It’s a simple fact that moving a business computer network takes a lot of planning, coordinating and collaboration. Whether your business is expanding, downsizing or just switching offices, relocation can have dire operational and financial consequences if performed incorrectly. It’s a stressful process to be sure, so we’ve provided some guidance to help make your move as smooth as possible.
1. Plan Early and Often
Start planning your move at least 3 months in advance of your final moving date. This provides ample time for you and/or your IT Managed Service Provider (IT MSP) to coordinate installations, transfer services and schedule workers/movers. If you plan to move offices on a weekend, this extra time to coordinate staff is particularly valuable.
2. Learn the limitations of your new office space
Familiarize yourself with the layout of your new office. Think about how each area will be used by employees, clients and third-party service providers. Try to determine where employees will spend most of their time and what equipment they’ll need to perform their duties.
Do any of your employees need unique equipment like credit card readers or fax machines? Such devices may require additional power outlets, internet or phone lines. Make sure all workstations and printing areas can access a power source to run desktop PCs, printers and copiers. Furthermore, you should verify that your power supply will meet your demands and that redundancies are in place in case of power outages.
Expand this train of thought to other shared spaces like break, conference and waiting rooms. Will you be hosting video conferences? Do you plan to mount a TV for your employees or guests? These considerations will help you avoid rearranging the layout halfway through your move.
Will your new office have a network closet for IT equipment? Make sure the closet is large enough and cool enough to house your server without overheating. In some instances, additional cooling options will need to be installed prior to relocating the server.
3. Get to Know Your Equipment
Moving your business is a great opportunity to reevaluate your network infrastructure. Consider upgrading or migrating your current IT solutions to improve their usability and performance. Evaluate not only your equipment, but your IT MSP as well. Whether you’ve outgrown your current IT provider or you’re disappointed with your existing services, a move is the perfect opportunity to switch IT MSPs. While relocating your network, your new IT MSP can fix any preexisting issues and establish a clean foundation for your new office.
4. Assess Your Cyber Security Protections
For the protection of your business, be sure to install the latest firewall, endpoint and antivirus protections. Verify that your cyber security protocols meet industry compliance standards and review any new safety procedures with your staff. Cyber security is one of the more complicated aspects of business IT infrastructure, and getting it wrong could spell disaster for your business. As such, we highly recommend hiring a trustworthy IT MSP to handle the cyber security protections for your business. The reality is that takes a knowledgeable, highly skilled IT engineer to identify and resolve vulnerabilities or breaches in your network.
5. Implement Disaster Recovery Protocols
One of the most nerve-racking parts of moving a business is the potential for data loss. Human error, viruses or hardware failure can all destroy important work files you can’t afford to lose. Minimize your risk by creating backups of all corporate data systems, including servers and cyber security software, prior to the move. Like cyber security protections, it is best to leave disaster recovery up to professional IT MSPs, as the risks of getting it wrong are just too big. Look for an IT MSP that specializes in business-level disaster recovery, with prior experience performing network relocations.
6. Contact Internet and Phone Service Providers
If you plan to change your phone system, you should consider that additional cabling and equipment may be necessary. Your IT MSP may need to coordinate with your phone and internet service providers, so be sure to discuss which party will reach out to these providers. Oftentimes, your IT MSP will be able to handle this for you. However, there are some instances where you will need to reach out to your providers directly, like when purchasing additional phone or internet equipment.
Are you planning to move, downsize or expand your business network?
We’re here to assist you! Our team of skilled IT engineers specializes in IT relocation and managing corporate network infrastructure. Get in touch with us to ensure the reliability of your network during your next move.
