Network Infrastructure Upgrade A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices transmit data to each other over data connections. Connections (network links) between nodes are established using wired or wireless media. Computer devices in the network that generate, route, and terminate data are called network nodes. Nodes can include hosts such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as network hardware. Two such devices are said to be networked when one device is capable of exchanging information with the other device, whether or not they have a direct connection with each other. Computer networks support applications such as access to the World Wide Web, shared use of application and storage servers, printers and fax machines, and use of e-mail applications and instant messaging. Computer networks differ in the physical media used to transmit their signals, communication protocols for organizing network traffic, network size, topology, and organizational intent. Upgrading to networking is an important and vital change in any organization. This involves a lot of time and money for the management and users of the organization. If the upgrade is for the insurance industry, the main impact will be on security and data integration, as the company's data belongs to the end users and contains very vital information. Below is the industry SWOT, if an insurance company goes for network upgrade: Highlights • The company has offices in all seven cities, so it is well versed in data integration and management . .... middle of paper ...... if the user. Login IDs and passwords to perform security checks Insurance Network Upgrade Value Chain Analysis A value chain is a chain of activities that a company operating in a specific industry performs in order to provide a valuable product or service to the market. In the case of the insurance company, the first point is the firm infrastructure which includes modifying and updating the core networks and installing new networks for the company. These will in turn drive the company's bottom line towards margins and profits. Once the infrastructure is defined, only all other factors can be implemented and streamlined for organizations.References:• http://www.unido.org/en/resources/publications/publications-by-type/working- papers/global-value -chains.html• http://www.strategicmanagementinsight.com/tools/value-chain-analysis.html