Government agencies and organizations worried about teleworkers missing calls at the office can rest easy – technology is available that allows remote workers to bring their office phone features to their smartphones.

Agencies and organizations can use products like the BlackBerry Mobile Voice System to provide employees one phone number and a consistent caller ID to help their employees manage business calls easily. This system not only enhances productivity but also increases accountability and extends accessibility. Employees have the option to view incoming calls to their desktop phone on their smartphone, resulting in fewer missed calls when working outside the agency's office. In addition, employees are able to make calls from their smartphones that are identified as originating from their desktop phone, providing greater flexibility in and out of the workplace.

Further benefits include the ability to switch from a desktop phone to a smartphone during a call to allow employees to continue conversations even if they are en route to a meeting. Similar to a desktop phone, the system allows call transfers and call filtering. A single voice mailbox handles office and mobile calls, unifying messages to help employees stay organized and responsive.

As the H1N1 pandemic threat looms, organizations must take time to review their business continuity plans, making sure to incorporate telework in preparation for a prolonged absence from the office. Technology such as the Mobile Voice System can help – allowing employees to work remotely, continue business as usual, and meet mission-critical objectives without ever missing a call.

Worried about security risks? BlackBerry notes that the Mobile Voice System is designed to prevent unauthorized access to an organization's or agency's private branch exchange. In addition, the system offers IT policies to regulate incoming and outgoing calls, implement security measures, and audit telephony activities, providing a secure phone network for all. BlackBerry provides one central location to oversee and control smartphone usage and provides IT administrators' peace of mind through authentication and call logging.

Telework continues to gain momentum as employers and employees realize the myriad benefits – relieving traffic-congested commutes, reducing the burden of increasing gas prices on employees, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, improving work/life balance, business continuity, and organization-wide real estate savings. Today, with the numerous developments in technology, organizations are more empowered to expand their telework programs and further realize these benefits. With its advanced security features, wireless administration, and centralized management, the BlackBerry Mobile Voice System is designed to give organizations and their employees the flexibility they need to be successful teleworkers.