Telework TOOLKIT.

While telecommuting is not a new concept, it is enjoying a resurgence of popularity. With high-speed access technologies coming down in price, integrated voice and data solutions making it easier to work off site, and service providers offering managed technology solutions, businesses of all sizes can enjoy the benefits of telecommuting. A telecommuting program enables businesses to recruit and retain talented employees, receive tax incentives, and increase work-life satisfaction for employees. Associations need to consider a number of technology issues, however, before embarking on such a program.

Access technologies

New access technologies such as ISDN (integrated services digital network), ADSL (asymmetrical digital subscriber line), IDSL (ISDN digital subscriber loop), and cable are allowing teleworkers to enjoy fast and simple corporate LAN (Local Area Network) or Internet access. These technologies enable teleworkers to take advantage of high bandwidth applications such as video-to-the-desktop or data-backup from their homes without hindering productivity. With so many new technologies on the market and line and equipment costs coming down, it is even more economical for businesses to implement telecommuting solutions.

The availability and cost of access technologies will depend on the service provider and the teleworker's proximity to the provider. Included below is a breakdown of the available access technologies and the advantages, disadvantages, and costs associated with each.

Integrated solution

Most telecommuting solutions offer integrated functionality that allows teleworkers to use fax machines, phones, computers, and printers from a single device. With such devices, teleworking costs can be dramatically reduced, as businesses don't pay for redundant phone lines or manage multiple devices. In addition, teleworkers can be more productive with all of their equipment connected to a single solution.

Managed solutions

Many service providers including RBOCs (regional Bell operating companies), LECs (local exchange carriers), IXCs (inter exchange carriers), and MSOs (multiservice operator-cable company), are offering managed telecommuting solutions such as virtual private networks (VPN). Managed telecommuting solutions enable a business to offload the installation and management of a telecommuting infrastructure to a service provider thus freeing businesses to focus on their core competencies.

VPNs are a relatively new type of network that allows businesses to create a network using a shared or public network, such as the Internet, that ensures security, quality of service, management, and reliability that is equivalent to that of a private network. VPNs are an excellent option for telecommuters because they reduce costs, improve connectivity, simplify management, and increase reliability. VPNs also enable businesses to take advantage of the Internet's infrastructure without incurring the cost of developing their own proprietary infrastructure. Businesses can also feel confident that their network and the data traveling on the network are safe and secure.

Issues to consider

Businesses need to consider a few issues when implementing a telecommuting solution. First, the new access technologies have many benefits, but services are not ubiquitous because the service provider infrastructures are not yet fully deployed. Second, security can be an issue. Businesses need to ensure that not only are their networks secured, but the data being transmitted are secure as well. A firewall and encryption solution may need to be considered to protect the network and data.

Telecommuting is a viable business solution for any size of business and with new technologies available today, it is becoming easier and more cost-effective to enjoy the benefits of such a program.

Richard Steranka is director, channel marketing, small and medium business, Cisco Systems, San Jose, California.

Analog Advantages:
       Disadvantages:
       Equipment costs:
       Monthly costs:
ISDN   Advantages:
       Disadvantages:
       Equipment costs:
       Monthly costs:
ADSL   Advantages:
       Disadvantages:
       Equipment costs:
       Monthly costs:
IDSL   Advantages:
       Disadvantages:
       Equipment costs:
       Monthly costs:
Cable  Advantages:
       Disadvantages:
       Equipment costs:
       Monthly costs:
Analog Inexpensive and almost ubiquitous
       Low-speed, susceptible to analog noise, and
       hard to manage
       $150
       $20 per line, 9[cent] per minute
ISDN   Almost ubiquitous, almost five times faster
       than analog, more reliable, easier to manage
       Complex to install, can be costly
       $400-$600
       $50, 18[cent] per minute
ADSL   High-speed, simple to use, cost-effective
       Not widely available, distance to service
       provider's central office can be an issue
       $500-$100
       $150
IDSL   Fast, enables service providers to extend
       digital subscriber loop services farther
       Does not support voice, setup fees can be costly
       $400-$600
       $100
Cable  Utilize existing cable infrastructure at home, low-cost
       Requires external analog modem for two-way
       communication, shared bandwidth
       $200-$375
       $50