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Technology

The technology your telecommuter will be using at the Telecenter should support the tasks and activities that he/she will be performing. Your telecommuter may not require an exact duplicate of the technology that he/she is using in the office in order to be successful at the Telecenter. Therefore, decide upon the technology that the telecommuter needs to successfully complete his/her work while at the Telecenter.

Technology has several components and levels. Study the different facets of technology to determine what components your telecommuter may need at the Telecenter.

BASIC TECHNOLOGY

Begin the technology inventory with basic services. Items for consideration are:

• Telephone (call waiting, conference calling, etc.)
• Answering Machine
• Voice Mail
• Fax Machine
• Copying Machine

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

Next consider the telecommuter's computing needs. Consider the following equipment:

• Computer (PC, terminal, lap top)
• Software
• Printer

Also take into consideration what equipment is available at the Telecenter. A telephone and a computer may automatically be included with the work space. The computer may already be loaded with the same software the telecommuter uses in the office. Spend some time in the Telecenter to identify what is available. Some Telecenters are very well equipped, some are sparsely equipped. Contact the Telecenter manager to determine what equipment is available for the telecommuter.

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

Finally, if the telecommuter needs to access files and applications on the computer in your office, or if the telecommuter needs to send and receive information to and from the office, the telecommuter may need communications technology. Perhaps a combination of the following technologies may be necessary:

• Telephone line
• Modem
• Dedicated telephone line
• High speed data transmission line (Switched 56 service)
• Integrated Services Digital Network
• File transfer package
• Interface card
• Digital signaling unit
• Terminal adapter

Technology can be sophisticated and complex. If you are considering a high tech application for the telecommuter, make sure you have a reliable technician who can help. It may take a few attempts to get the system up and working. But the good news is that once it's up and working, there are usually few problems.

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