Tech isn't optional for physical businesses anymore
Your coffee shop needs a POS. Your boutique needs inventory software. Your clinic needs HIPAA-compliant email. But most new Seattle storefronts scramble to figure this out the week before opening — and end up duct-taping solutions that break six months later.
The opening-day IT checklist
Network & connectivity
- Business-grade internet (not residential — you need a static IP and an SLA)
- Dedicated Wi-Fi for operations, separate guest network for customers
- Wired Ethernet backhaul to POS terminals and back-office machines
- Cellular failover for payment processing continuity
Point of sale & payments
- POS hardware tested end-to-end with your processor
- Backup payment method (offline-capable terminal or manual card imprinter)
- Receipt printer, barcode scanner, and cash drawer integrated and tested
Security & compliance
- Security cameras with 30-day cloud retention
- Alarm system integration with your phone
- PCI-compliant network segmentation if you process cards
- Guest Wi-Fi terms-of-service splash page
Backup & continuity
- Automated nightly backup of all business-critical data
- Documented recovery plan — who to call, what gets restored, how fast
- UPS (battery backup) on POS and networking gear
The first-week mistakes we see constantly
1. Running the entire store off a consumer mesh router 2. No backup internet — one Comcast outage means no card sales 3. POS on the same network as the guest Wi-Fi 4. No remote access plan for the owner
Seattle neighborhoods we cover
Capitol Hill, Ballard, Fremont, SoDo, Georgetown, West Seattle, Columbia City, the University District, and everywhere in between. If you're opening in Seattle proper, we'll do a free site walk before your lease starts.