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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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TEM Provides Critical Insights for Finance Teams

TEM Provides Critical Insights for Finance Teams

Nov 11, 2019

Communications services are one of the top expenses for many companies, a trend that looks like it will only continue to expand. With the exponential growth of data and mobility, the number of mobile users has passed that of desk-bound computer users.

Several factors are at play here. For one thing, mobile broadband networks and cloud computing have changed the way that data and systems are accessed. This makes it possible for users to stay connected all the time from wherever they travel. With the Internet of Things (IoT) expanding into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), whole industries are going mobile to check, update and otherwise interact with an increasingly complex infrastructure.

This evolution has made it essential to strategically manage all of this technology — a task which includes stewardship of the related finances. Finance decision makers have to carefully weigh cost containment against the needs of the organization to maintain reliable communications networks. Transparency and accountability are key factors for finance executives looking for quality data to inform budget decisions and cost analyses. That’s where Telecom Expense Management comes in. TEM is designed to improve the visibility of data and assist the finance team when it comes to putting money in the right places.

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When Are Free Cloud Tools Worth It?

When Are Free Cloud Tools Worth It?

Nov 4, 2019

Sure, you need to be on the cloud. We all understand that at this point. The harder question to answer is, which cloud should you use? There are so many options that it can be more than a little overwhelming. You want a good service that is worth what you spend, so how do you narrow your options?

The best starting point is to look at free cloud. As you suspect, free cloud services offer a lot less than their paid counterparts, but when you understand the primary differences, you get a chance to really compare services and find what works best for your business. These are the four times free cloud services are the best choice.

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9 Tech Trends 2026 Reshaping Modern Business

9 Tech Trends 2026 Reshaping Modern Business

Oct 21, 2019

Tech trends 2026 are redefining how businesses operate, compete, and manage technology costs at every level. Learn more about telecom expense management and how staying ahead of tech trends 2026 directly impacts your organization's infrastructure and cost management...

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What Technology is Becoming Obsolete in Your Lifetime?

What Technology is Becoming Obsolete in Your Lifetime?

Oct 7, 2019

New technologies often emerge slowly, existing alongside current ones. For example, in the field of communications, the telegraph didn’t make the postal system obsolete. People just used them for different purposes. Similarly, newspapers used telegraphs to send and receive urgent information from reporters in the field. However, political commentary and human interest stories could be transmitted more affordably via the post office. Today, disruptive technologies do often immediate make older tech obsolete. Let’s look at a few examples of technologies that may become obsolete in our lifetimes.

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The Future of Enterprise Data Centers

The Future of Enterprise Data Centers

Sep 30, 2019

For over half a century, enterprise data centers have been stored and processed vital information for businesses. Though they have evolved with every technological advancement throughout the years, these technical environments are finally feeling the effects of disruption in the technology world.

Due to changes in areas such as hardware/software, telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), and operations, traditional data centers are being forced to keep up in order to continue playing such a huge part in data management. The question, of course, is this: what do the infrastructure and operations managers need to do in order to set their enterprise data centers up for success in the future?

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Can Authentication Innovations Protect Your Systems?

Can Authentication Innovations Protect Your Systems?

Sep 23, 2019

In the digital age, information security is often the most important aspect of your business. It’s easy to feel out of your depth, but these issues have to be faced. One of the biggest sources of information breaches or data theft is users within a company. You have great employees, but the majority of them are not computer security experts. In order to help them avoid some of the most costly mistakes, you want built-in protection in all of your computers and systems. That is where some of the latest innovations in user authentication can help.

 

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Vital Tips for Negotiating IT Payments

Vital Tips for Negotiating IT Payments

Sep 16, 2019

New software is important in every industry. Every year, businesses across the world are spending millions to upgrade their tools and improve their bottom line. But, the very notion of upgrading software has evolved in recent years.

Software as a service (SaaS) is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to achieve enterprise resources without having to make long-term investments that lose value over time. There’s likely more than one SaaS option for your business that holds massive promise. If you really want to investigate SaaS as a means to improving revenue streams, you’re going to have to tackle payment negotiations. This is your introductory guide.

 

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Quantum Computing: The Future of Data Security

Quantum Computing: The Future of Data Security

Sep 9, 2019

Quantum computing technologies may soon provide protection from “mega-hacks” that expose huge amounts of sensitive information, like credit card numbers, health records, and high-value intellectual property. These costly cyber attacks put pressure on military, governments, institutions, and businesses to develop new ways to keep data secure during transmission.

This article explains what quantum computing is and how it is reshaping the data security landscape. Quantum entanglement, super-positioning, and quantum key distribution (QKD) are also reviewed in order to show how quantum information science can be used to create ultra-safe networks.

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The Real Cost of Encryption Gaps

The Real Cost of Encryption Gaps

Sep 3, 2019

Network security is still one of the most important and most challenging aspects of running a modern business. Sensitive data is everywhere, and there are a lot of nefarious groups that can make huge money from stealing it. Chances are that you’ve already made some pretty big investments to protect your business from such leaks, but there’s a major issue that is overlooked by most companies today: encryption gaps.

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Managing Tech Debt: 6 Strategies to Streamline IT Spending

Managing Tech Debt: 6 Strategies to Streamline IT Spending

Aug 26, 2019

Managing tech debt is one of the most critical — and most overlooked — disciplines in modern IT financial management. Learn more about telecom expense management and how the same structured approach that controls telecom costs applies directly to understanding and...

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The Perfect Recipe for Savings on Technology

The Perfect Recipe for Savings on Technology

Aug 12, 2019

What is the perfect recipe for TEM? Valicom has been perfecting their TEM software and services for over 28 years and have broke it down into four simple steps for you. 1. Outline all IT assets 2. Disconnect and remove wasted inventory 3. Track contracts and and invoices 4. Identify and eliminate late fees and errors, saving time and money!

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Pop Quiz! What Are Your Next Steps for TEM?

Pop Quiz! What Are Your Next Steps for TEM?

Aug 5, 2019

If you are looking for ways to increase productivity and save money, taking the next step toward better telecom and technology management is the perfect way to do so. What are the next steps you ask? Well, it really depends on your organization, your specific environment and needs, and your previous experience with telecom and technology expense management.

Our “Next Steps for TEM” Quiz is a great place to start in figuring this out!

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5 Reasons to Deploy Professional Cloud Expense Management

5 Reasons to Deploy Professional Cloud Expense Management

Jul 29, 2019

Is your company managing its Cloud infrastructure like a standard data center? In other words, is the IT department purchasing capacity but failing to scale the infrastructure up or down to address changing performance needs?

Although companies using the Cloud may be implementing tools essential for ensuring systems are functioning properly, they are neglecting to utilize other tools designed to take complete advantage of the Cloud’s inherent flexibility and affordability. Consequently, these companies frequently come to the conclusion that the Cloud is “too expensive” and replace it with a system that is actually more expensive than the Cloud.

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Benefits of Leasing Technology Equipment for Your Business

Benefits of Leasing Technology Equipment for Your Business

Jul 22, 2019

Technology equipment leasing is one of the smartest financial strategies available to business owners looking to stay competitive without overextending their budgets. Learn more about telecom expense management solutions and how smart technology investment decisions...

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Why In-House Detection Is the Most Important Part of Cybersecurity

Why In-House Detection Is the Most Important Part of Cybersecurity

Jul 15, 2019

Network security is important, but you already know that. For any business, the risk of exposing protected data is always one of the great fears. Big, impressive companies have fallen from grace over data breaches, and it can feel impossible to remain safe.

One of the reasons the battle is so uphill is because the biggest threat to your security is not external. Your own vetted users are the greatest obstacle between you and safe data. Today, you’re going to see strong examples to highlight this point and learn how to nip the problem in the bud.

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The Impact of AI on the Telecom Industry

The Impact of AI on the Telecom Industry

Jun 17, 2019

When you hear AI, do you still think of a beyond the scope of reality science fiction movie? Or maybe you think about that Will Smith movie? Interestingly enough, AI, or artificial intelligence, plays a much larger role in our lives than we may realize.

Not only is AI being used by businesses to streamline workflow, but individuals are using it personally everyday. Ever heard of Alexa by Amazon? Digital voice assistants, such as Alexa or Google Home, have built-in AI technology to interact with consumers, without the users having to lift a finger.

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Should You Still Be Spending Money on Faxes?

Should You Still Be Spending Money on Faxes?

Jun 10, 2019

Part of keeping a budget is figuring out what parts of your business are pulling their weight and which areas can afford to trim some fat. For IT, that often comes down to equipment and services. If you’re spending money on something you don’t use, it might be time to cut it from your life. For too many businesses, fax machines sit somewhere in limbo. They still get used, but can you really justify the money? You’re about to get solid answers to that question.

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Tips for Switching Networking Tech With Less Disruption

Tips for Switching Networking Tech With Less Disruption

Jun 3, 2019

Networking technology is changing fast. In fact, there are four new technologies that are frequently beyond called ‘disruptive’ networking. That doesn’t mean they interrupt your communications. Instead, the term refers to how they are completely changing the game. Eventually, every enterprise network is going to be adopting some or all of these tools, and companies need a clean strategy to adopt them without making them disruptive to business operations.

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