IT Checklist for a Small Business

I.T. Checklist for a Small Business

Information Technology (IT) can be a real headache for small business. Here are some of the key questions you should consider when setting up your office.

Initial set up of office

Is there existing cabling for phones and computers?
Any additional cabling required?
Extra outlets to take advantage of any expansion in your organisation?
Floor plan for layout of office equipment?

Hardware

Are stand alone computer systems / network configuration required?
- PC or MAC platform?
- Client / Server OR Peer to Peer Set up?
- Configured with Mirrored / Backup Drives?
Number of workstations / notebook computers required for your staff?
What peripherals are required?
- Printer
- Fax Machine / Scanners
- UPS – Uninterrupted Power Supplies
- Multifunction Units
- Telephone System
- Audio Visual Products
Is a wireless setup preferable in your environment?
Will any of your staff require mobile technology?
- Mobile Phone
- PDA
- Blackberry
- Mobile Internet

Software

Operating System software for your business?
- Windows / Macintosh ?
- Set up directories, drives and sharing on your system
What application software will be required to run your business?
- Office applications
- Accounting Software
- Anti Virus software
- Specialised software for your industry
Is it more efficient for you to buy software licensing?
- How many licences?
- Do you need to allow for staff growth in the number of licences purchased?

Email / Web Site Considerations

Do you plan to have a Website?
- Purchase of Domain name
- Creation of Website
- On-line Shop
- Maintenance of Website
- Hosting services for your Email Domain and Website
Set up of Email addresses and security profiles for Staff?

Maintenance

What sort of Backup system will you need to secure your data?
- Tapes
- USB Drives
- CD / DVD media
What backup system regimen will you follow – Daily, Weekly ?
Where will you store backup media – offsite location?
Should you enter a Server Maintenance Program to ensure maximum performance from your network?
Physical security for all hardware and software?
- Locked areas
- Air conditioned
- Well ventilated
Administration of network – in house staff or external IT professionals?
Download of updates and patches for software used in the firm?

Office Procedures

Standardised documents
- Fax
- Quote Template
- Letterhead
- Invoice Template
- Contracts
- Purchase Orders etc
Databases
- Client contact information
- Mailing Lists
Create IT policies regarding rules of access and usage
- Personal use of Internet and E-mail
- Passwords for access / regularly change passwords

Technology Training

Does your staff require training in computer applications?
Updating skills when new versions of software are released?
Training in more efficient methods using desktop applications?

IT Consumables

What technology consumables should be kept in stock?
- Ink cartridges
- Laser toners and drums
- Disk media – CD / CDRW / DVD / DVDRW
- Paper supplies / Labels
- Ribbons

DN Computer Services specialise in providing IT solutions to small and medium size businesses in Brisbane. Visit their smallbusiness[HQ] listing here.

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]]> IT Checklist for a Small Business

By: DN Computer Services