An online survey, conducted by Telework Exchange and Research in Motion, of 127 Federal information technology (IT) decision-makers says that telework has become a significant IT purchasing factor, with 52 percent reporting that they always consider telework requirements when making IT infrastructure investments. The respondents represent 70 Federal agencies, all of which have a telework program.

The study, "What's in Your Portfolio? Federal Telework Investment Roadmap," also found that telework budgets for technology purchases will continue to grow, with 68 percent expecting an increase in the next two years. Civilian agency respondents predict that IT spending will rise by 17 percent over that time period, while Department of Defense respondents expect a 15 percent spending increase.

Currently, agencies spend 21 percent of their telework IT budgets on desktops and laptops; 16 percent on smart phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs); 14 percent on software; 14 percent on network infrastructure; and 12 percent IT security solutions. Respondents don't expect any change in those allocations between now and 2010.

Seventy-two percent of respondents say that smart phones are important elements of a complete IT solution, which was higher than e-mail, instant messaging, access to support the agency's Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans, and remote access to desktop applications.

The study noted that agencies could continue moving forward with telework-friendly technology investments by creating a telework line item in their budget submissions. Further, to help foster long-term success and funding support, government officials should align and report on budgets to better support the needs of a growing telework workforce and by establishing common agency-wide telework IT investments and ROI measurement frameworks.

Readers who are interested in learning more about the survey findings can view "What's in Your Portfolio? Federal Telework Investment Roadmap" in its entirety here.