Are you planning to relocate your business in Calgary? Whether you’re upgrading to a larger office, moving closer to clients, or simply seeking a fresh start, an office move can open new doors – but it also brings a unique set of challenges.
Your technology is the backbone of your operations, and overlooking it during a move can lead to costly downtime and frustration for your team. That’s why working with trusted experts in Calgary IT solutions can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key steps to ensure a smooth IT setup in Calgary, covering how to protect your data, maintain connectivity, and minimize disruption during your business move.
The Challenges of IT Infrastructure During a Move
Business IT relocation involves more than simply moving computers and cables. It’s a complex process that requires careful coordination between your business, internet providers, and IT professionals.
Every system must be safely disconnected, transported, and reconnected in the right sequence. Some common challenges include:
- Compatibility issues: Your new space may have different power configurations, limited cabling access, or incompatible network ports.
- Physical logistics: Servers and networking hardware are sensitive and heavy; moving them requires proper packaging, climate control, and handling.
- Downtime risks: Each day without internet or systems access can cost your business lost productivity and revenue.
- Security gaps: During the move, devices are more vulnerable to theft or damage, and your data could be at risk if not properly encrypted or backed up.
Minimizing Downtime Through Strategic IT Planning
The key to a smooth business IT relocation lies in proactive planning. But with recent data revealing that cyberattacks have hit a five-year high (30%) for Canadian businesses, it’s never been more important for local businesses to have Calgary IT solutions that guarantee protection.
Ideally, your IT relocation strategy should start several months before the move to allow time for auditing, testing, and coordination. Here’s how to plan effectively:
- Conduct a full IT audit. Create an inventory of every device, system, and software license. Identify what needs to move, what can be upgraded, and what can be retired.
- Map dependencies. Understand which systems must be live immediately after the move – such as email servers, VoIP phones, and CRM platforms – and plan the order of setup accordingly.
- Schedule strategically. Time your move outside peak business hours or weekends to limit disruption.
- Test before going live. Set up a staging area to test all connections and devices before employees return.
- Communicate with your staff. Ensure everyone knows when systems will be offline and how they can continue working remotely if needed.
The Importance of Data Backups Before Relocation
Your business data is your most valuable asset – and during a move, it’s at its most vulnerable. Data loss can have serious implications for compliance, reputation, and operations.
That’s why, before your business IT relocation, it’s essential to perform the following backups:
- Local backups: Store copies of critical data on external drives or servers separate from your main systems.
- Cloud backups: Ensure your cloud storage is up to date, encrypted, and verified for integrity.
- Testing and validation: Once backups are complete, test them to confirm you can restore data quickly if needed.
Network Setup & Internet Readiness at the New Location
Your new office’s connectivity is the backbone of your operations. Before moving day, perform a network readiness assessment to ensure your new space can support your business’s needs. Key considerations include:
- Internet speed and reliability: Confirm the available bandwidth meets your team’s requirements, especially if you use cloud services, VoIP, or video conferencing.
- Cabling and layout: Plan network cabling, power outlets, and Wi-Fi access points based on your office layout to avoid weak spots or connectivity dead zones.
- Hardware placement: Decide where your network cabinet, switches, and wireless access points will go for optimal performance and accessibility.
- Security setup: Review firewall configurations, VPN connections, and physical security to protect sensitive systems from day one.
By coordinating with your ISP and IT team in advance, you can ensure internet and phone services are active before your team even arrives.
Many Calgary businesses use this as an opportunity to upgrade to faster fibre internet or install modern network equipment as part of the IT setup Calgary businesses rely on.
Why Calgary Businesses Trust Evolution IT
Managing an IT move internally can quickly become overwhelming – especially when you’re also handling property leases, furniture logistics, and staff coordination.
At Evolution IT, we strive to take the pressure off your internal team while ensuring a seamless transition. With us as your local IT partner, your business can benefit from:
- End-to-end planning: We help you design a comprehensive relocation plan that covers every technical detail.
- Hardware relocation: Our experts safely disconnect, transport, and reconnect all your equipment to ensure compatibility in the new environment.
- Connectivity coordination: We liaise directly with your internet and telecom providers to ensure seamless service from day one.
- Cybersecurity assurance: During and after the move, we’ll verify all devices, networks, and systems are secured against vulnerabilities.
- Post-move optimization: Once the relocation is complete, our experts can fine-tune your systems for better speed, collaboration, and security.
Make Your Next Move a Smart One
Relocating your Calgary business doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, data protection, and the right IT support, you can make the transition seamless and even take advantage of upgrades along the way.
Plan a smooth IT move with local experts – contact us today.
