10/17/2016
Ten Tech Tips to Avoid the “Moving Blues!”
As nice it is to move into a great new office space, there can be headaches, too, especially when it comes to your technology. In an effort to keep the Moving Blues at bay, the team at goCloudOffice put their head together and compiled an easy to follow to-do list that will hopefully keep the stress associated with “tech-relo” to a minimum. We like to call it “The goCloudOffice Guide to Moving Your Office without Losing Your Mind.” Let’s continue…
1. This one sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning: back up all your data! It’s no surprise that we recommend using the cloud for the easiest, safest and most efficient backup, as more traditional means like tapes or flash drives can get lost in an instant. Two words: not fun.
2. Along with using it for your data backup, the cloud offers an economical alternative to moving other services as well, such as phone systems, file sharing, and even email. You save space, time and best of all, money.
3. Beware of slow Internet! When you negotiate your new lease, make sure that your new Internet service will run at the speed you need. Calculate your monthly rent with your monthly Internet included to ensure the best service available. Fast Internet is critical to any business, so keep that factor in mind when you seek out a new office location.
4. And, as an addendum to #3, choose your provider wisely! If available, top tier Internet access is through fiber, but it’s usually the most expensive as well. Next best? Cable. But listen to your friends at goCloudOffice: avoid T1 and DSL. These antiquated connections simply cannot support most business needs with any dependability or speed. If that’s all that’s available, move on.
5. Practice a little inventory control. Let’s face it – technology is pricey. Make sure you document all your equipment before it leaves your old space. That way, you’ll be certain that everything you had before you’ll have again. There is always a risk of loss when it comes to moving, but having a list of items will help you identify what might be missing.
6. Want to save a few extra dollars? Minimize your Ethernet Cable Wall Jacks (cat5/cat6). Instead of providing each and every employee with their own, place them strategically throughout the office. Since most modern devices are wireless and don’t even require an Ethernet plug, you simply don’t need as many. Even better, some Internet providers may provide and install your wireless access point themselves (another good reason to research before you sign a provider contract). And, with the money you save, think of all the coffee and doughnuts you can buy your employees! They’ll thank you for it. (So will their dentists.)
7. When you look for a moving service, make sure that they have specific experience moving electronic equipment. The good guys usually present a solid plan complete with labeling all your equipment so that relocating it is a breeze. And, don’t forget insurance!
8. We admit it – we believe in recycling. Not only is it the conscientious thing to do, it’s smart, too. Besides, if you try to move a piece of shaky, underperforming equipment, it might not survive the trip! Close your eyes and replace the weak links with new products. In the end, it will save you time and money.
9. Tired of clunky desktops? Again, get rid of them before you move. More and more companies are opting for laptops for their staff, as they’re streamlined, easily transportable and take up less space. Why pay to move equipment you have no intention of keeping? And remember – if you go this route, make sure you transfer all your data onto the laptops before heading to your new digs (even easier when all the data has been stored in the cloud)!
10. And finally (drum roll, please), get your Internet up, tested and successfully running before you and your employees move in. That way, you can hit the ground running on Day One. Happy connection means happy employees, and that means happy, productive company!
Good luck in the new space. And save some doughnuts for us!
