The Answer: ISDN

ISDN has spurred a rapidly growing range of simple, easily installed equipment configurations, transparent access to telephone, e-mail and other workplace services, and transmission speeds that have proved more than acceptable for full interconnection of work-at-home PCs to LANs, hosts, and even the most graphically intensive databases.

ISDN responds to the needs of the telecommuter in many ways:

For basic connectivity. For those who predominantly make and manage work-related telephone calls, the ISDN solution is both inexpensive and elegant. A sales representative, for example, needs a telephone, perhaps a fax and some method of accessing basic e-mail and similar services through a desktop computer. A single BRI line offers D-channel access to e-mail, bulletin boards and data servers, while keeping two voice channels open for both incoming and outgoing calls.

For connectivity to LANs and co-workers. For those who work with computers, the ISDN solution is equally responsive. Through a single ISDN BRI connection, major components of the office's functionality can be "transported" to equipment in their homes. This functionality includes: high-speed access to the user's LAN, file server, and other data; full access to voice and e-mail messages; and interconnections to other company LANs or hosts, remote systems, and perhaps other networks such as the Internet or distant research systems. In many early trials, desktop video capabilities have also made possible face-to-face meetings with co-workers.

For work-at-home call-center connectivity. From airline reservations to computer service information - the sales and service call centers operated by hundreds of firms have begun to rapidly embrace the concept of allowing agents to work at home. The two B channels of an ISDN BRI respond perfectly, giving these agents simultaneous voice and data access to voice calls forwarded from a toll-free number, and the customer's record stored in the firm's central computer.

In many programs, desktop video conferencing capabilities are also becoming an important feature. "Making video an integral part of telecommuting solves a number of problems," said Anthony Antonuccio, vice president of marketing at VIVO Software, Inc. in Waltham, MA. "It addresses telecommuters' isolation by letting them see and work with others in their group, and lets managers work naturally and effectively with remote colleagues."

Other Sections Of This Chapter:

Beginning Of Chapter 3
The Answer: ISDN
Equipment Needs For The Central Location
Trendsetting Programs
Wave Of The Future