Most teleworkers are equipped with a microcomputer, standard word processing software (compatible software, if not the same software as used by their correspondents) a spreadsheet and specialised software to suit the nature of their work. Their equipment also comprises different peripherals such as a printer, scanner, storage and back-up systems (CD-ROM writer, ZIP, etc.). Remote communication also calls for telephone equipment (fixed and/or mobile), a modem to enable mutual communication between computers, connection to telecommunications networks of varying bandwidth according to the “weight” of the data transferred and/or Internet access. The computer must incorporate suitable communication software: e-mail system (asynchronous and/or synchronous), Internet browser, file transfer, etc. (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Example of a workststaion
Given the above and the fact that teleworking is not a profession but a way of practising intangible activities in a highly diversified range of occupations, it is impossible to identify and list all the different systems and tools that can be used by the teleworker
For this reason, it is only the most commonly found communication and distance-working functions that are defined here. The teleworker's workstation must provide him with the possibility of carrying out the following functions:
·
production: software for word-processing,
desktop publishing and HTML publishing, file transfer system, specialised
software; etc.
·
communication: teleconferencing,
videoconferencing, e-mail system either synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous
(deferred), etc.
·
information: system of access to databases,
Internet browser, search engines, etc.
·
facilitation: electronic organiser, project
management software, file compression software, other utilities
·
security: authentication system, passwords, antivirus
system, storage and back-up space, etc.
Tools may be made available for use by:
·
an individual: word-processor at the workstation,
personal electronic organiser, storage and back-up of personal documents,
electronic mailbox, etc.
·
a group: shareware, groupware, distribution lists,
group electronic organiser, etc.
At the present time, with the growth in Internet usage and applications, there is an increasing number of generic platforms incorporating these different functions. Anyone with a communicating computer and Internet access can easily subscribe to services such as
·
Contactoffice:
http://www.contactoffice.com/
·
Intranet.com:
http://www.intranets.com/
·
Quickplace:
http://www.lotus.com/products/quickplace.nsf/homepage/QuickPlace+Homepage
·
Kmtechnologies:
http://www.kmtechnologies.com/en/Kmtechnologies/
·
etc.
These
platforms tend to specialise in relation to the different professions. By way
of example, mention may be made of those at the service of online training
personnel and learners:
·
WebCT :
http://www.webct.com/,
·
WbtSystems :
http://www.wbtsystems.com/