Improve Remote Workforce Management With These 6 Tech Tools
Supporting a remote workforce is fast becoming a common, cost-effective part of small business operations. While a lot of attention has been placed on the rising cost for a gallon of gas and the subsequent rise in business travel expenses, those small businesses that can manage a remote workforce also stand to benefit from increased flexibility and in some cases the ability to enter remote markets- even on a global scale.
But in order to maximize the benefits of having off-site workers, small businesses must set up a solid infrastructure with an emphasis on up-to-date technology, adequate IT support for their remote workers, and network security.
To that end, you should check out Michael Healey’s article in InformationWeek 6 Top Technologies for Remote Office Support… and 2 to Avoid, in which he examines server virtualization, desktop virtualization, IP telephony, WAN optimization, UTM (unified threat management) appliances and Instant Messaging. With each technology he offers its “promise” and then provides a “reality check” of sorts, detailing the technology’s limitations and the things you should consider.
If your small business is or will be relying on a remote workforce, you can save yourself a headache or two by doing things right from the beginning.
