42% of companies plan to keep remote work permanently. Is your IT infrastructure ready?
Basic infrastructure for remote work:
1. Secure connectivity
- A business VPN for secure access
- Minimum bandwidth: 25 Mbps per employee
- Backup internet (mobile / 4G)
- Secure DNS configuration
2. Real-time collaboration
- Microsoft Teams or Slack for communication
- Zoom or Google Meet for video calls
- Miro or Figma for visual collaboration
- Asana or Trello for project management
3. Storage and synchronisation
- OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox Business
- Document version control
- Offline access to critical files
- Automatic backups
Recommended equipment by role:
Basic setup (€800–1,200):
- Laptop with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- 24” external monitor
- HD webcam and USB microphone
- WiFi 6 router for home
Professional setup (€1,500–2,500):
- Laptop with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- 27” 4K monitor or dual monitors
- 4K webcam with a professional microphone
- Ergonomic chair and adjustable desk
Premium setup (€3,000+):
- Mobile workstation with 32GB RAM
- Triple-monitor or ultrawide setup
- Professional lighting for video
- A complete workstation
Essential security policies:
- Device management (MDM)
- Remote control of machines
- Remote installation and removal
- Remote wipe if a device is lost
- Multi-factor authentication
- Mandatory across every application
- Physical tokens for critical access
- Biometrics wherever possible
- Cybersecurity training
- Monthly workshops on current threats
- Phishing simulations
- Incident reporting protocols
Monitoring and support:
- 24/7 remote help desk
- Proactive monitoring of machines
- Automatic updates outside working hours
- Productivity and wellbeing metrics
Productivity tools:
For developers:
- GitHub/GitLab for code
- Docker for containers
- VS Code with collaboration extensions
For designers:
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Sketch with synchronisation
- InVision for prototypes
For sales:
- A CRM accessible on mobile
- Electronic signature
- Interactive digital catalogues
Estimated monthly cost per employee:
- Basic: €50–80/month
- Professional: €100–150/month
- Premium: €200–300/month
Metrics worth monitoring:
- VPN connection time
- The employee’s internet speed
- Use of collaboration applications
- Employee satisfaction with the tools
- Security incidents