Companies are advancing digital and IT transformation strategies by virtualizing infrastructure and operations.

Why not go all the way and figure out how to make the workforce a virtualized assetIn the United States, about 170 companies already operate 100% virtually, according to a CNBC report, based on data from FlexJobs, an online platform specializing in remote and flexible employment.

True, that a relatively small number compared to the approximately 6 million businesses in the United States that are not considered to be small businesses.

But it a start and an increase from 26 in 2014.