AskSid

Question:
We’re building out new office space and will be moving in three months what considerations should I be aware of with the build out and moving our computer systems?

Answer:
Regarding the build out make sure that your server room has enough room for all your components and has additional space to walk around your rack. The air conditioning should have it’s own control that is not shared with any other room, i.e. has ducts for both in and out venting. The electrical outlets should be “clean power” meaning that no other outlets should be shared on that circuit. The computer room should not have any carpeting and the placement of the telephone system and patch panel should be logically placed so wiring can be organized nealtly.

Give yourself enough lead time to order your telephone circuit. I’ve seen where the leadtime for ordering is sometimes as much as 60 to 90 days in advance.

When working with the construction company see if you can work with their electrician to pull data as well. If they will do this then it would save you a lot of money. If they won’t do this then make sure you work closely with the installer to ensure the voice and data are located in each office/cubicle near where the electrician pulled the outlet and it is coordinated with how each person is organizing their office. It is very expensive to pull wiring a second time.

Coordinate testing the Voice and Data circuits before move day. You never want to be running around assuming that the voice and data will be delivered and working on the Monday after the move.

Most moving companies will move the desktop computers if asked. The IT firm/department should move all the servers, switches and firewalls. When you’re coordinating move day make sure that you work with the moving company to determine the timing of having your IT guys come in. You don’t want the IT team sitting around while the movers are still moving in the furniture and setting up the cubicle walls.

Create a test plan and verify it with everyone prior to the move. On move day make sure the IT team tests all phases of your plan before they certify that everything is working properly.

Sid Kato
President and CEO
Array Systems - San Fernando Valley Network Consulting

Popularity: 50% [?]