Timing Five to ten years ago, when telecommuting was being heavily touted, the technology was nowhere near as powerful as it is today. People were trying to work out of their homes, relying on 386 and 486 computers with 14.4 kbs modems to connect them to the rest of the world. It was a movement before its time, before the technology was really able to deliver, and that early failure has left a sour taste in a lot of mouths. But now we have 56 kbs modems, faster computers, and cable modems are showing up. The infrastructure for telecommuting is almost ready, so it's time to re-examine this concept.
Telecommuting is still a good idea.
It is feasible, and it is practical for some jobs. First, let's examine the types of jobs that can actually be done this way. But many jobs out there require very little personal interaction. Their work generally doesn't require much interaction with fellow workers, and it is all digital. Bookkeepers and accountants could easily operate the same way, as could paralegal assistants and researchers.