How to Set Up IT for a New Office in Hong Kong: A Complete Checklist

Plan IT before you sign the lease

One of the most common mistakes businesses make when opening a Hong Kong office is treating IT as an afterthought. By the time the lease is signed and the fit-out is in progress, IT requirements should already be defined and vendor quotes in hand.

Connectivity and network (weeks 6-8 before opening)

• Confirm building's available ISP options (PCCW, HKT, Horizon, HKBN)
• Order primary and redundant internet lines, as lead times can be 4-6 weeks
• Design network architecture: VLANs for staff, guest Wi-Fi, server and printer
• Specify firewall and managed switch requirements
• Plan structured cabling and patch panel layout

Security foundations (weeks 4-6 before opening)

• Configure next-generation firewall with IPS/IDS
• Deploy endpoint protection on all devices
• Set up VPN for remote access
• Enable MFA on email, VPN, and key systems

End-user setup (weeks 2-4 before opening)

• Provision laptops and desktops with standard image
• Enrol all devices in MDM (Intune or Jamf)
• Deploy Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
• Set up shared printers and AV equipment in meeting rooms
• Install IP telephony or Microsoft Teams Phone System

Documentation and handover (week 1 before opening)

• Document network topology, IP addressing, and password vault
• Create IT onboarding guide for new staff