Many business managers are being asked to do more with less, and reduce costs, potentially creating a Hobson’s Choice.

Telecom expenses can often account for a significant portion of your company’s budget, and by implementing strategic measures, Abilita consultants can achieve cost savings without compromising on service quality. For example, a large governing organization engaged Abilita to address these concerns and saw a 40% reduction in their telecom costs.

Managing telecom costs is crucial for companies to optimize their expenses and ensure efficient use of resources. Here are three key strategies that companies can employ to manage telecom costs effectively:

Regularly Audit and Optimize Plans:

• Conduct regular audits of telecom services, including phone lines, data plans, and internet services. Identify unused or underutilized services and eliminate them.
• Negotiate with telecom providers to ensure that the company is on the most cost-effective plans. Providers often update their offerings, and it’s essential to stay informed about the latest options.
• Consider bundling services or negotiating for volume discounts if the company has multiple lines or services with the same provider.
• Abilita consultants can manage the process of generating a detailed audit detailing what you have, where it is, and how much you are spending.

Implement Usage Policies and Monitoring:

• Establish and communicate clear policies regarding the use of company-provided telecom services. This includes guidelines for voice, data, and messaging usage.
• Implement monitoring tools and software to track usage patterns and identify any anomalies or excessive usage. This can help in detecting unauthorized or unnecessary services and controlling costs.
• Abilita has the tools and resources to monitor usage and to make sure that the services you are using are optimized to insure you are getting the right services for your requirements.

Explore Cost-Effective Technologies:

• Evaluate and implement cost-effective telecom technologies, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for voice communications. VoIP can often provide substantial cost savings compared to traditional phone services.
• Consider adopting mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control and manage mobile device usage within the organization. MDM tools can help in implementing policies, monitoring usage, and securing devices.
• Explore alternatives to traditional telecom services, such as virtual meetings and collaboration tools, which can reduce the need for extensive travel and long-distance communication.

Abilita consultants are constantly monitoring industry trends and we keep you aware of options and solutions that can improve your services at an effective rate.

By regularly reviewing telecom expenses, implementing clear usage policies, and leveraging cost-effective technologies, companies can take proactive steps to manage and optimize their telecom costs. Additionally, staying informed about industry trends and negotiating with providers can contribute to ongoing cost savings.Top of Form

To learn more about our services and what we are doing for businesses, visit https://abilita.com/.

While a telecom consultant, an attorney, and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are distinct professionals with different areas of expertise, there are some similarities in their business roles. Here are commonalities they share:

• Specialized Knowledge:
  • Telecom Consultant: Abilita consultants specialize in telecommunications technology, infrastructure, and services.
  • Attorney: Specializes in legal matters, offering advice on compliance, contracts, and other legal concerns.
  • CPA: Specializes in accounting and financial matters, providing expertise in areas like tax compliance, auditing, and financial reporting.
• Advisory Role:
  • Telecom Consultant: We know the industry, the vendors, and the issues. We can provide specialized advice on telecom strategies, technology choices, and cost optimization.
  • Attorney: Provides legal advice, drafts contracts, and ensures compliance with laws and regulations.
  • CPA: Offers financial advice, helps with budgeting, and ensures compliance with accounting standards and tax regulations.
• Risk Management:
  • Telecom Consultant: Abilita consultants know the challenges and issues associated with telecom plans. We can identify and manage risks associated with telecom technology and services.
  • Attorney: Assesses legal risks, drafts contracts to mitigate risks, and represents the company in legal matters.
  • CPA: Manages financial risks, ensures compliance with tax laws, and provides advice on financial decision-making.
• Cost Management:
  • Telecom Consultant: Abilita consultants specialize in optimizing telecom costs and ensuring efficient use of resources. We ensure that our clients get the best services at the best prices.
  • Attorney: Manages legal costs, negotiates contracts, and helps avoid legal disputes that could be costly.
  • CPA: Manages financial costs, advises on budgeting, and helps minimize tax liabilities.
• Client Advocacy:
  • Telecom Consultant: We advocate for the client’s best interests in telecom-related decisions. We are part of your team and sit on your side of the desk.
  • Attorney: Advocates for the client in legal matters and ensures their rights and interests are protected.
  • CPA: Advocates for the client’s financial well-being, offering advice to optimize financial outcomes.

While these professionals have different areas of focus, their roles often intersect in the broader context of business operations. Business owners typically consider their attorney and CPA essential to the professional, efficient operation of their business, but often overlook the importance of a telecommunications consultant.

Your telecom infrastructure, systems and plans are the heartbeat of your communications. Without a telecom consultant, there’s a major component of your business that may not be getting the attention it requires – a component with complex moving parts, critical to your business operations, and that often accounts for one of your largest expenses. Invest in your business success and security. Contact us to discuss the many benefits of adding an Abilita telecom consultant as a core advisor.

Although telecom services and contracts don’t always coincide with the calendar year, Q4 is a great time to evaluate and tweak your telecom budget to optimize services and reduce expenses for the coming year.

Budgeting for telecom costs involves a systematic approach to understanding your communications needs, estimating costs, and optimizing resources. An assessment of the following factors will provide you with the information you need.

1. Usage Analysis:

• What to Consider: Examine the historical usage patterns of your telecom services. This includes call volumes, data usage, and other relevant metrics. Identify peak usage times and areas where usage can be optimized.
• Why it’s Important: Understanding usage patterns allows you to align your telecom services with actual needs. This prevents overpaying for services that are not utilized to their full extent.

2. Service Plans and Contracts:

• What to Consider: Review existing service plans and contracts with telecom providers. Understand the terms, conditions, and costs associated with each service. Take note of contract expiration dates and potential penalties for early termination.
• Why it’s Important: Examining contracts helps you negotiate better terms, explore cost-saving opportunities, and plan for potential changes in services or providers.

3. Cost Control Measures:

• What to Consider: Implement cost control measures such as usage monitoring tools, expense tracking software, and policies to discourage unnecessary usage. Look for ways to optimize costs without compromising essential services.
• Why it’s Important: Cost control measures help prevent overspending, identify inefficiencies, and ensure that resources are used efficiently.

4. Technology Trends and Upgrades:

• What to Consider: Stay informed about emerging technologies in the telecom industry. Assess whether adopting new technologies or upgrading existing systems can lead to cost savings or improved efficiency.
• Why it’s Important: Being aware of technology trends allows you to make informed decisions about investments and upgrades that align with your business goals and budget constraints.

5. Vendor Negotiations and Benchmarking:

• What to Consider: Engage in negotiations with telecom service providers. Explore the possibility of obtaining better rates, discounts, or additional Benchmark your costs against industry standards to ensure competitiveness.
• Why it’s Important: Negotiations and benchmarking help you secure favorable terms, reduce costs, and ensure that the value returned on your investment compares well to industry standards.

In addition to these five factors, it’s crucial to regularly review and adjust your telecom budget based on changes in technology, business needs, and the competitive landscape. The telecom industry is dynamic; staying proactive in managing your telecom costs can lead to significant savings and operational efficiency.

Abilita, an independent and objective telecom consulting firm, can play a crucial role in managing your business budget for telecom expenses by providing expertise, analysis, and strategic recommendations.

Contact us to discuss how we can help.

https://abilita.com/solutions-tem/

Are you aware of the increasing frequency of cyber threats? We recently published a blog about the risks of a cyber security breach and its potential effects on businesses of all sizes. The level of sophistication of cyber threats makes paramount the necessity for a plan to mitigate the financial impacts of future incidents. A strong cyber insurance policy is essential for companies to bolster their defenses.

Cybersecurity insurance, also known as cyber insurance or cyber liability insurance, can cover a range of expenses and losses that result from cyber incidents and data breaches. By providing financial protection against the losses associated with a data breach, legal penalties, and business interruption, cyber insurance ensures that businesses can survive the complexities of potential risks.

Coverage plans can vary widely based on the insurer and specifics of the policy. Cybersecurity insurance protects more than network security and privacy. Plans assist with crisis management and public relations as well as covering costs associated with the following:

• Data breach and restoration
• Business interruption
• Ransomware and extortion
• Cyber incident response
• Legal defense due to regulatory fines and penalties
• Electronic media liability

However, cyber liability insurance may give businesses a false sense of security. Insurance companies often evade paying settlements and in recent years, premiums for comprehensive policies have skyrocketed. The application process has become more complicated and arduous, growing from a few questions to three to five pages. Claims are denied if any application information is misrepresented.

To reduce the costs of cybersecurity insurance, businesses must have a strong cybersecurity policy and robust cybersecurity practices in place. When insurance companies assess the level of risk associated with insuring a business, a well-demonstrated, proactive commitment to cybersecurity can lead to lower policy premiums and more favorable terms.

Working with professionals who specialize in cybersecurity insurance can help ensure that your company’s policies and practices are accurately documented and factored into the policy pricing process. With experience in all aspects of #datacom, Abilita’s consultants are well versed in cybersecurity best practices as well as individualized policies. We can come alongside you to help evaluate cyber insurance policies, coverage, and costs and choose the best solution for your specific needs.

Contact #Abilita to review your risk management processes and develop a security plan that will ensure your business is protected from cyber threats.

No business can afford to go dark. Whether a natural disaster, cyberattack, power outage, supply chain disruption, or pandemic—implementing a business continuity plan (BCP) enables an organization to respond effectively. Abilita consultants are skilled at designing BCPs that include key strategies to implement before disruptive events occur and can help you prepare for the unforeseen.

A BCP is a set of procedures that help an organization continue its critical operations and functions during and after an event or crisis. It is a proactive approach to managing and mitigating risks, ensuring that the business can quickly recover and resume operations with minimal downtime and impact on productivity.

Abilita’s experts create BCPs that outline the steps, resources, and responsibilities required to ensure a business stays up and running. We consider the following eight components when developing BCPs:

1. Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP): A DRP outlines the procedures and processes to recover and restore critical IT infrastructure, systems, and data in the event of a disaster. It includes strategies for backup and restoration, data replication, system redundancy, and off-site storage to ensure business operations can resume swiftly.
2. Communications Continuity Plan: Maintaining communications is essential to maintaining operations. The communications component of a BCP identifies potential telecom and technology risks and vulnerabilities, establishes communication protocols, and defines roles and responsibilities during emergencies. It should also include steps for alternate work arrangements, such as remote work or temporary office relocation.
3. Redundant Network Infrastructure: The implementation of redundant network infrastructure helps mitigate the impact of network failures or disruptions. This can involve establishing internet connections from more than one service provider, and backup hardware, equipment, and power systems like generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
4. Cloud-based Services and Data Backup: Leveraging cloud-based services enables businesses to store critical data, applications, and services off-site, reducing the risk of data loss and providing remote access during emergencies. Backups of important data should be performed regularly to ensure redundancy and quick recovery in case of data loss or system failures.
5. Communication and Collaboration Tools: The availability of reliable communication and collaboration tools and processes is crucial for business continuity. Video conferencing platforms, instant messaging applications, project management software, and virtual private networks (VPNs) are tools that can provide secure, remote access. Employee access and training is crucial for these to be successful.
6. Testing and Training: Regular testing of disaster recovery and business continuity plans to identify any weaknesses or gaps in strategies or implementation is also crucial. Conducting simulated scenarios and drills to evaluate the effectiveness of plans, making necessary plan adjustments, and training employees on emergency protocols will ensure disaster does not catch a business by surprise.
7. Vendor and Supplier Relationships: Maintaining strong relationships with telecom/technology vendors and suppliers is key. Discussing vendors’ crises plans will clarify how service may be impacted. Sometimes setting up backup suppliers with established communication channels is necessary to ensure business operations are not interrupted.
8. Cybersecurity Measures: Strong cybersecurity measures should always be in place, but during a disaster they are essential. Robust security protocols such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits will protect critical systems and data during disruptive events.

Once complete, it is paramount to regularly review, update, and test a BCP. Additionally, compliance with relevant regulations and standards in the telecom and technology sectors should be factored in when developing these plans. Give us a call. Abilita’s experts are ready to develop a BCP to ensure your business has optimum uptime during a time of crisis.

Here we are – the middle of 2023 and there is still uncertainty about a pending recession. There are signs of a slowdown in the SMB market and many businesses are revising their plans for the remainder of 2023.

It’s always a good time to reduce expenses, recession or not. For many organizations, telecom expenses are one of the largest recurring monthly costs and yet cost reduction opportunities are typically ignored. Most organizations routinely and automatically pay the telecom bills as they are received without reviewing the accuracy of the charges or the level of services against their needs. It feels too complicated to deal with.

Now, faced with a possible recession, companies are actively seeking areas to reduce costs. These should include telecom and internet technology expenses. Our consultants have helped thousands of businesses lower telecom and technology costs.

Here are the Top-Ten Actions you can take:

1. Evaluate Service Providers

• Review your existing contracts and service agreements.
• Seek competitive bids from alternative vendors.
• Renegotiate contracts with current providers.
• Explore bundling services for potential cost savings.

2. Optimize Infrastructure and Usage

• Assess your current telecom and technology infrastructure.
• Conduct a thorough analysis of usage patterns and bandwidth requirements.
• Adjust plans, bandwidth, or configurations to match needs.
• Identify underutilized services for which you may be overpaying.

3. Consolidate Service

• Consolidate services to streamline operations and reduce costs.
• Consider merging voice and data services, centralizing network management, or migrating to unified communications solutions.

4. Implement Cost-Effective Communication Tools

• Explore Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, instant messaging platforms, or video conferencing systems.

5. Embrace Cloud Computing

• Leverage cloud-based services and applications to reduce on-premises equipment costs.
• Cloud computing offers scalability, flexibility, and cost optimization by allowing you to pay for resources and services on-demand.

6. Consolidate Hardware and Software Licensing

• Streamline hardware and software assets by consolidating licenses.
• Eliminate duplicate or underutilized applications.
• Centralize software licensing management to optimize license utilization.
• Negotiate volume discounts with vendors.

7. Encourage Remote Work and BYOD Policies

• Promote remote work initiatives to reduce office space requirements.
• Adopt Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies to minimize the need for company-provided equipment.

8. Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure Management

• Optimize power consumption by implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices.
• Consolidate data centers to reduce infrastructure and cooling costs.
• Consolidate servers through virtualization to optimize resource utilization.

9. Employee Training and Technology Awareness

• Educate employees about cost-saving measures to reduce unnecessary usage or printing.
• Explore alternative, cost-effective tools and practices to reduce costs without compromising productivity.

10. Continual Monitoring and Optimization

• Monitor expenses to identify areas in which costs can be reduced.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure billing accuracy.
• Negotiate better rates based on usage patterns and market conditions.

It’s important to strike a balance between cost optimization and maintaining the necessary technology infrastructure and capabilities to support business operations effectively. Consider the potential long-term impacts of cost-cutting measures and prioritize those that align with your business objectives and growth strategies.

Abilita consultants are experts in providing a thorough audit and review of all telecom services. And with our contingency billing model, there is no up-front cost or obligation. We invite you to give us the opportunity to reduce your telecom expenses.

Take a look at this short video to learn more about how we can help: https://abilita.com/solutions-tem/

Even after countless articles and discussions warning about the importance of cybersecurity, statistics indicate that high levels of vulnerability still exist:

• 85% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error.
• 94% of all malware is delivered by email.
• More than 80% of cybersecurity events involve phishing attacks.
• Ransomware attacks occur every 10 seconds.
• Nearly half of all cyberattacks target small businesses.

A cyber attack refers to malicious activities carried out by individuals or groups with the intent to compromise computer systems, networks, or digital devices and exploit them for personal gain, disruption, or other destructive purposes.

Every business owner or executive should discuss the following questions with all stakeholders to assess your risk for a cybersecurity breach:

• How would we know if an unauthorized person accessed our data?
• How often do we test for vulnerabilities?
• In the event of a breach, do we have an Incident Response plan in place?
• How confident are we of our current security breach solution?
• Have we completed a security assessment recently?
• Are we confident that we are appropriately protected and that we have visibility to detect active security concerns?
• Are we aware of any security incidents occurring over the last year? If so, what were they? What was the extent of the incident? What were the takeaways?

Businesses face cybersecurity risks in several areas that can impact operations, reputation, and overall success. Some key concerns include:

• Financial loss
• Data breaches and loss of intellectual property
• Operational disruption
• Damage to reputation and customer trust
• Supply chain risks

Organizations can implement the following measures to identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

• Risk Assessment: Perform a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities, threats, and their potential impact on the organization. This assessment should cover all aspects of the organization’s IT infrastructure including networks, systems, applications, and data.
• Regular Security Audits: Conduct periodic security audits to evaluate the effectiveness of existing security controls, policies, and procedures. These audits can help identify gaps or weaknesses in the organization’s security structure.
• Penetration Testing: Conduct regular penetration testing exercises to simulate real-world attacks and identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications. This proactive approach helps organizations discover vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Utilize vulnerability scanning tools to inspect networks and systems for known vulnerabilities. These tools can identify software configuration weaknesses, which should be addressed promptly.
• Employee Education and Training: Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness and training program for all employees. Educate them about common security threats, safe computing practices, and how to identify and report potential security incidents.
• Incident Response Planning: Develop an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a security breach. This plan should include procedures for detecting, containing, and recovering from cybersecurity attack.
• Engage Third-Party Experts: Consider involving third-party cybersecurity experts who can provide objective assessments of the organization’s preparedness. These experts can conduct audits, penetration tests, and offer recommendations for improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Regularly reassess and update security measures as new threats emerge, technologies change, and business needs evolve. Stay informed about the latest security trends and best practices.
• Work from Home Employees: Have safety measures in place to avoid introduction of cybersecurity threats associated with remote work or other outside sources.

Watch this Cybersecurity video to learn more:  https://share.videobrandcaster.com/Clients/ShareVideoLink.aspx?VideoLinkId=8173&clientId=13338

If assessing vulnerabilities and shoring up weaknesses in your cybersecurity equipment and practices seems daunting, contact us.   Abilita’s expert telecom consultants have helped countless companies reduce their cybersecurity risks. It all starts with a conversation, then we’ll be with you every step of the way.

The cell phone has been with us for 50 years – the first mobile call made by Martin Cooper in 1973! A novelty used by only a few has become a necessity for all. With mobile devices now depended upon for voice communications, email, video, internet access, and internal corporate communications and systems, they are an essential part of our everyday lives both professionally and personally.

With such widespread use and reliance on mobile, it’s easy for expenses to balloon. Whether an organization has a few devices or hundreds, it is critical to monitor and manage the costs associated with the services, both for company-owned devices provided to employees and employee-owned devices that are permitted to access corporate resources (BYOD).

A Wireless Expense Management (WEM) program defines the process of monitoring and controlling the costs associated with a company’s wireless services and devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and data plans. Implementing a WEM plan provides several benefits:

• Cost savings
Tracking and analyzing wireless usage can identify areas where costs can be reduced, such as unused or underused services and plans, as well as opportunities to negotiate better rates with carriers.

• Improved efficiency
Wireless operations can be streamlined by automating tasks such as ordering, tracking, and paying for wireless services.

• Enhanced security
Monitoring and controlling access to wireless devices and services helps detect and prevent fraudulent activity and ensure compliance with company policies.

• Insight and accountability
Visibility into how wireless devices and services are used across the company allows for well-informed decision-making and optimization of resources.

Implementing a Wireless Expense Management program can provide insight into wireless usage, save money, and improve efficiency. We have helped countless companies implement WEM programs. Here are the steps we follow:

1. Conduct a thorough analysis of the organization’s current wireless usage to identify areas of high usage and potential cost savings.
2. Establish policies for the procurement and management of wireless services and devices, including guidelines for employee usage and reimbursement. Don’t overlook the need to have a plan in place to manage international calling and avoid exorbitant charges if employees are allowed to use phones for personal calling.
3. Deploy the WEM program company-wide and provide training on policies and procedures for all employees.
4. Continuously monitor the WEM program to ensure it is achieving the company’s goals and objectives and make any necessary adjustments to improve its effectiveness.
5. Include procedures for either cancelling service or re-provisioning phones when an employee leaves the company.

Contact Abilita for assistance in developing a WEM program or mobile device policies. Our expert consultants can customize a plan to meet your individual business needs.

An essential part of any business’s telecom expense management (TEM) program is an audit. It helps identify inefficiencies in the network and saves money by eliminating waste and ensuring that the company is getting the most out of its telecom services. A telecom/datacom audit can also identify areas where the company could make better use of its resources, such as optimizing existing services or negotiating better contracts with service providers. A thorough audit can assure businesses are getting maximum value for their money and that their network is running efficiently.

The Abilita A3 program takes telecom/datacom audits to the next level.

The first step in the process is AWARENESS, which involves establishing a baseline inventory of all services, vendors, and contracts. This should encompass all types of communication services – landline, wireless services, data, and internet – including cloud services.

The next step is an ANALYSIS of the results of the audit to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current services compared to those the market has to offer. It is important to determine whether current capacity is in line with corporate needs and potential, future changes in IT needs. If changes are needed, we will objectively suggest equipment and services since we are not associated with any particular vendor.

The final step is ACTION – the implementation of approved telecom options, continual monitoring, alerts, and project management guidelines. Newly implemented telecom/datacom changes are integrated into business strategy and vision to prepare for future technology changes.

As important as it is, an audit is just part of an overall telecom expense management program. It’s a snapshot in time, whereas TEM is an ongoing process.

A telecom audit and telecom expense management are two distinct processes that have different objectives. A telecom audit includes verifying the accuracy of the billing information provided by the telecom provider. It is used to identify potential billing errors or overcharges and to ensure that all services are being billed correctly. On the other hand, TEM involves optimizing a company’s telecom costs by analyzing usage data, negotiating contracts with service providers, and implementing cost-saving strategies. TEM also includes a system for tracking invoices and payments to ensure that bills are paid on time.

Abilita’s independent consultants can provide both an A3 audit and TEM optimization. We are experts at guiding organizations through the telecom maze. Because we’re vendor agnostic, we find the best solution, tailored to your needs and budget. Contact us to schedule an audit and gain the confidence that your telecom services are optimized for your individual business needs, at the best price.