Proposal for the Establishment of a Mini On-Premise Data Center

1. Introduction
As PEACE Microfinance adopts a digital financial system, the need for a secure, reliable, and
efficient data management infrastructure is critical. This proposal outlines the plan for establishing
a mini on-premise data center to support core banking operations, digital financial services, and
ensure data security and compliance with financial regulations.

2. Objectives

• Ensure high availability and reliability of digital financial services.

• Improve data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

• Reduce dependency on third-party hosting while maintaining control over critical

operations.

• Support future scalability as digital operations expand.

3. Infrastructure Requirements
The data center will be housed in a 5m x 5m dedicated room and will include:

• Power Supply: Redundant UPS and backup generator.

• Cooling System: Precision cooling unit or dedicated air conditioning.

• Server Racks: Compact rack-mounted servers for core banking and financial applications.

• Storage Solution: RAID-configured NAS/SAN for data redundancy.

• Network Infrastructure: High-speed fiber internet, firewalls, routers, and managed

switches.

• Security Measures: Biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and fire suppression
system.

4. Implementation Plan

• Phase 1: Planning & Design (Month 1)

o Assess power, cooling, and network requirements.

o Finalize hardware and software specifications.

• Phase 2: Procurement & Setup (Month 2-3)

o Procure and install servers, networking, and security equipment.

o Implement power backup and cooling solutions.

• Phase 3: Configuration & Testing (Month 4)

 o Install and configure core banking and financial applications.

o Conduct security audits and performance testing.

• Phase 4: Go-Live & Monitoring (Month 5)

o Deploy data center operations.

o Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan.

5. Estimated Budget
A detailed budget breakdown will include costs for:

• Server and storage infrastructure.

• Networking and security solutions.

• Power backup and cooling systems.

• Installation, configuration, and maintenance.

6. Conclusion
Establishing a mini on-premise data center will provide PEACE Microfinance with a secure and
scalable digital infrastructure to support its financial services. This investment will ensure data
security, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks associated with third-party hosting. We
recommend proceeding with this initiative to strengthen the institution’s digital transformation.

Proposal for the Establishment of a Mini On-Premise Data Center

1. Introduction
As PEACE Microfinance adopts a digital financial system, the need for a secure, reliable, and
efficient data management infrastructure is critical. This proposal outlines the plan for establishing
a mini on-premise data center to support core banking operations, digital financial services, and
ensure data security and compliance with financial regulations. Although the Bankers Realm core
banking system is currently deployed on the ETIFT server, having an independent data center is
necessary for formal and strategic purposes.

2. Objectives

• Ensure high availability and reliability of digital financial services.

• Improve data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

• Reduce dependency on third-party hosting while maintaining control over critical

operations.

• Support future scalability as digital operations expand.

3. Infrastructure Requirements
The data center will be housed in a dedicated room within the IT office, with one room reserved for
staff and another specifically for the data center. The setup will include:

• Power Supply: Redundant UPS and backup generator.

• Cooling System: Precision cooling unit or dedicated air conditioning.

• Server Racks: Compact rack-mounted servers for core banking and financial applications.

• Storage Solution: RAID-configured NAS/SAN for data redundancy.

• Network Infrastructure: High-speed fiber internet, firewalls, routers, and managed

switches.

• Security Measures: Biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and fire suppression
system.

4. Implementation Plan

• Phase 1: Planning & Design (Month 1)

o Assess power, cooling, and network requirements.

o Finalize hardware and software specifications.

• Phase 2: Procurement & Setup (Month 2-3)

o Procure and install servers, networking, and security equipment.

o Implement power backup and cooling solutions.

• Phase 3: Configuration & Testing (Month 4)

o Install and configure core banking and financial applications.

o Conduct security audits and performance testing.

• Phase 4: Go-Live & Monitoring (Month 5)

o Deploy data center operations.

o Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan.

5. Estimated Budget
A detailed budget breakdown will include costs for:

• Server and storage infrastructure.

• Networking and security solutions.

• Power backup and cooling systems.

 • Installation, configuration, and maintenance.

6. Conclusion
Establishing a mini on-premise data center will provide PEACE Microfinance with a secure and
scalable digital infrastructure to support its financial services. This investment will ensure data
security, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks associated with third-party hosting.
Additionally, reserving the IT office for the data center ensures a dedicated and controlled
environment for managing critical financial operations. We recommend proceeding with this
initiative to strengthen the institution’s digital transformation.

Proposal for the Establishment of a Mini On-Premise Data Center

1. Introduction
As PEACE Microfinance adopts a digital financial system, the need for a secure, reliable, and
efficient data management infrastructure is critical. This proposal outlines the plan for establishing
a mini on-premise data center to support core banking operations, digital financial services, and
ensure data security and compliance with financial regulations. Although the Bankers Realm core
banking system is currently deployed on the ETIFT server, having an independent data center is
necessary for formal and strategic purposes.

2. Objectives

• Ensure high availability and reliability of digital financial services.

• Improve data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

• Reduce dependency on third-party hosting while maintaining control over critical

operations.

• Support future scalability as digital operations expand.

3. Infrastructure Requirements
The data center will be housed in a dedicated room within the IT office, with one room reserved for
staff and another specifically for the data center. The setup will include:

• Power Supply: Redundant UPS and backup generator.

• Cooling System: Precision cooling unit or dedicated air conditioning.

• Server Racks: Compact rack-mounted servers for core banking and financial applications.

• Storage Solution: RAID-configured NAS/SAN for data redundancy.

• Network Infrastructure: High-speed fiber internet, firewalls, routers, and managed

switches.

• Security Measures: Biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and fire suppression
system.
4. Implementation Plan

• Phase 1: Planning & Design (Month 1)

o Assess power, cooling, and network requirements.

o Finalize hardware and software specifications.

• Phase 2: Procurement & Setup (Month 2-3)

o Procure and install servers, networking, and security equipment.

o Implement power backup and cooling solutions.

• Phase 3: Configuration & Testing (Month 4)

o Install and configure core banking and financial applications.

o Conduct security audits and performance testing.

• Phase 4: Go-Live & Monitoring (Month 5)

o Deploy data center operations.

o Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan.

5. Estimated Budget
A detailed budget breakdown will include costs for:

• Server and storage infrastructure.

• Networking and security solutions.

• Power backup and cooling systems.

• Installation, configuration, and maintenance.

6. Management Consideration
It is highly recommended that the higher management consider the establishment of this mini data
center as a strategic necessity. Implementing an independent data center will provide better
security, operational control, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, reserving
the IT office for this purpose ensures a dedicated and controlled environment for managing critical
financial operations.

7. Conclusion
Establishing a mini on-premise data center will provide PEACE Microfinance with a secure and
scalable digital infrastructure to support its financial services. This investment will ensure data
security, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks associated with third-party hosting. We
strongly encourage management to approve this initiative to strengthen the institution’s digital
transformation.
Management Consideration

1. Introduction
As PEACE Microfinance adopts a digital financial system, the need for a secure, reliable, and
efficient data management infrastructure is critical. This proposal outlines the plan for establishing
a mini on-premise data center to support core banking operations, digital financial services, and
ensure data security and compliance with financial regulations. Although the Bankers Realm core
banking system is currently deployed on the ETIFT server, having an independent data center is
necessary for formal and strategic purposes.

2. Objectives

• Ensure high availability and reliability of digital financial services.

• Improve data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

• Reduce dependency on third-party hosting while maintaining control over critical

operations.

• Support future scalability as digital operations expand.

3. Infrastructure Requirements
The data center will be housed in a dedicated room within the IT office, with one room reserved for
staff and another specifically for the data center. The setup will include:

• Power Supply: Redundant UPS and backup generator.

• Cooling System: Precision cooling unit or dedicated air conditioning.

• Server Racks: Compact rack-mounted servers for core banking and financial applications.

• Storage Solution: RAID-configured NAS/SAN for data redundancy.

• Network Infrastructure: High-speed fiber internet, firewalls, routers, and managed

switches.

• Security Measures: Biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and fire suppression
system.

4. Implementation Plan

• Phase 1: Planning & Design (Month 1)

o Assess power, cooling, and network requirements.

o Finalize hardware and software specifications.

• Phase 2: Procurement & Setup (Month 2-3)

o Procure and install servers, networking, and security equipment.

 o Implement power backup and cooling solutions.

• Phase 3: Configuration & Testing (Month 4)

o Install and configure core banking and financial applications.

o Conduct security audits and performance testing.

• Phase 4: Go-Live & Monitoring (Month 5)

o Deploy data center operations.

o Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan.

5. Estimated Budget
A detailed budget breakdown will include costs for:

• Server and storage infrastructure.

• Networking and security solutions.

• Power backup and cooling systems.

• Installation, configuration, and maintenance.

6. Conclusion
It is highly recommended that the higher management consider the establishment of this mini data
center as a strategic necessity. Implementing an independent data center will provide better
security, operational control, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, reserving
the IT office for this purpose ensures a dedicated and controlled environment for managing critical
financial operations. Establishing a mini on-premise data center will provide PEACE Microfinance
with a secure and scalable digital infrastructure to support its financial services. This investment
will ensure data security, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks associated with third-
party hosting. We strongly encourage management to approve this initiative to strengthen the
institution’s digital transformation.

Management Consideration

As a microfinance institution stepping into the digital financial system, we must prepare ourselves
to ensure a seamless transition and robust infrastructure.

1. Introduction
As PEACE Microfinance adopts a digital financial system, the need for a secure, reliable, and
efficient data management infrastructure is critical. This proposal outlines the plan for establishing
a mini on-premise data center to support core banking operations, digital financial services, and
ensure data security and compliance with financial regulations. Although the Bankers Realm core
banking system is currently deployed on the ETIFT server, having an independent data center is
necessary for formal and strategic purposes.
2. Objectives

• Ensure high availability and reliability of digital financial services.

• Improve data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

• Reduce dependency on third-party hosting while maintaining control over critical

operations.

• Support future scalability as digital operations expand.

3. Infrastructure Requirements
The data center will be housed in a dedicated room within the IT office, with one room reserved for
staff and another specifically for the data center. The setup will include:

• Power Supply: Redundant UPS and backup generator.

• Cooling System: Precision cooling unit or dedicated air conditioning.

• Server Racks: Compact rack-mounted servers for core banking and financial applications.

• Storage Solution: RAID-configured NAS/SAN for data redundancy.

• Network Infrastructure: High-speed fiber internet, firewalls, routers, and managed

switches.

• Security Measures: Biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and fire suppression
system.

4. Implementation Plan

• Phase 1: Planning & Design (Month 1)

o Assess power, cooling, and network requirements.

o Finalize hardware and software specifications.

• Phase 2: Procurement & Setup (Month 2-3)

o Procure and install servers, networking, and security equipment.

o Implement power backup and cooling solutions.

• Phase 3: Configuration & Testing (Month 4)

o Install and configure core banking and financial applications.

o Conduct security audits and performance testing.

• Phase 4: Go-Live & Monitoring (Month 5)

o Deploy data center operations.

 o Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan.

5. Estimated Budget
A detailed budget breakdown will include costs for:

• Server and storage infrastructure.

• Networking and security solutions.

• Power backup and cooling systems.

• Installation, configuration, and maintenance.

6. Conclusion
It is highly recommended that the higher management consider the establishment of this mini data
center as a strategic necessity. Implementing an independent data center will provide better
security, operational control, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, reserving
the IT office for this purpose ensures a dedicated and controlled environment for managing critical
financial operations. Establishing a mini on-premise data center will provide PEACE Microfinance
with a secure and scalable digital infrastructure to support its financial services. This investment
will ensure data security, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks associated with third-
party hosting. We strongly encourage management to approve this initiative to strengthen the
institution’s digital transformation.

Management Consideration

As a microfinance institution stepping into the digital financial system, we must prepare ourselves
to ensure a seamless transition and robust infrastructure. In reference to our previous email dated
Sat, 02 Nov 2024 02:36:08 +1100, with the subject Proposal for Secure Network Cabling
Installation, which included a front message and a PDF attachment titled First Phase Network
Proposal, this document further emphasizes the need for a mini on-premise data center.

1. Introduction
As PEACE Microfinance adopts a digital financial system, the need for a secure, reliable, and
efficient data management infrastructure is critical. This proposal outlines the plan for establishing
a mini on-premise data center to support core banking operations, digital financial services, and
ensure data security and compliance with financial regulations. Although the Bankers Realm core
banking system is currently deployed on the ETIFT server, having an independent data center is
necessary for formal and strategic purposes.

2. Objectives

• Ensure high availability and reliability of digital financial services.

• Improve data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

 • Reduce dependency on third-party hosting while maintaining control over critical
operations.

• Support future scalability as digital operations expand.

3. Infrastructure Requirements
The data center will be housed in a dedicated room within the IT office, with one room reserved for
staff and another specifically for the data center. The setup will include:

• Power Supply: Redundant UPS and backup generator.

• Cooling System: Precision cooling unit or dedicated air conditioning.

• Server Racks: Compact rack-mounted servers for core banking and financial applications.

• Storage Solution: RAID-configured NAS/SAN for data redundancy.

• Network Infrastructure: High-speed fiber internet, firewalls, routers, and managed

switches.

• Security Measures: Biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and fire suppression
system.

4. Implementation Plan

• Phase 1: Planning & Design (Month 1)

o Assess power, cooling, and network requirements.

o Finalize hardware and software specifications.

• Phase 2: Procurement & Setup (Month 2-3)

o Procure and install servers, networking, and security equipment.

o Implement power backup and cooling solutions.

• Phase 3: Configuration & Testing (Month 4)

o Install and configure core banking and financial applications.

o Conduct security audits and performance testing.

• Phase 4: Go-Live & Monitoring (Month 5)

o Deploy data center operations.

o Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan.

5. Estimated Budget
A detailed budget breakdown will include costs for:
 • Server and storage infrastructure.

• Networking and security solutions.

• Power backup and cooling systems.

• Installation, configuration, and maintenance.

6. Conclusion
It is highly recommended that the higher management consider the establishment of this mini data
center as a strategic necessity. Implementing an independent data center will provide better
security, operational control, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, reserving
the IT office for this purpose ensures a dedicated and controlled environment for managing critical
financial operations. Establishing a mini on-premise data center will provide PEACE Microfinance
with a secure and scalable digital infrastructure to support its financial services. This investment
will ensure data security, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks associated with third-
party hosting. We strongly encourage management to approve this initiative to strengthen the
institution’s digital transformation.

Management Consideration

As a microfinance institution stepping into the digital financial system, we must prepare ourselves
to ensure a seamless transition and robust infrastructure. In reference to our previous email dated
Sat, 02 Nov 2024 02:36:08 +1100, with the subject Proposal for Secure Network Cabling
Installation, which included a front message and a PDF attachment titled First Phase Network
Proposal, this document further emphasizes the need for a mini on-premise data center.

1. Introduction
As PEACE Microfinance adopts a digital financial system, the need for a secure, reliable, and
efficient data management infrastructure is critical. This proposal outlines the plan for establishing
a mini on-premise data center to support core banking operations, digital financial services, and
ensure data security and compliance with financial regulations. Although the Bankers Realm core
banking system is currently deployed on the ETIFT server, having an independent data center is
necessary for formal and strategic purposes.

2. What We Already Have

• Existing IT Office: Two rooms are available—one for staff and one for the data center.

• Bankers Realm Core Banking System: Currently deployed on the ETIFT server but requires
a dedicated in-house infrastructure.

• Secure Network Cabling: Initiated as per the previous proposal, improving internal
connectivity.

• Basic Power Infrastructure: Standard office power supply, but lacks redundancy for
critical operations.
 • Limited Network Equipment: Some switches and routers are available but require
upgrading for data center standards.

3. Objectives

• Ensure high availability and reliability of digital financial services.

• Improve data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

• Reduce dependency on third-party hosting while maintaining control over critical

operations.

• Support future scalability as digital operations expand.

4. Infrastructure Requirements
The data center will be housed in a dedicated room within the IT office, with one room reserved for
staff and another specifically for the data center. The setup will include:

• Power Supply: Redundant UPS and backup generator.

• Cooling System: Precision cooling unit or dedicated air conditioning.

• Server Racks: Compact rack-mounted servers for core banking and financial applications.

• Storage Solution: RAID-configured NAS/SAN for data redundancy.

• Network Infrastructure: High-speed fiber internet, firewalls, routers, and managed

switches.

• Security Measures: Biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and fire suppression
system.

5. Implementation Plan

• Phase 1: Planning & Design (Month 1)

o Assess power, cooling, and network requirements.

o Finalize hardware and software specifications.

• Phase 2: Procurement & Setup (Month 2-3)

o Procure and install servers, networking, and security equipment.

o Implement power backup and cooling solutions.

• Phase 3: Configuration & Testing (Month 4)

o Install and configure core banking and financial applications.

o Conduct security audits and performance testing.

 • Phase 4: Go-Live & Monitoring (Month 5)

o Deploy data center operations.

o Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan.

6. Estimated Budget
A detailed budget breakdown will include costs for:

• Server and storage infrastructure.

• Networking and security solutions.

• Power backup and cooling systems.

• Installation, configuration, and maintenance.

7. Conclusion
It is highly recommended that the higher management consider the establishment of this mini data
center as a strategic necessity. Implementing an independent data center will provide better
security, operational control, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, reserving
the IT office for this purpose ensures a dedicated and controlled environment for managing critical
financial operations. Establishing a mini on-premise data center will provide PEACE Microfinance
with a secure and scalable digital infrastructure to support its financial services. This investment
will ensure data security, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks associated with third-
party hosting. We strongly encourage management to approve this initiative to strengthen the
institution’s digital transformation.

Management Consideration

As a microfinance institution stepping into the digital financial system, we must prepare ourselves
to ensure a seamless transition and robust infrastructure. In reference to our previous email dated
Sat, 02 Nov 2024 02:36:08 +1100, with the subject Proposal for Secure Network Cabling
Installation, which included a front message and a PDF attachment titled First Phase Network
Proposal, this document further emphasizes the need for a mini on-premise data center.

1. Introduction
As PEACE Microfinance adopts a digital financial system, the need for a secure, reliable, and
efficient data management infrastructure is critical. This proposal outlines the plan for establishing
a mini on-premise data center to support core banking operations, digital financial services, and
ensure data security and compliance with financial regulations. Although the Bankers Realm core
banking system is currently deployed on the ETIFT server, having an independent data center is
necessary for formal and strategic purposes.

2. What We Already Have

• Existing IT Office: Two rooms are available—one for staff and one for the data center.
 • Bankers Realm Core Banking System: Currently deployed on the ETIFT server but requires
a dedicated in-house infrastructure.

• Secure Network Cabling: Initiated as per the previous proposal, improving internal
connectivity.

• Basic Power Infrastructure: Standard office power supply, but lacks redundancy for
critical operations.

• Limited Network Equipment: Some switches and routers are available but require
upgrading for data center standards.

• High-Speed Fiber Internet: Reliable high-speed internet connectivity.

• Two VPNs: Established VPN connections for Core Banking System (CBS) and National Bank
of Ethiopia (NBE).

3. Objectives

• Ensure high availability and reliability of digital financial services.

• Improve data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

• Reduce dependency on third-party hosting while maintaining control over critical

operations.

• Support future scalability as digital operations expand.

4. Infrastructure Requirements
The data center will be housed in a dedicated room within the IT office, with one room reserved for
staff and another specifically for the data center. The setup will include:

• Power Supply: Redundant UPS and backup generator.

• Cooling System: Precision cooling unit or dedicated air conditioning.

• Server Racks: Compact rack-mounted servers for core banking and financial applications.

• Storage Solution: RAID-configured NAS/SAN for data redundancy.

• Network Infrastructure: High-speed fiber internet, firewalls, routers, and managed

switches.

• Security Measures: Biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and fire suppression
system.

5. Implementation Plan

• Phase 1: Planning & Design (Month 1)

o Assess power, cooling, and network requirements.

 o Finalize hardware and software specifications.

• Phase 2: Procurement & Setup (Month 2-3)

o Procure and install servers, networking, and security equipment.

o Implement power backup and cooling solutions.

• Phase 3: Configuration & Testing (Month 4)

o Install and configure core banking and financial applications.

o Conduct security audits and performance testing.

• Phase 4: Go-Live & Monitoring (Month 5)

o Deploy data center operations.

o Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan.

6. Estimated Budget
A detailed budget breakdown will include costs for:

• Server and storage infrastructure.

• Networking and security solutions.

• Power backup and cooling systems.

• Installation, configuration, and maintenance.

7. Conclusion
It is highly recommended that the higher management consider the establishment of this mini data
center as a strategic necessity. Implementing an independent data center will provide better
security, operational control, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, reserving
the IT office for this purpose ensures a dedicated and controlled environment for managing critical
financial operations. Establishing a mini on-premise data center will provide PEACE Microfinance
with a secure and scalable digital infrastructure to support its financial services. This investment
will ensure data security, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks associated with third-
party hosting. We strongly encourage management to approve this initiative to strengthen the
institution’s digital transformation.