Telework outposts don't get much more romantic than a home office in Paris, where technology strategist Charlie Killian headed last year with the full blessing of his employer, D.W. Morgan Co. in Pleasanton, Calif.
"A dedicated IT department and technology make it easy to telecommute," says Killian, who is plugged into corporate operations through a VPN client from Cisco Systems Inc. Killian's work space also folds in Cisco's IP Communicator and instant messaging capabilities using Connecticut-based Cerulean Studios' Trillian chat client.
Killian heavily attributes his ability to stay in close contact with colleagues and clients -- and take the occasional stroll past Notre Dame -- to the use of IP Communicator. "It allows me to easily communicate with everyone in the office with four-digit dialing just like I was sitting next to them. It also allows our clients to stay in contact by dialing the same seven-digit California number as always," he says.
As with all remote staff, D.W. Morgan is concerned with more than technology that lets employees such as Killian work seamlessly with clients. Tight security is definitely required for telecommuters at this provider of supply chain and other consulting services to major companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Chevron Texaco and Cisco.
"When providing access to sensitive local information, it is always prudent to do so over encrypted channels," advises network engineer Binh Ly. "At Morgan, remote access to internal systems is achieved over security protocols," he adds, specifically mentioning Secure Shell, Secure Sockets Layer and IPsec.
See the complete Faces of Mobile IT special report.
The Faces of Mobile IT
Different types of mobile workers, such as road warriors, telecommuters and blue-collar workers, need different forms of IT support.
Stories in this report:
- Editor's Note: The Faces of Mobile IT
Editor's Note: Corporate America is addicted to mobile connectivity. In this special report we hear the stories of different types of mobile workers -- the devices they use, the features they'd like -- as well as the stories of the IT workers who have to support them. - Wireless Worker: White-Collar Road Warrior
These road warriors are savvy wireless users, which in turn creates support issues for IT. - Tethered to Treo
- Lightening the Load With Data Sharing
- Wireless Worker: Globe-Trotter
Different protocols, standards and security issues create unique support issues for workers who skip from country to country. - Wireless Worker: Blue-Collar Worker
In choosing portable devices for use in the fields, IT must find one that has the right technology, is sturdy enough to handle tough working conditions and comes at the right price. - At Home With a Palm
- Wireless Worker: Telecommuter
Stay-at-home workers are powered by laptops sitting atop docking stations, cordless phones outfitted with voice over IP and the often-mandatory instant messaging. - Close Contact With IP Communicator
- Wireless Worker: Campus Nomad
Most workers who spend their days roaming corridors and campuses want high connectivity paired with low-tech mobile devices. - PDAs for Warehouse Support
- Wireless Worker: Call Center Agent
Voice-over-IP and wireless and computer telephony integration options are making it easier to set up call center agents to work at home. - Setting Up Security With a 'Locked-Down' PC
- QuickStudy: ZigBee
ZigBee is a short-range, low-power, wireless personal-area network technology optimized for low-cost sensor and control devices used in homes, office buildings, and medical and industrial settings. - The Real Magic of Wireless Technology
Your end users expect real-time data anywhere they happen to be. It's your job to make that magic happen, says columnist Mark Hall. - Research Insights
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Online Exclusives
- Cool Wireless Stuff.
Sure it may be practical and help improve efficiency. But what good is a wireless gadget if it's not fun? Computerworld staffers share some of their favorites, from a universal charger to a $1,200 digital sound system. - The War Driver Returns:
Computerworld's David Ramel hits the road again to check out the state of wireless security — and comes up with some surprising conclusions. - Executive Briefing:
Read about the threats from mobile and wireless technology in the enterprise, and the strategies developed to deal with them, in this online special report. - Lone Warrior:
What about the one-person shop? Learn how power PDA user Bert Latamore thrives on being completely mobile and self-sufficient — until there's trouble. - The Wireless Security Value Chain
Click here to view this webcast.