Thanks to the pandemic, many companies across the United States were forced to make serious changes or risk closing down permanently. As more time passed, it became apparent the changes could be effective on a long-term basis. For some offices, that meant completely shutting down shared spaces and allowing employees to work remote full-time. This can be difficult and intimidating when considering the IT aspect of it, so breaking the process down into manageable tasks is very useful.
Some areas to consider:
Telecommunications systems. Is there a phone system or phone lines in the office? Is it possible for employees to use personal cell phones to conduct company business or is an unqualified business presence preferred?
Cost. Will there be any costs associated with operating remotely only? It should be more cost-effective to work from home, without the overhead of a physical location. Quotes about these costs should be compared.
Identity. What service provider controls login information? Microsoft Office 365 is an excellent choice, highly integrated with other occupational services, and it can typically be transitioned over without difficulty.
Security. Is it possible for employees to use their own personal computers, or does the company require more command over work data?
Applications. What type of programs does the business use? Can these programs run through a web browser, or do they only operate out of a central server? If a server is necessary, a cloud desktop is a viable solution.
Data. What kind of data is being stored? Does that data need to be saved to a server, or is it possible to use an application like SharePoint or Dropbox? Does the company prefer using a Z: drive for its familiarity and performance?
There is more to the job than simply moving the physical servers to a new area. While the task of decentralizing a workplace can seem alarming, considering these tasks will ensure you do not miss any critical component of the process. It also provides a unique situation for reevaluation and the examination of areas for refinement.