A good article by Fact Point Group and SonicWall on what is driving telecommuting:
They highlight ten key factors enabling effective secure teleworking:

1. Widespread Broadband Connectivity
2. Collaborative applications emerge: Web 2.0, Web meetings, VoIP
3. Smartphones and PDAs abound
4. Put money back in employees’ pockets to keep them loyal and productive
5. Save on operations and real estate
6. Carbon footprint
7. Boost business continuity and bounce back from disasters
8. Regulatory compliance
9. Bad guys are getting better

10. Telework prerequisite: Secure remote access technology

Download the full article below:

10 Trends Enabling Secure Teleworking (63 KB)

With the downturn in the economy may businesses are looking to cut costs and save time. One of the simplest ways to do this is through remote desktop / screen-sharing collaboration service technology, or web-conferencing.

Many organisations are familiar with this technology, particularly the Web-Ex product. However there are a number of players in the market some with price points more suited to small business.

If you are not already conducting remote meetings for sales, marketing, customer service and support we suggest you check out these applications. If you are already conducting remote meetings maybe now is th time to review which application best suits your needs.

www.webex.com - a range of pricing plans starting from circa US$49 per month
www.gotomeeting.com  - US$49 per month
www.yuuguu.com  - Free (costs for voice conference)
www.glance.net  - US$49 per month, $9.95 for one off meetings
www.beamyourscreen.com  - beginning at Eur30 per month
www.teamviewer.com - US$249 per month