The three major components that enable the deployment of a telecommuting program are: People, Telecommunication Systems, and Hardware.  Each component is examined in this three-part series.

Major Component #2—Telecommunications Systems

Without the current advantages offered by high-technology—such as wireless connectivity, mobile computing, and remote network access—it’s not likely that there would be as many successful telecommuting programs as are seen throughout the American business scene.  Therefore, it is not surprising that telecommunications systems are a major component enabling the telecommuting workforce.

Today, there are increasingly more options to help organizations with distributed workforces stay connected; instead of relying on “homegrown” remote-access resources and shared document sites, telecommuters may choose from a multitude of competing software packages to fulfill their communication requirements.  And as the numbers of telecommuting workers increase, communication tools, in step with demand, have become even more available, more sophisticated, and more enterprise-oriented.  For every market—from small private business to multinational conglomerations, from engineer to sales professional—a product now exists to help reduce the logistical burden of remote work and communication with clients, company, and peers.  Categories of telecommunication tools are listed below.  Many software developers produce products that overlap several categories.  

Telecommunication Tools by Category:

• Project Management
• Document Sharing
• Learning/Education
• Time Tracking and Task Management
• Messaging/Contact (IM, Email, Voice)
• Desktop Sharing/Remote Access
• Presentations/Meetings
• Intranet/Portal

Telecommuters have long relied on a set of specific communication tools, such as email, online groupware (i.e. online collaboration and meeting software), and online databases and document storage in order to increase or maintain effectiveness while working remotely.  More recently, telecommuters are also frequently adopting technology such as VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), and IM (Instant Messaging or “Chat”) as communication staples during the regular workday, for these tools’ ability to cheaply, efficiently, and immediately connect them to others regardless of physical boundaries.