Training for a marathon requires athletes to diligently condition their bodies to run 26.2 miles, which can be incredibly intimidating for some individuals. It begins with increasing your stamina and improving your efficiency by planning runs where your distance gradually increases in intervals, until you can reach your optimal goal: completing the marathon. By focusing on your stamina and efficiency, you are less likely to suffer injuries, burn out from fatigue and fail to complete the race.

Although not physically intimidating, choosing a TEM solution can be a straining and confusing process that requires similar discipline. Since Gartner coined the term telecom expense management (TEM) a few years ago, TEM solutions have gained considerable momentum, along with considerable complexity. This added complexity has led to growing frustrations in the marketplace because the fundamentals of a TEM solution are often being overlooked. Much like stamina and efficiency – the fundamental pillars of running a marathon – centralizing the management of telecom spend and utilizing electronic billing data are the distinguishing factors of a successful TEM solution and recent research supports this statement.

The findings from the 2008 Telecom Expense Management Benchmark Survey, conducted by Edge Research, revealed that successful companies using TEM adhere to the most fundamental aspect: centralization. The survey results were gathered from over 400 organizations, which showed that among those satisfied with their organization’s TEM solution, 88% centrally managed telecom spend. Furthermore, those that have centralized management of telecom spend are more likely to know their true network costs. The end result is that that the majority of companies that centralize spend indicated that they have attained TEM savings of greater than $1,000,000 and overall, are more satisfied with their TEM solution.

It is not guaranteed that all TEM solutions will accurately and efficiently process telecom billing data, that is why companies need to ‘go-the-extra- mile’ to ensure that the fundamentals of their selected TEM solution is continually adhering to best practices in processing that data. The ability to load complex billing data, from multiple sources and formats into the application is the zenith of a TEM solution. If the solution cannot process data, it is like entering a marathon with pair of worn out running shoes, which eventually, will lead to pain. According to the TEM survey, if this core competency is lacking, dissatisfaction is the end result.

There is no doubt that centralized management of telecom spend and receiving data electronically are integral parts in choosing a TEM solution. Having these fundamentals in place sets the stage for realizing the benefits of a total TEM solution that includes provisioning, inventory, invoice processing, and advanced analytics. Just like undergoing the proper training for a marathon, maintaining strong fundamentals regarding your TEM solution significantly increases the likelihood of success. It establishes a firm foundation for further process improvements that will have a direct impact on bottom line performance for your organization and will help you reach your TEM finish line.

A lot has been said and discussed about the virtues of the many of possible VOIP solutions and how this technology is one of the best inventions since the creation of the internet. Many marketing ideas have been put in action to educate people about the fact that this technology offers so many advantages over regular phone service, that a baby could tell one is better than the other, so making a financially smart decision in the telephony field is not that difficult.

There are several phone companies out there that you would think by having so much competition that prices would be cheaper but the fact is they are not. Local phone companies who don’t have close competition are the worst of any kind, because they keep the prices high regardless of demand. They know that users need their service so they charge whatever they want. People have to pay it or not have phone service. Well if you are one of those people that are or have experienced these problem there is a new solution for you , VoIP. VoIp short for Voice over IP which is the most cost-effective technology right now available on the net.

Everyone that knows about VoIP is using it as well as spreading the word to everyone they know. VoIP works by converting conversations into a digital digital packets of data that are transmitted over the net. If you are wanting to call a regular phone number then the signal is changed back into a regular telephone signal before reaching its destination. MSN Messenger used this very same technology You can use VoIP to do all your calling for extremely competitive rates. Unlike phone companies who often charge high rates per minute most VoIP providers only charge a small monthly fee, which can save you more than a few bucks!. This would allow you to eliminate the need for one detailed bill a month. With VoIP you can call anywhere in the world or just local.

This new technology you decide where you call and how much you want to pay. There are three calling options when using VoIp. You could use a VoIP enabled phone , you can use a regular telephone along with a VoIP adapter or using a computer with speakers and microphone to call. Voip lets you use the web without making your phone line unavailable. With some phone companies charging as much as thirty five cents a minute or hundreds for unlimited calling, VoIP is the best choice for those who use the phone a lot. Its not only affordable but its more convenient.

A good VOIP solution can save you a ton of money, but it is best if you understand your own calling habits and the way that you will use this technology. It also requires a good high-speed web connection so that when you call others they won’t think you are calling them from a box. Sit down and write on a piece of paper all the costs this technology involves and make a good financial decision, whether you are searching for a VOIP solution for home or for business.