Cox Business Services said it has reached a new milestone by offering virtual private network (VPN) services in 17 markets, including Phoenix, New Orleans and Virginia Beach. Previously, teleworkers had to be located in a Cox service area to access the company's VPN services.

Cox Business Services, the commercial division of Cox Communications, said its software-based VPN approach eliminates truck rolls, allowing teleworkers to access corporate intranets, network systems and to share files remotely.

Those customers can access Cox's VPN service via dial-up, cable modem or DSL connections.