IT Considerations for a New Branch Office

July 16, 10:30 AMLong Island Business Technology ExaminerChaz Popovich

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Is it time to setup one or perhaps several employees in a branch office? or to move your business to a different location? Here are some basic IT factors to consider when choosing your new location:

• Choose a location with readily available high speed Internet service.  This means that the service is already in the building or can be installed within a few days. These days, on Long Island, that typically means Cablevision's Optimum on Line Service or Verizon DSL.
• If possible, choose a location with a strong cellular signal.  This will help the Blackberries and other handhelds perform. 
• If this will be a branch office, setup a VPN router to maintain a permanent, encrypted, secure VPN connection to the home office. 
• Evaluate the VPN performance. You may need a local Domain controller and a local replica of the work documents.
• Consider WiFi if there is no current cabling.  Although, WiFi is often not a reliable backbone for a business network due to it sensitivity to environmental factors; WiFi may be just right to connect a small 1-3 room office.  You will need to test the environment for WiFi compatibility.  Plan on additional training and support for WiFi use and issues.  Plan on the Wifi giving you trouble for years.
• Check the requirements of your line of business applications (e.g. practice or document management software) for remote access. Some will require Terminal Services (the Microsoft version of gotomypc), some have the ability to support a remote client natively, and some just need alternate licensing from the manufacturer.
• Consider desktop computers for the staff that will mostly reside at the new location instead of laptops.  Desktops tend to have less problems than laptops. 
• Consider laptops with cellular wireless PC cards for mobile high speed internet access if the staff will spend considerable time in the field. 
• Evaluate your line of business applications for compatibility across the VPN.
• A fully configured, and ready to use spare desktop or laptop and printer  is very helpfull for a field office that does not have quick access to onsite IT support due to its remote location.

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Rick: I was misinformed.