Your recommendations for telecommuting

From 1000 miles away...

[akmac]

In 2010 I am going to be spending approximately 3/4 of year away from my "work office" and am looking for tips on setting up my "home office".

As most of you are familiar with, the majority of webmastering (ecommerce specifically) can be done with a computer and phone, but I'm keenly interested in hearing tips from those of you who have done this.

Specifically, how did you set up your phone system? I'll need the functionality of transferring calls back and-forth between these two locations. Can you accomplish this with any of the lower cost VOIP options? (ooma or vonage)

Any and all tips/best practices appreciated!

[lorax]

Skype?

[aspdaddy]

Redirect your office landline to your mobile, then it doesnt matter where you are or which number people call you on.

[trillianjedi]

I'll need the functionality of transferring calls back and-forth between these two locations. Can you accomplish this with any of the lower cost VOIP options? (ooma or vonage)

I would take a look at either Asterisk (if you wan't to set it up yourself) or a hosted PBX provider. You'd be able to connect in from wherever with a software phone client or dial in via a local access number.

That'll give you the xfer functionality which you can't get from Skype (which otherwise is an outright winner for remote working).

[buckworks]

Invest in a really good chair that you can adjust to ergonomic perfection.

[akmac]

Thanks for the replies so far! I'm a bit worried about the call quality with skype. Many of my calls are customers calling the toll free # to order or ask a question-so I don't want to sound like I'm a few countries away...

Can anyone comment from experience on the differing call quality between VOIP providers? (skype, vonage, ooma, etc?)

I'm looking at Asterisk (Thanks TJ!) and Talkswitch (Thanks RB!) for the call transfer functionality.

I'm hoping to avoid recurring phone bills and license fees, which is why I'm considering ooma and have signed up for google voice- so our toll free # can ring at either my work office, home office or cell...

I guess I'll finally have to get a cellphone.

Good idea on the comfy chair Buckworks-what do you use? Aeron? Other home office necessities? I have a fax/scan/printer and a stapler. I don't drink coffee so I won't need a mug...