerant failover clusters
The data bus (SA bus, PCI bus)
Memory cache and storage cache in relation to server performance and scalability
Current storage interfaces (IDE, SCSI, SSA and Fibre Channel) in relation to storage selection
Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics
Planning and designing servers
Performance analysis at the system and component level
Basic cost-benefit comparisons (including return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) in relation to applications, NOSs and overall server design
Product analysis
The use of tools for measuring (e.g. generic benchmarks, software sizing models, workload testing, performance monitoring)

Assessment guidance
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 to 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.

Resources

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

Server hardware
Requirements documentation
Business planning documentation
Network operating software

Role context
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.
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.

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 industy products and services