Flexible workers offered Cisco Virtual Office

Nearly half of UK employers let some staff work remotely

Cisco Systems has launched a Virtual Office targeted at enterprises with a significant number of staff working from home or at branch offices.

The system uses a new Cisco Internet Services Router, the 881w, and a 7970G colour model IP phone to deliver video, voice, data and wireless services.

When plugged in, the 881w automatically synchronises with headquarters and downloads pre-configured firmware to get employees up and running quickly.

Workers use 881w virtual private network links to connect through a headquarters-based Cisco 7200 Series router, which supports secure sockets layer and IP security network access, allowing mobile users to work with laptops or PDAs.

The remote Virtual Office hardware can be managed from headquarters using Cisco's Configuration Engine, Security Manager and Secure Access Control Server.

The launch follows the latest teleworking survey from the Confederation of British Industry in collaboration with private recruitment firm Pertemps.

The new research suggests that the number of teleworkers in the UK is rising fast, as employers offer broader flexibility to staff.

The CBI said that 46 per cent of the employers polled let staff telework, up from 14 per cent in 2006 and 11 per cent in 2004.

As with other vendors rolling out hardware and software targeting home office workers, Cisco is touting the green benefits of the technology, including reduced transport use and real estate savings.

Marie Hattar, vice president of network systems and security solutions at Cisco, said: "Virtual Office enhances the benefits of remote working by providing office-calibre technology wrapped in a security blanket."

Cisco Virtual Office is available now at an annual cost starting at $700 (around £400) per seat.

The CBI/Pertemps poll was conducted in May with 513 respondents.