Friday, July 12, 2013

Business Continuity in the Midst of Corporate Relocation

Most, if not all, modern workplaces rely on information and communication technology (ICT) for their daily operations, strategic planning, and policy setting activities for good reasons; the technology makes gathering reliable, relevant and accurate information as well as communicating information easier and faster. As such, the business continuity of ICT systems must be preserved and protected during corporate relocation lest the organization suffer from data loss and information theft, among other risks.

Fortunately, businesses can tap into the professional relocation assistance services provided by reliable and reputable moving companies in the United States. These relocation companies are well-versed in the principles and practices of protection of data and information protection during relocations. Still, it must be said that clients also have their share of the roles and responsibilities related to data and information protection.

Physical Move of ICT Equipment

Many offices regard the physical movement of their ICT equipment including desktops, laptops and servers from the old to the new premises as the first priority. This is because these pieces of equipment are sensitive on two levels, namely, sensitive because of their electronic nature and sensitive because of the information contained in their applications.

Planning for corporate relocation then requires implementing safety and security measures to prevent physical theft of the ICT equipment. The best moving company will be able to discuss in detail the appropriate measures including locked moving trucks, secure storage, and comprehensive monitoring of whereabouts. These are still in line with the company’s relocation assistance services so clients are well-advised to take advantage.

Protection of Data and Information

Said moving company may also recommend security experts in data and information protection during relocations. Clients may or may not hire these security experts depending on their needs and wants in the service (i.e., an in-house security personnel will take care of the job).

The bottom line: The protection of data and information systems is a must during corporate relocation. Otherwise, the corporation can suffer adverse effects including information theft and disruption of business, both of which are detrimental to the company’s competitiveness.

Assessment of ICT Systems

Did you know that office relocations are also opportunities to assess the present ICT systems of your organization? Yes, indeed, considering that an ICT inventory must be made before moving day so as to determine the changes (i.e., new equipment and accessories) required in the new office. This is a good time as any to evaluate the corporation’s future ICT requirements, thus, maximizing the costs incurred for the corporate relocation project.

A few examples of the possible changes in ICT systems:

• Change in Internet service provider/phone provider

• Rerouting in cabling requirements for the new office

• Increase in the number of phone and fax lines

• Upgrading of ICT system in anticipation of future requirements

• Testing of new additions to the system to determine their computability with the existing applications

Indeed, with the workplace largely dependent on ICT systems for smooth daily operations, the importance of a smooth transition during a corporate relocation project from the old to the new office premises cannot be overemphasized.

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