The challenge of telecommunications – like many technology-driven markets – is keeping up with the pace of change. Most IT departments have many fish to fry, and nowadays most are increasingly focused on their customers and the end-user experience. A focus on telecom comes and goes with the flow of internal IT priorities.
Often, over the course of time as companies grow, change and evolve, telecom services are bolted on. Services become disparate and outdated. The result: your infrastructure is not optimized and communications costs have escalated. So what should you do now? Here’s a three-step road map to get you on your way:
Get a firm understanding of your current services.
If you have a multi-location network, be sure to inventory all sites for all services. Compare all services with your current invoices and contracts for discrepancies. If you have a relatively complex network, you will likely find services you’re paying for, but don’t have. Get a bandwidth utilization report for each location and conduct a performance and capacity review. Identify any billing mistakes, overlapping services, and over-under used services.
Get a firm understanding of your contractual status with all carriers.
It is imperative to understand all existing contracts inside and out. What are your commitments? Do termination fees apply if you simply change services? What are the contract end dates for all things telecom whether it be voice, data, mobility, or your VoIP phone system.
Develop a formal contract and telecom service strategy.
Now that you understand your current state, what do you want your future state to be, and what opportunities exist – within fiscal reason – how do you get there? Can one provider do it all, or is mix and match better suited for your needs? Within a multi-location network, some sites may have limited carrier options and sub-optimal pricing points. Sometimes mix and match can get you the best price and the most functionality. If one provider can give you what you want and you know you have the proper price point, is one invoice appealing, or is it easier to apply services to the proper cost center and therefore have multiple invoices?
Of course, solution identification and procurement is the next step, but this is a good start to help achieve many benefits such as:
Value creation within telecom can be elusive in the face of complex technologies and varied choices. Needless to say, it can be frustrating and time consuming. However, we can help you realize significant savings, increased productivity, and a well-defined business plan for peace of mind.
The Telecom and Data landscapes are always changing. Let us walk through those changes with you.
Trivatech Group.
888-352-6563
Triva Tech Group 517.657.4020 