Where would your company be without its data and IT infrastructure? Would it even exist? Clearly, this is the most critical and complex part of any office relocation, and not something we take lightly. As the largest mover in the Silicon Valley, we appreciate the importance of computer equipment and data, and have the following valuable lessons to share:
1. Introduce your IT manager to your mover
Your IT manager and team should be comfortable with the mover. Communication and collaboration are essential to the success of your move. If you’re planning a big move, have your IT manager meet the move manager personally to discuss timing and specific concerns. For example, how will the equipment be disconnected and protected? How will peripherals and cabling be packaged and organized? Is IT planning any equipment upgrades during the move? Ironing out these details before any equipment is disconnected is essential to a successful move.2. Prioritize your equipment
Show the mover your most critical equipment. Explain what needs to be moved first so it can be up and running quickly at the new location. Ask about a special van for servers, to expedite transit and minimize downtime.3. Managing risk during the move
What kind of insurance do you have for your data and IT equipment? Check your insurance policies and coverage – and give yourself time to add more insurance if necessary (direct this issue to senior management). Certainly, you want to identify and insure your most important and expensive pieces. You’ll want to understand the path of travel to be taken in your move. For greater risk management, consider transporting critical equipment spread across separate vehicles. You’ll also want to backup your data in multiple places, such as storage media, off-site facilities and online resources. Multiple backups mean better security and added piece of mind. If possible, get your employees involved by creating a “laptop transition” plan. Have them use laptops and take them home during the move. And also, verify the move supervisor’s background and experience. A lot is riding on your move, and you want to be sure you have great people on your team.4. Consider outsourcing desktop disconnect/reconnect services
Your IT team will have plenty to think about during the move. We have found that outsourcing disconnection and reconnection of equipment lets IT focus on more complex tasks so the move may be finished with time to spare. The most technologically savvy companies in the world do it this way –– which says a lot.5. Create a mishap plan
Plan for the worst; expect the best. Creating a mishap plan is nothing new. A mishap plan serves as a guide to solving possible ‘what if’ scenarios, and helps facilitate recovery from loss of some of your most critical and complex assets. For example: What if, during the move, the email server is lost in an accident on the freeway? The plan would have details about the server, the make and model, as well as where a replacement might be sourced quickly. You might also have a detailed list of any particular setup details: where the data was backed up, how to reinstall it and etc.. Think of your mishap plan as a time-saving recipe for fixing a disaster. Ideally, the mishap plans won’t be necessary during your move. But you will have them, and they can be a valuable resource for your IT department even after the move. Next: Reasons to use Tech Relocation Services »What Our Customers Say…
I wanted to thank Corovan and the great staff supporting…for such a fantastic year. With almost 20,000 moves completed, which is unprecedented in today’s economic times, I feel very fortunate to be working with all of you in this very dynamic company. With your efforts we have completed thousands of successful moves over the years with minimal problems which shows the dedication of this team. I have to say all of you have stepped up to the plate working countless hours in a hectic environment with very little recognition. So, today I am personally thanking you all for an awesome job you have done…” – Silicon Valley Software Company