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.

All successful businesses and organizations rely on specialists to help them navigate the issues and challenges associated with running a lucrative enterprise.

Businesses secure the services of an attorney to ensure they are operating within the legal boundaries of its industry. An attorney can provide legal advice and representation, draft contracts and agreements, and protect the company from potential liabilities. Having an attorney provides peace of mind – confidence in their ability to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that your business is compliant with all applicable laws.

Likewise, successful businesses utilize accountants to ensure that their financial operations are running smoothly and efficiently. Having an accountant on board helps you make informed decisions about your finances, reduce costs, and maximize profits. An accountant can also help you manage taxes, provide advice on investments, and keep your financial records current and accurate.

Most organizations rely on outside consultants like these to provide valuable services that require specialized knowledge or skills. This is especially true when internal resources are limited or when specialized expertise is needed. Consultants can provide valuable insight and advice that may not be available within the organization, allowing companies to make more informed decisions and stay ahead of their competition. Consultants often have access to resources that may not be available internally, such as industry contacts or specialized technology.

Technology and telecom services are no different.

Technology is an integral part of running a successful business. With the ever-changing technological landscape, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends and innovations. This is where a technology consultant can help. These experts can provide invaluable insights into how to best utilize technology for your business, helping you remain competitive in today’s market. They can help identify areas where investing in new technologies or upgrading existing ones can maximize efficiency and cost savings. With specialized knowledge and expertise, a technology consultant can be an invaluable asset for any business looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Telecom consultants can equip your business to make informed, reliable, cost-effective decisions when it comes to choosing the right telecom services for your organization. They can also help you save time by providing advice on which services best fit your specific needs and budget. Furthermore, they can assist in negotiating better deals with providers to get the best value for the money.

When starting a telecom project or reviewing your current services, consider engaging a specialist. Using internal resources often seems to be the easiest way to proceed. However, before you go this route, ask yourself a few pertinent questions:

• Is your staff already working at capacity?
• Is your staff up to date on the latest technology?
• Do they know what capabilities are available?
• Do they understand the strengths and weaknesses of vendors, and how they impact their competence and longevity? Are they familiar with vendor pricing models and current market rates?

Technology and telecom projects that don’t go well can create frustration for users and customers, and also reflect badly on management. A truly independent and objective consultant can help guide the process to ensure that the outcome of your project or review is the best solution, at the best price, and on the best terms.

Contact us directly to start a conversation about your datacom and telecom challenges and needs. Abilita has the answers!

Over the last several months there have been countless articles written about the state of POTS (plain old telephone services) lines and their demise. Copper, analog lines aren’t going to disappear and stop working overnight while there are big changes coming to services that were traditionally served by those products. Here are the realities you can expect as these transitions take place.

Reality 1: Costs will rise. Most carriers have increased their charges for out-of-contract POT Services. Some have increased by 400% or more.

Reality 2: It will take longer to get service issues resolved.

Reality 3: New services may not be available at any cost.

POT Services are Still Needed

Organizations need to continue to provide for and support the applications that have historically relied on POTs services.

Fire alarms, burglar alarms, elevator phones, and other services have used POTs lines and the functionality needs to be maintained. Some industries – such as health care and legal services – have relied on traditional phone lines for FAX transmission. Many retailers use POTs lines for their Point-of-Sale systems.

What Should You Do?

1. The first step is to establish a baseline of all services and applications that are copper based. It is important to review all vendor contracts to determine the status of the term, when it expires, and what the vendor options are at the end of the term. If the service is out of term, you need to determine when and if the pricing will change and by how much.
2. Consider the alternatives if your analysis shows that costs will be rising. Most organizations’ facilities have an internet connection, but to assume that you can move the current analog services to the internet service is probably an oversimplification. For example, there may be some regulatory issues to consider. For medical applications, HIPAA is a requirement, as is PCI for retail, and serious compliance considerations exist for fire alarm systems and NFPA 72.
3. Start a conversation with your current vendors early in the process. Many have indicated that they have products and services either currently available or planned for future deployment. They understand the severity of the issue and want to keep you as a customer.  Some vendors can rapidly implement solutions without a major change to your existing infrastructure. Some services can be added to your existing network and others can use alternative technologies such as (long-term evolution) LTE (cellular).

• AT&T has announced AT&T Phone for Business – Advanced which is a cloud-based replacement for traditional phone and data lines. It provides analog Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connections that can also support dedicated specialty lines such as fax, alarm lines, elevators, and point-of-sale terminals. It also has LTE capabilities and battery backup.
• MetTel has a “POTS in a Box” offering that connects with broadband, 4G LTE and/or Wi-Fi. Cellular can be the primary connection or used as a backup in the event of a primary circuit failure. It is also NFPA 72 fire code compliant.
• Ooma addresses the POTS replacement issue with a solution that rides on a wireless network. With this solution, there is no need to replace existing hardware. You can continue using your existing devices.

The point is this – there are changes coming to the traditional analog, copper infrastructure and you need to either prepare for them in an organized, proactive way or you’ll eventually be stuck with rising costs and limited vendor resources.

The best way to be proactive is to become aware of your options and alternatives. Talk to your vendors to discover what their plans are. If you don’t have the in-house resources or the time, consider engaging a technology consultant. Abilita’s independent, objective consultants specialize in cost reduction, technology review and recommendations, and contract negotiations and are ready to assist. Watch our brief video through the link below to learn how we can help, then give us a call!

Telecom consulting services – Abilita Communications Technology Consultants

Telecom/Datacom is typically one of the top five business operating expenses. Facing a new year and an uncertain economic forecast, it’s the best time to do everything possible to trim costs on your organization’s telecom/datacom expenses.

To access areas to cut back, start by identifying services that are in use: where/by whom are they used; what do they cost; and what are the contract terms?