In the mid-1970s, companies both large and small turned to personal computers (PCs) to automate functions and manage databases. Then in the early 1980s, PCs entered the home. And in the four decades since then, PCs have evolved extensively.
However, in the 40+ years since the introduction of PCs into the workplace, two things have remained consistent: personal computers play an integral role in business operations, and they are here to stay.
What would happen if the computers at your business went down for an hour? Even worse, what if the computers were inaccessible for a full day? More than the computers, what if your entire computer network or server was down for a day? How would your business operations be affected?
Moving your computer systems to a new location could raise any or all of these questions. You need solutions to protect your computer network so that your company avoids unnecessary downtime after an office move. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Plan your technology move ASAP
Relocating IT systems requires careful preparation. Your IT team should assess the new office location well in advance to determine network relocation needs, including reviewing network hardware and infrastructure. This might involve upgrading or replacing equipment like cabling or server racks to meet the new office’s requirements.
Additionally, contact your internet service provider (ISP) at least two months before your move. Coordinating with your ISP ensures that the necessary services, such as high-speed internet, are ready upon arrival, minimizing downtime for your business.
2. Evaluate your computer network equipment
An office relocation is a great opportunity to evaluate your current computer equipment. Before moving aging systems, make sure they are still capable of doing what you need them to do. If parts of your computer network are no longer sustainable, this is an excellent time to upgrade or replace that technology. After the upgrade, coordinate with your office movers to properly dispose of the old electronic equipment, preferably in an environmentally friendly manner.
3. Back up your data
Make it a priority to create several full-recovery backup copies of your company’s data systems, firewalls, and servers before the move. While professional office moving companies do all they can to ensure the safety of your systems, something could go wrong during the move. Transport these backups separately from the main system. If something happens to the main system, the backups are still safe and accessible.
4. Bring in professional office movers
While DIY moving might work for a residential move, when it comes to relocating your office, hiring trained and certified office moving professionals is a must to ensure that your computer network is handled and set up with the utmost care and attention to detail.
JK’s certified PC Technicians move computers, servers, racks, printers, data rooms, software labs, work station CPUs, and more. Our trained teams handle electronic disconnect and reconnect, use the comp-u-wrap system to maximum computer cushioning, and offer custom packing and crating to fit your one-of-a-kind office moving needs.
5. Test your new computer network
Your office relocation is not finished when the movers set up the computer screens and keyboards. There are several items to check on after the initial installation. First, ensure all the equipment is in the right place. Then start all your network servers, test your computer systems, and check data migration. Finally, confirm that incoming and outgoing emails, intranet and extranet, and all your network connections work.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and secure transition of your computer network during your office move. This will minimize downtime and keep your business operations running efficiently in your new location.