Standard SME Office IT Setup Costs & Checklist in Singapore (2025 Guide)
Setting up a new office in Singapore? Or refreshing your current workspace with modern IT infrastructure?
From internet connectivity to cloud tools, cybersecurity, and endpoints, your IT setup isn’t just a support function anymore. It’s the backbone of your operations, and planning it right from Day 1 ensures seamless collaboration, security, and scalability.
In this guide, we break down:
What goes into a typical SME office IT setup
How much does each component typically cost in Singapore
A detailed, ready-to-use checklist to guide your implementation
Whether you’re a startup with 5 employees or an SME scaling to 50, this guide is your step-by-step resource to get IT right.
Why Your IT Setup Matters More Than Ever
An efficient IT setup enables:
Strong cybersecurity foundation
Fast, stable internet and Wi-Fi coverage
Smooth onboarding for staff and devices
Integration with cloud tools and software
Support for hybrid or remote work
Without proper planning, you risk:
Downtime and lost productivity
Poor user experiences
Security vulnerabilities
Wasteful spending on the wrong tools
SME Office IT Setup: Cost Breakdown in Singapore (2025)
Here's a realistic cost estimate for a standard office IT setup for 10–30 users:
Total Estimated Setup Cost (One-Time): $8,000 – $25,000 for a 10–30 user office
Monthly Ongoing Cost (Per User): $80 – $180/user/month including support, licenses, and security
💡 Grants like the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) can subsidize up to 50% of IT solutions.
Essential Components of a Standard SME IT Setup
1. Network Infrastructure (Wired + Wireless)
What’s Needed:
Business-grade router/firewall
Managed network switches
Wi-Fi access points (mesh or controller-based)
Structured cabling and patch panels
Benefits:
Fast and stable connections
Isolated guest networks
Secure access with VLANs
Easy troubleshooting and scalability
2. End-User Devices
What’s Needed:
Laptops or desktops (Windows/Mac)
Monitors, docking stations, and webcams
Headsets for virtual meetings
🎯 Standardizing hardware makes support and updates easier.
🛠️ Consider devices with TPM chips and Windows 11 Pro for security and remote manageability
3. Cloud-Based Tools & Licensing
What’s Needed:
Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace
Cloud file storage
Team chat (Teams, Slack, Google Chat)
Video conferencing (Zoom, Meet)
Project and task management (Asana, Trello)
Cloud-first means lower CapEx, easier scaling, and better uptime.
4. Cybersecurity & Backup
What’s Needed:
Endpoint protection (EDR or AV)
MFA across all platforms
Cloud backup for user data and shared drives
Email threat protection (anti-phishing, spam filtering)
Must-have tools:
Bitdefender, Sophos Intercept X, or SentinelOne
Acronis, Veeam, or Backblaze for backup
💡 Planning for PDPA compliance? These tools are non-negotiable.
5. Printers, Scanners & Office Peripherals
What’s Needed:
All-in-one printer/scanner/copier
Shared network configuration
Access control by department or team
If print volume is high, consider managed print services to control costs.
6. IT Support & Maintenance
Options:
In-house IT (for >50 staff)
Outsourced MSP (for <50 staff)
Services Should Include:
User onboarding & offboarding
Helpdesk ticketing system
Remote monitoring & patching
Asset tracking & warranty management
Quarterly reporting and compliance review
📊 A managed provider offers better value at scale and ensures issues are fixed before they affect your team.
SME Office IT Setup Checklist (Singapore Edition)
Use this checklist to track and plan your IT setup.
Pre-Setup Planning
Confirm office layout and floor plan
Check fibre broadband availability
Plan cabling routes and equipment rack location
Allocate budget and apply for relevant grants
Network Infrastructure
Router/firewall configured with VLANs
Managed network switches installed
Wi-Fi heatmap done for access point placement
Structured cabling terminated and tested
Devices & User Setup
Laptops/desktops pre-configured with apps
Users assigned to cloud subscriptions
Printers, webcams, monitors, and headsets were tested
Admin rights restricted to IT or management only
Security & Backup
Antivirus/EDR is deployed on all devices
MFA is enabled on all cloud accounts
Backup system tested and verified
Security policy implemented and staff trained
Cloud Software
Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace live
Team collaboration tools integrated
Email signatures and shared mailboxes are configured
Access control policies enforced
Ongoing Support
Managed IT support partner onboarded
SLA signed and ticketing system enabled
Quarterly reporting scheduled
Asset inventory and warranty tracker set up
Future-Proofing Your Setup: Tips for Scalability
As your team grows, so should your IT environment—without starting from scratch. Plan for:
Scalable network (24/48-port switches)
Cloud licenses that adjust per user
Device lifecycle tracking
Unified endpoint management (MDM/Intune)
Shared drive policies for remote work
Use automation tools (e.g., Microsoft Autopilot) to speed up device onboarding.
Final Thoughts: Get IT Right, Right From the Start
An office move or business expansion is a big step, and your IT setup will either enable smooth operations or become a bottleneck.
A planned, scalable, and secure IT environment will:
Support your team’s productivity
Ensure compliance with PDPA and cybersecurity best practices
Help you scale quickly without tech delays
Maximize your ROI with the right balance of tools and support
Need Help with Your Office IT Setup in Singapore?
We help SMEs:
Design and implement scalable IT setups
Apply for grants like PSG and SFEC
Provide full-service managed IT support
Plan office cabling, cloud migration, and cybersecurity
👉 Book a Free IT Setup Consultation
Related Reads
Whether you’re a startup with 5 employees or an SME scaling to 50, this guide is your step-by-step resource to get IT right.