Setting up a new office involves dozens of decisions. The technology decisions are among the most consequential — and the ones most likely to cause expensive problems down the road if made quickly without a clear framework. This applies whether you’re comparing office technology vendors for the first time or re-evaluating your current provider.
When evaluating office technology options, here’s the checklist we walk through with new business clients in Tallahassee.
Internet Connectivity
- Business-class internet (not residential) — static IP, SLA-backed uptime, dedicated bandwidth
- Sufficient speed for your headcount — 25 Mbps per simultaneous user is a reasonable baseline
- Backup connectivity option for critical operations
Network Infrastructure
- Managed router with business-class firewall
- Separate networks: staff, guest, and devices (printers, copiers, IoT)
- Managed switches with VLAN capability if you have multiple departments or locations
- Wireless access points appropriate for your office layout — coverage and capacity matter
- UPS (battery backup) for network equipment to protect against brief power events
Copiers and Printers
- Commercial MFP (not consumer equipment) for offices with more than 4–5 staff
- Sized for your peak monthly volume — not your average
- Service agreement included — don’t buy or lease without one
- Hard drive encryption and data sanitization policy in place from day one
- A3 capability only if you actually need to print larger than 8.5×14
Phone System
- VoIP business phone system — modern, scalable, remote-capable
- Business phone number with auto-attendant
- Extensions for all staff, including remote workers
- Number porting from any existing business number you want to keep
Email and Productivity
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard (or Google Workspace) — not consumer email
- Business domain email configured
- MFA enabled on all accounts from day one — not as an afterthought
- Email security filtering beyond basic spam
Security Baseline
- Endpoint security on all workstations
- Patch management — OS and software updates managed
- Secure, tested backups — offsite or cloud
- VPN or secure remote access if staff will work remotely
One Vendor vs. Multiple
You can use different vendors for each category. Many businesses do. The tradeoff is that when something goes wrong between systems — and it will — vendors tend to point at each other. A single vendor handling network, IT, copiers, and phones is one phone call regardless of which product is involved. ABS provides all four. Ask about office technology experience specifically — not just generic IT or print support.
Related Resources from ABS
Getting your office technology checklist right from day one puts your business ahead of the curve — and saves you from expensive retrofits when you scale.
Setting Up a New Office in Tallahassee?
ABS has been equipping Tallahassee businesses since 1984. We can handle your copiers, managed IT, and phone system — and make sure everything works together from day one.