InformationWeek

January 29, 2001

Technology At Home

Susan Ayers Walker and Rob Walker,
Walker Research

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ombine nature's beauty with a full complement of networking and computing gear, and what do you get? The treehouse aerie of Susan Ayers Walker and Rob Walker, who run their Walker Research high-tech consulting business from twin offices in their showcase home in Atherton, Calif. The house comprises two buildings connected by a glass-enclosed walkway. Half of the home is elevated and built around towering trees.

Photos by Richard Morgenstein The three computers in the home are networked via 10/100-Mbps Ethernet and connected to the outside world by ISDN, which "is like dial tone it's been so reliable," says Ayers Walker, who wired the house herself with cable for the LAN. Even the home's decks and pool have computer hookups. ISDN also powers the couple's phone and fax lines. But the most essential technology element is the Internet, Ayers Walker says: It means "being able to connect to people in many ways. Both of us probably work more because we save the time [commuting]."

Then again, their work-days and workspaces are flexible--and they find the majestic setting relaxing.

--John Rendleman

Photos by Richard Morgenstein

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