Telecom ExpenseManagementBlogs

Explore our TEM blogs for expert perspective, real examples, and clear guidance to manage telecom and technology expenses confidently, with fresh insights added routinely.

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What is Telecom Expense Management Anyway?

What is Telecom Expense Management Anyway?

Apr 4, 2011

Essentially, it is an all encompassing term that refers to the overall monitoring and handling of wireless, voice, and data assets for your company. This is a process you can do yourself, via a web-based platform like Clearview, or you can partner with a firm like Valicom to do these services for you. Whoever does it, in plain language, it means gathering all of your telecom bills and looking for overcharges through a telecom audit, searching for contract violations, finding ways to save money, and negotiating directly with vendors to get a better deal.

RIM Dives into the Tablet Market with the Playbook

RIM Dives into the Tablet Market with the Playbook

Mar 31, 2011

The faltering Blackberry maker RIM (Research in Motion) has thrown their hat in the tablet ring with the release of their new Playbook. As more firms and individuals move away from the recently ubiquitous “Crackberry” for business use, the addition of a tablet to their product stable is a move intended to keep RIM relevant in the market. But will it work?

Using Your “Almost New” iPad as a Doorstop

Using Your “Almost New” iPad as a Doorstop

Mar 18, 2011

Not that I have one, mind you, because personally I’m rather cheap. But if I did have an original iPad, I’d probably be pretty grumpy right now as the new ones came out at the same price point as the one you might have purchased at Best Buy the day before.

Using Telecom Software to Project and Manage Telecom Savings

Using Telecom Software to Project and Manage Telecom Savings

Mar 15, 2011

Data provides the basis for Telecom and IT professionals to “make better decisions faster”. When I managed data centers and telecom activities in the past, management usually looked at the IT and telecom function as a necessary evil and an overhead department that detracts from the bottom line profits. IT and telecom can always find something to spend money on. New computers, servers, wireless devices, infrastructure upgrades, etc. Some companies treat these functions as enabling their profits and allowing them to grow through technology.

Wireless Cost Management for Healthcare

Wireless Cost Management for Healthcare

Mar 10, 2011

The HFMA newsletter had a great article calling out the need for wireless expense management in its latest issue. This is a challenge we see as well, with our healthcare clients. Industry stats show that healthcare spending on telecommunications is expected to increase by 44 percent over the next three years, approaching a cost of $12.4 billion by 2013. As newer and faster smartphones and tablets hit the market, monthly fees and data plans increase, and vendors merge and maneuver, the complexity of managing wireless gets harder every year.

Wireless Visibility: Wireless Expense Management Reporting

Wireless Visibility: Wireless Expense Management Reporting

Mar 7, 2011

Many medium to large organizations utilize a variety of mobile management software and wireless inventory solutions whether purchased or created internally. Specifically on the Wireless side, we see many of those companies strive to provide the managers and directors with the ability to see wireless information of the employees under their leadership, using their expense management tools.

The Day the Device Died: Telecom Inventory Management

The Day the Device Died: Telecom Inventory Management

Feb 25, 2011

How Do You Know When Your Device Died?One of the key challenges of telecom has always been Telecom Inventory Management. When did you get this thing and when did you disconnect it. It’s pretty important to keep track of that or your John Doe iPhone may end up in a drawer.

Telecom Expense Management Takes Valicom to Enterprise Connect

Telecom Expense Management Takes Valicom to Enterprise Connect

Feb 23, 2011

As anyone in the telecommunications industry knows, the old VoiceCon, now Enterprise Connect, is a great opportunity to visit vendors, learn new trends and hear some of the top minds in the industry deliver keynote addresses.

The Importance of an Accurate Telecom Inventory in Cutting Costs

The Importance of an Accurate Telecom Inventory in Cutting Costs

Feb 15, 2011

AOTMP, a telecom expense management industry association, released a research report today showing that accurate inventory of telecom assets generate nearly 400% in audit and optimization savings. After twenty years in the telecom auditing business, we would agree with those numbers. The challenge of tracking assets for both fixed and wireless services is a growing problem.

Are there “Values” in Telecom? What are your values?

Are there “Values” in Telecom? What are your values?

Feb 11, 2011

The traditional approach for some enterprise level companies has been to outsource Telecom Expense Management (TEM) to TEM providers. While companies search TEM expertise in Mobile Management and Telecom expense control, how much research do companies actually do to ensure that their potential partner has values that are aligned?

How Telecom Expense Management Software Benefits Telecom Consultants

How Telecom Expense Management Software Benefits Telecom Consultants

Feb 10, 2011

This post outlines out telecom expense management software, combined with business coaching and training, can increase profits and maximize efficiency for telecom consultants – whether they are already doing telecom auditing, or just want to start. So read the article, then request a demo of Clearview to find out more.

Wireless Optimization. Corporate vs. Individual liable?

Wireless Optimization. Corporate vs. Individual liable?

Feb 7, 2011

What does Wireless Optimization mean for your company? Is this just one of many telecom cost reduction techniques, or just a part of telecommunication expenses? Is cellular optimization important?In short, its all of the above if you want to reduce your telecom costs and achieve control over the assets. However you respond to these questions, the fact remains that most companies need a process to guide the organization on what to purchase, how to purchase, what cost restrictions apply, who owns the telephone, the telephone number, and the expense.

Wireless Wars: Round 2, Additional Savings Offered by AT&T

Wireless Wars: Round 2, Additional Savings Offered by AT&T

Feb 3, 2011

With the new Android mobile phones on AT&T, starting in mid-February, they will be offering their Mobile Hotspot, beginning with the launch of the HTC Inspire 4G. Because they know the hotspot feature this will lead to an increase in data use per account, they also are doubling the cap on tethering from 2GB to 4GB, at no extra charge.

Telecom Cost Control Tip: AT&T to match Verizon’s unlimited data plans

Telecom Cost Control Tip: AT&T to match Verizon’s unlimited data plans

Jan 31, 2011

As might be expected in the wireless cost wars, AT&T is moving to lower costs for their existing out-of-contract subscribers, to better protect them from poaching by Verizon. Not that they are buying billboards in Times Square to announce this, according to ZDNet.

Mergers and Acquisitions: Be Proactive!

Mergers and Acquisitions: Be Proactive!

Jan 28, 2011

In telecommunications we know there are an endless stream of merger and acquisitions with vendors (a couple very recently). This can create a lot of potential headaches, but it’s also important to leverage these events as opportunities when looking for cost savings.

Web-based TEM provides greater access, no disruption

Web-based TEM provides greater access, no disruption

Jan 25, 2011

When considering adding a software tool to your existing telecom expense reduction activities, make sure to include web-based SaaS options in your evaluation. Only in the past couple of years have TEM software solutionsbeen offered in a hosted model over the Internet.

What CFOs Want from IT and Telecom Managers

What CFOs Want from IT and Telecom Managers

Jan 25, 2011

What strikes me is how much of this can apply directly to telecom cost control, which is our specialty. Not that it doesn’t make sense. I mean, that is what a CFO is for. They’re like your Dad telling you that you only get your allowance if you spend it on the apple instead of the candy bar. Or buying a book instead of a new video game. The finance people are the gatekeepers for the budget. And this is what they want from their IT and Telecom managers, help keeping the financial house in order. And here’s how they want you to do it…

Telecom Expense Management Firm Valicom Celebrates 20 Years of Client Savings

Telecom Expense Management Firm Valicom Celebrates 20 Years of Client Savings

Jan 20, 2011

Telecom auditing and expense management firm Valicom celebrates a landmark anniversary, having helped clients control telecom costs for twenty years. Founded in January 1991 as a certified woman-owned business (WBE) , Valicom has worked with SMBs and enterprise clients to reduce telecom expenses, gain control over telecom inventory and process and pay telecom invoices. Having launched their telecom expense management software Clearview in 2010, they look forward to their next phase of growth utilizing Clearview to assist IT and telecom consultants in building robust telecom expense management practices of their own.

Explore the Benefits of Utilizing Consultant-Specific TEM Software

Explore the Benefits of Utilizing Consultant-Specific TEM Software

Jan 6, 2011

This is a follow-up to my previous blog entitled “Helpful Features Provided By Consultant-Specific TEM Systems” and the sixth in a series of blogs that discusses the needs for TEM software in the consultant marketplace and the benefits of utilizing telecom expense management tools for telecom and IT consultants.

Helpful Features Provided By Consultant-Specific TEM System

Helpful Features Provided By Consultant-Specific TEM System

Dec 22, 2010

This is a follow-up to my previous blog entitled “Helpfulness of Telecom Auditing and TEM Software Tool For Consultants” and the fifth in a series of blogs that outline the results of Valicom’s telecom consultant survey sent out to telecom consultants in August, 2010. The blog series also discusses the benefits of utilizing telecom expense management tools for telecom and IT consultants.

The Wonders of Telecom Auditing and TEM Software for Consultants

The Wonders of Telecom Auditing and TEM Software for Consultants

Dec 8, 2010

This is a follow-up to my previous blog entitled “Tracking Systems Used By Telecom Consultants Today” and the fourth in a series of blogs that outline the results of Valicom’s telecom consultant survey that was sent out to a nationwide group of independent telecom consultants in August, 2010 on this subject.