Teleworks Pilots

The Telework Consortium brings a new approach to the implementation of telework and distributed work programs. It requires the convergence of certain technologies and techniques:

• Software that utilizes the public Internet for a robust visual/audio collaboration experience
• Hardware and other tools that deliver high-end performance and interaction
• True broadband infrastructure for asynchronous upload and download speeds
• Management techniques that rely on performance-based evaluations

To evaluate and report on this convergence and its adoption in both the private and public sectors, the Telework Consortium conducts pilot programs with select companies and agencies. The Consortium provides consulting in the areas of network, hardware, software, workflow, and workplace culture, as well as access to the latest collaboration software and other tools, to implement a robust telework/distributed work experience. In return, companies and agencies participating as pilots commit to performance measurements and data collection, and give their permission for much of this information to be made publicly available.

Pilot programs typically last six to 18 months. At the end of that time, companies and agencies determine the applicability and benefits of telework/distributed work to their business. They then assume the responsibility for continuing, expanding, or disbanding telework/distributed work within their organization.

Past work of the Telework Consortium has included consulting and pilots with:

• U.S. Treasury Department (TIGTA)
• U.S. Office of Civil Rights
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Blake Landscapes
• Vollmer Associates
• Frederick County Schools
• Washington Metropolitan Telework Centers
• NetTech Telework Center

For further information, see:

Interim report on select Telework Consortium pilots (Fall 2004)