Once upon a time, movie night meant traveling to the local video rental store and surveying the aisles in hopes of finding the newest release in stock. Today, the combination of rental DVD delivery services like Netflix and movies on demand from your cable or satellite provider has created an entirely new and relaxing way to enjoy movie nights. The rental store is now literally at your fingertips. Netflix delivers DVDs by mail to subscribers via a rental queue created online. The greatest part of these new rental services is that there are no late fees. Subscribers pay a monthly fee for Netflix or a per-movie fee for on-demand services; back-end operations are handled by the provider. There is no more worrying about if the movie is in stock.

Telecom expense management (TEM) has evolved in a similar fashion. Enterprises that once used premise-based TEM software to handle telecom and IT expense management are now seeing tremendous advantages in utilizing Software as a Service (SaaS). By using on-demand TEM software, companies no longer have to be concerned with loading vendor billing data or dealing with the complex changes of vendor data formats. In the past this was a common cause of failures within premise-based TEM software solutions because it prevented companies from viewing data at the highest level of billing detail. With an on-demand TEM solution, companies can see their data loaded within 24 hours of it being received by the TEM vendor. Companies can then dedicate their full resources to analyzing their billing data rather than managing it. This stress-free solution allows companies to sharpen their focus on revenue-generating activities.

The Opening Credits – Implementation

Most Hollywood summer blockbusters feature action right at the start of the movie, immediately captivating the audience. In the same way, using SaaS for a TEM solution provides rapid implementation times, yielding a much faster ROI. Traditionally, companies with a premise-based software solution lacked necessary telecom expense management experience. Their TEM initiatives were prone to errors from the start – errors that were compounded throughout the course of the TEM program. Just like a summer movie that lacks innovative special effects or a great storyline, their TEM initiatives were doomed to fail from the very beginning. These premise-based TEM software solutions failed to deliver significant ROI after companies made a substantial investment.

The combination of expert knowledge and far less complex software installation can mean smoother transitions and a decrease in the need for troubleshooting. Furthermore, because there is less need for client participation from a technical standpoint during implementation, SaaS TEM providers can offer a project timeframe with a good degree of accuracy and configure the system specific to each company’s dedicated hierarchy. This benefits both clients and service providers by removing uncertainty in the deployment schedule.

In addition, scalability is never an issue. Companies do not have to purchase additional servers or hardware to increase the amount of data that is stored. More importantly, companies do not have to be concerned with developing new processes to handle new data feeds. That is handled by the vendor on the back end and is transparent to end users, allowing them to focus on analyzing data, disputing costs, or running reports.

Preventing Bootlegs – Data and Security in an SaaS Environment

We all know of Hollywood’s struggle to prevent bootlegs, an effort that entails deploying powerful encryption to deter pirating. In much the same way, organizations in the past were reluctant to have data stored offsite for fear of a security breach. With the advent of IPSec VPNs, this roadblock has been removed.

IPSec VPNs offer an extremely high level of data encryption, coupled with hardened data centers that offer economies of scale. Vendors routinely back up data and send it to an offsite disaster recovery facility. Uptime and disaster recovery services are built into SLAs, ensuring that the client can be up and running quickly and that the vendor adheres to the highest level of security standards. While it is understandable that organizations want control, the reputation and feasibility of SaaS depend on treating data with extreme sensitivity.

The Production – Maintenance

With an SaaS solution, any problems that do occur can normally be fixed faster because of the centralized nature of the service. Software-based solutions frequently require an onsite visit, which naturally delays any troubleshooting attempt. SaaS solutions circumvent this delay and reduce downtime. Moreover, SaaS solutions generally have 24×7 monitoring and management, meaning maintenance issues can be quickly and efficiently addressed because the majority of equipment is centrally located. To achieve the same service speed with a software-based solution would require a set of expert technicians onsite, and the resulting cost would most likely be prohibitive.

System upgrades can be managed more easily with an SaaS solution than with a software-based solution. The TEM vendor manages the upgrade and rolls it out when ready, making the transition pain-free. Furthermore, with an SaaS solution, operational expenditures are fixed and predictable, which in turn aids in planning cash flow. With software-based solutions, operational expenditures can spike unpredictably when issues occur.

Data Analysis – The True Blockbuster

The bottom line is that, in the world of telecom expense management, SaaS solutions allow businesses to concentrate on revenue-generating activities and areas of their business that they do well. In areas where their knowledge is limited – such as TEM — businesses can turn over the responsibility to vendors who have real expertise. Once an organization has implemented an on-demand TEM solution, they instantly gain enhanced visibility to their telecom spend and are up and running in a matter of weeks versus six to 12 months. This enables companies to begin analyzing their data to make more informed purchasing decisions and identify areas where more cost-effective services can be utilized. By using an on-demand solution, organizations are no longer struggling with loading data and maintaining systems, but instead spending time on true telecom cost control by drilling deep into data they never had access to before.

Just as Netflix and on-demand movies have changed the way we rent films, SaaS for TEM has pulled back the curtain for a next-generation TEM solution. TEM vendors can utilize their expertise in processing electronic data to provide companies with a truly comprehensive TEM solution that presents data accurately in a secure, easy-to-use interface. While software-based solutions provide companies with the comfort level of perceived control, a TEM environment offers true control, with the ability to analyze detailed data that can generate consistent savings. And that makes for the classic happy Hollywood ending.

Managing terrorism threats can be very daunting challenge for most business directors. Especially as most business owners and directors have little if any formal security training to fall back on. Herein lies the problem.

As a company director you have a legal responsibility under the corporate manslaughter laws to ensure the safety of your paid employees.

Terrorism experts advise all business directors to take a proactive response to implementing security awareness and staff training to counter terrorism threats to your business. Imagine for one moment you are one of several business directors running a company and you send one of your sales representatives overseas to win a business order.

Your business becomes a terrorism targets and your representative is kidnapped and held for ransom. You have various options including paying the ransom, which is typically cost prohibited unless you have kidnap for ransom insurance.

Let’s just imagine for one moment you don’t have the money to pay the ransom and the jihad terrorism kidnappers execute your sales representative as a warning to other businesses.

If you can’t prove you prepared your sales representative for his or her overseas business trip by ensuring they attended certified security awareness and/or a counter kidnapping training programme. Then you and your fellow directors will be sued under corporate manslaughter laws.

One of the major problems facing business directors is that they have no idea where to start when it comes to terrorism threats, terrorism targets, terrorism incidents, terrorism acts, security and implementing a plan for countering terrorism.

Every terrorism expert I know recognises that businesses, especially small to medium size businesses present as soft terrorism targets. It is also considered good practice by any terrorism expert skilled in countering business related terrorism to advise business directors to produce their own internal threat management unit or TMU as it’s known in the terrorism expert industry.

#1 Organise A Threat Management Unit (TMU)

Organising a TMU need not be a time consuming or expensive endeavour. In its basic format a small business TMU consists of the business owner and a security expert or a terrorism expert.

The terrorism expert conducts security research relevant to your specific business and then collates all the available business intelligence relating to terrorism threats, terrorism acts, jihad terrorism or any other terror incidents.

The terrorism expert then designs a specific security plan for countering terrorism which your business implements and updates as and when the terrorism expert recommends. Most terrorism experts also recommend the TMU organises a series of certified security awareness and kidnap awareness training programmes.

#2 Design A Business Continuity Plan

Designing a business continuity plan is usually one of the first steps suggested by the terrorism expert tasked with producing a TMU for your business.

I’ve included a hypothetical example, i.e. Management Training Company Business Continuity Following A Critical Incident

The Issue

The tragic events of Post Sept’ 11th, in particular July 7th 2005 in London, should make all HR managers think carefully about how prepared their business is for any type of critical incident.

We are all conducting business in uncertain times. Protecting the future of the firm has to be the number one priority for every business manager.

The Problem

Statistics suggest that almost half (46%) of London businesses do not have a business continuity plan in place.

This means that those directly impacted, suffering a major or even a minor loss may find it impossible to continue to trade, particularly if they do not have terrorism insurance cover.

Source: Vanson Bourne research, October 2004

Critical Incident Downside

80% of all businesses affected by serious incidents never re-open, or close within 18 months. Business interruption hits companies in Customer Relationships. Cash Flow. Reputation. Staff Moral. Understanding incidents like fire, flood or computer failure, highlight where long term damage is done.

Firm – Too Small For A Business Continuity Plan?

The smaller your business, the more important it is to have a contingency plan in place. Any incident, no matter how small, is capable of impacting your business & profitability.

The size of any continuity plan will depend on the risks facing each business – it will be as large or as small as needed.

Small Businesses Hit Harder

The impact of any critical incident is likely to be more pronounced for SME’s. The majority of SME’s operate in specialised markets with limited product ranges & relatively small customer bases.

Any short interruption to business can have a disproportionate effect, totally halting output & leaving customers high & dry. Source: AXA Insurance.

What Is Continuity Planning

It’s about anticipating crises that could befall a business & planning for them. It sets out clear roles & responsibilities. It states who takes charge of specific roles. It lists a series of contingencies. Details clear emergency procedures to ensure risks to staff are minimised.

Business Continuity Plan

A business continuity plan sets out clear roles and responsibilities, for example those assigned to manage all liaison with Customers. Employees. Emergency services. It lists a series of contingencies that enable key business activities to continue in the most difficult circumstances.

Threats To A Business

Examples of threats to a business are…

A vital computer system is unavailable. Critical process machinery is damaged. Loss of key employees. The building, or part of the building, cannot be accessed, and… Suppliers are unable to deliver.

Common Small Business Disasters

Fire/Flood Computer telecoms failure
Key equipment failure
People issues – illness, resignation, maternity leave
Denial of access to premises
Product defects
Bomb – terrorism threats
Legal regulatory action
Utilities failure
Negative press or media coverage

Commercial Benefit Of A Continuity Plan

There is also the commercial benefit to consider. Companies with business continuity plans are more attractive to do business with.

For example

Large businesses that rely on the outsourced services of third parties will prefer to work with suppliers who have a Business Continuity Plan in place.

Business Continuity Summary

80% of all businesses affected by serious incidents never re-open, or close within 18 months. 46% of London businesses do not have a business continuity plan in place.

Less than 20% of London Businesses have a dedicated team to handle a major incident.

Barely a quarter (13%) of SMEs said they had managed to test their business continuity plans.

Insurers are now seriously looking at how a business, plans for a major incident before insuring them.

If you are going for the Telecom expense management then it is for sure that you will have an objective of availing maximum savings out of it. If you deal with a company which is well capable of providing adequate Telecom expense management services then it is well and good. Otherwise, sooner or later you decide to go for another company after getting disappointed by the services that have been offered to you. If you are encountering a similar type of situation after receiving a disappointing show by your company then you need not to worry about it. If you are not finding the right path by moving on to which you can achieve the success then you are certainly at the right place. If you want to revive your enterprise with a positive move and wish to work on your cost savings in the most effective manner then it is advisable to go with Ezwim’s Telecom expense management services. If you are hearing the name of this company for the first time then it is obvious that the first question that arises in your mind will be: What is so special with the services offered by Ezwim that you should deal with it. If you really want to get the answer to this question then go through the below mentioned points .You will easily understand why it is so significant for you to deal with this company. Ezwim is a company which is present in this sector for a long time. Untill now numerous organizations and enterprises have been benefited through the excellent services offered by it. It is a company which is specialized in controlling telecom usage and spending in the most ideal fashion. In addition to Telecom expense management services it is also a premier choice for the enterprises when it comes to operator services. It is a fact that no person or enterprise prefers to go with any company without any fruitful reason. The same is with Ezwim as well. This company is maintaining its strong reputation in the market since a long time because it shows the real devotion towards its customers. This is common with most of the companies that after attaining a good position in the market do not give a lot of attention to their customers. This is not the case with Ezwim. Some of the reasons which make this company the most feasible choice are mentioned below: 1. Goodwill in the market: this company possesses a very strong goodwill in the market. They have a very long list of happy and satisfied customers (organizations and enterprises). While looking for the Telecom expense management services this company is the undisputed leader of the market. 2. Affordable: the Telecom expense management services are offered by this company at a very reasonable cost. For your assurance you can make a survey of whole market. No company will offer you excellent quality service at the most affordable prices as offered by Ezwim. 3. Unmatched customer support: if you are a customer of Ezwim then there is no space for the words like disappointment, late response, etc. All you require is to make a deal with Ezwim’s Telecom expense management services and you need not to worry about your telecom costs after that.