5 Step Checklist for Executing a move to Cloud Connect

After our last article, you should now have a strategy in place for your move to a cloud-based phone system and should have managed to get all the right stakeholders involved. But now you have to execute that plan.
Fair warning: this is where some companies get stuck. A plan is one thing, but the ability to execute said plan is another entirely. Without the right tools and people, you can find yourself unable to properly and successfully transition to a cloud-based phone system.

Here’s the deal: if you follow these 5 easy steps when executing your move to a cloud-based phone system, your transition will be smooth and fast.

Step 1: Analyze and understand what you currently have.

    Will your internal infrastructure (LAN) handle the Voice Over IP (VoIP) traffic?
    Is your wide area network connection (WAN) big enough to handle voice and data traffic?
    Have you implemented quality of service (QOS)? Is voice the first priority, ahead of data and video?

Step 2: Check your data wiring

   Do you have data wiring (Cat 5, or 6) available where your phones are going to be placed?
   Do you have power or Ethernet switch to provide power to the phone?

Step 3: Map out what you are moving to the cloud

    Do you know what you are moving? (i.e. phone numbers, physical connections, fax, etc.)

Step 4: Predict the impact the move would have to your business

   Does your strategy include a plan to minimize downtime?
   Does your strategy include a training plan that coincides with your rollout?

Step 5: Assign an in-house staff member or IT partner to manage the execution

   Do you have a dedicated person from your company or a partner to ensure you are getting the correct phones and your set up is correct?

Many companies, especially small businesses, fail to follow these steps. This is usually due to either not having the in-house resources to handle the transition, or the existing personnel not being knowledgeable enough to manage the transition successfully on their own.

To avoid any hiccups, some of which can be extremely costly down the road, use this easy checklist to assess your plan for a move. Make sure your infrastructure is solid, include all communication devices in your scope (fax machines and alarm lines do count), and understand the terms of what you are buying. Alternatively, if time is a constraint for you and your staff, you can hire a company like XFER to walk you through the implementation.

We offer a 360° process, which helps our clients ensure a successful execution of their move to a cloud-based phone system. This service includes onsite network assessments, onsite training, and guidance through each step of implementation, ultimately becoming an outside extension of your internal IT department.