One strategy agencies are increasingly using to achieve such efficiencies is to extend the benefits of centralized databases, mainframes and servers to employees and customers in remote locations around Oregon. Over 200 state, local and federal government agencies and educational institutions have used Video and Online Services' dial-up network to provide remote access to computer networks and databases while protecting the security of these vital resources. The Racing Commission is an example of a small agency that uses Online Services to expand its electronic resources far beyond what it could afford on its own. The commission uses OLS to access the Internet, to host its web page, to access the DAS mainframe for payroll purposes and to enable staff in the field to access the state's WAN and the computing resources of their main office. Large agencies use the OLS dial-up network for a variety of purposes.
State Police use the service to connect smaller, remote sites to Salem.
DHR uses OLS services to enable 230 staff to remotely access DHR's network. Agencies like using the dial-up network and its associated services for the many reasons. They can share a single dial-up network instead of managing their own modem pool and network. They have a flexible, single point of billing for multiple users. It also gives them an opportunity to experiment with telecommuting.