One in four U.S. employees will telecommute in 2001, according to research firm Cahners In Stat Group. Cisco Systems and communications services provider Verizon have teamed to make it easier to work from home by offering high-speed "teleworking" services. These will run on Cisco equipment and be delivered via IP-enabled networks from Verizon.

The services will be designed for Fortune 1000 and government organizations needing the same degree and quality of network access at home that they have in the office, Cisco said in its announcement of the partnership. Initial marketing will target to financial services companies in particular. Cisco says it will promote benefits of telecommuting services, such as increased productivity, improved morale, lower real estate costs, and lowered stress on the environment and individual health.

Eric Bruno, vice president of IP offer management for Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group, said in the announcement. "These programs can increase productivity and decrease costs, while assisting employees with balancing work-life issues, such as child or elder care, excessive commuting times, or continuing their education."

Under the terms of the partnership, Cisco will provide platforms designed specifically for home-office applications, such as equipment from the Cisco 800 and SOHO Series DSL and integrated services digital network (ISDN) product lines. Verizon will provide IP network transport and applications focusing on DSL and ISDN communications and connectivity technologies.