Ideas for the work ahead

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Clearer next steps.

Practical guides to network, wireless, voice, security, and technology operations.

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106 practical guides

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106 guides

Managed support1 min read

Include printers and peripherals in a desktop-service review

Desktop planning can focus on applications while overlooking the devices people use to finish a task.

September 20, 2021Read guide →

Network planning1 min read

Plan what happens to network equipment after replacement

A replacement project is not complete when the new equipment starts operating.

August 13, 2021Read guide →

Wireless planning1 min read

Identify the approval path for in-building public-safety communications

In-building public-safety communications need a clear project authority and a defined review path.

July 23, 2021Read guide →

Managed support1 min read

Help a service desk understand the first report

A clear first report can reduce repeated questions during a support request.

June 16, 2021Read guide →

Managed support1 min read

Know who reviews each technology service renewal

A renewal notice can arrive long after the person who arranged a service has changed roles.

May 9, 2021Read guide →

Project delivery1 min read

Use the first site to improve a multi-site rollout

A multi-site network rollout benefits from a consistent approach, but the first installation should also test that approach.

April 19, 2021Read guide →

Wireless planning1 min read

Give the wireless team an event brief, not just a headcount

Headcount is a useful input for an event, but it does not describe how attendees will use the network.

March 12, 2021Read guide →

Voice planning1 min read

Keep the phone directory aligned with the people answering calls

A phone directory can outlast the organization it describes.

February 22, 2021Read guide →

Network planning1 min read

Include the right people in network discovery

Network discovery can miss important requirements when it includes only the people who manage equipment.

January 15, 2021Read guide →

Managed support1 min read

Check support contacts before a planned absence

Planned absences can reveal how much support coordination depends on one person.

December 24, 2020Read guide →

Network testing1 min read

Ask for a fiber closeout package that matches the installed links

A fiber installation needs records that let the owner connect a physical link with its location and accepted test evidence.

November 17, 2020Read guide →

Cybersecurity planning1 min read

Keep temporary security exceptions connected to a review date

A temporary exception can become a permanent arrangement when nobody owns its review.

October 10, 2020Read guide →

From the original archive

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