For many, the novelty of working from home has long worn off and a return to the office is welcomed. For others, months of remote work have drastically shifted priorities, and the expectation is to work from home for at least part of the time.
As you prepare your firm for hybrid remote/in-office work, there are many technology considerations that must occur to ensure your team can be secure and productive in any location:
Safe Remote Computing
The ability of IT staff to support users both in the office and in their homes is essential. Your firm needs to protect the network by enforcing use of firm-owned devices by remote workers, which eliminates security threats introduced by personally owned, unmanaged computers.
LexCloud.ca’s Remote Managed PC Security provides critical security for firms by enabling our IT team to push software updates to your firm's remote PCs, ensuring they stay up-to-date and secure.
Remote Managed PC Security includes the following:
- ESET Anti-virus & Anti-Malware software
- Connectwise Automate remote monitoring
- Ninite software, which maintains the security updates for Acrobat, Java, Chrome, Firefox and other common applications.
Installation typically takes less than an hour, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Technology Updates
Computers, printers and other devices that have been turned off or haven’t restarted for a period of time will need some TLC. Most likely they’ll require OS and software updates, which can take a while.
Let us know in advance of when you’ll be in the office and we'll work with you to proactively update devices to avoid user disruption.
- Verify that primary and secondary Internet connections are working
- Warm up devices
- Update devices - this can take a while
- Test printers
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Flexible Workstations
With virtual desktops allowing your firm members to access their files, email and software from anywhere, they need a flexible workstation they can plug into when in the office.
Before you return to the office, survey firm members to determine what technologies they will require in the office and at home to work comfortably. Remind firm members to bring in borrowed technologies.
If your firm has new hires who haven’t yet been to the office, ensure their workstations are ready before they arrive.
What you’ll need:
- Citrix-compatible laptops or desktops
- Docking stations
- Adjustable monitors
- Keyboards/mice
- Phones
- Speakers
- Headsets
- Printers
Video Conferencing
Some firm members may require individual setups for video conferencing, with cameras and headsets for their device and workstation. We recommend you use MS Teams or Zoom inside your LexCloud Virtual Desktops, as this makes videoconferencing more efficient and secure for firm members.
Using Zoom inside your virtual desktop requires:
- A special Zoom for Citrix client installed on your device
- A webcam
- Headphones
- Contact us to get your team set up!
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Secure File Transfers
With firm members working regularly in the office and remotely, security risks increase. Remind everyone to only access files inside the Virtual Desktop, where they are protected. If they have files stored at home or on their local desktop, call our helpdesk for assistance.
For external file transfers, we recommend using Citrix ShareFile or Microsoft 365’s Teams or SharePoint to prevent unauthorized access and malware infection.
Requirements:
- Secure file scanning
- Secure file transfers
- File transfer policies
Moving Your Office
With no servers to move or take up space, and no system downtimes, LexCloud.ca makes office relocations easy.
If you’re planning to relocate your office, contact us as soon as you make the decision. We’ve moved dozens of law practices and offer a variety of remote and onsite services to simplify the process.
Requirements:
- Building connectivity audit
- Onsite router reconfiguration
- Contact us to schedule support!
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Flexible IT for Law Firms
Flexible and scalable technology solutions are the key to increasing agility of your law practice, allowing you to respond to changing business needs and navigate unexpected scenarios with minimal disruption.
LexCloud.ca looks forward to helping you through this new chapter. As your IT partner, LexCloud.ca is here to provide strategic technology planning and support during your back-to-office transition.
Contact our helpdesk today to get started on this new chapter for your firm!
