User could save 45% of their data and voice services costs by
negotiating better service contracts with their telecom
providers
Analyst firm Gartner suggested that tough negotiation could slash
users' telecoms budgets. Cost-cutting measured it recommended
included negotiating better deals; aligning service levels and
infrastructures properly; restraining bandwidth growth and reducing
wasteful use.
Jean-Claude Delcroix, research director within Gartner's European
networking and communications group said: "By making telecom users
and managers more aware of their usage costs, enterprises can
potentially reduce telecom costs by up to 45%."
Gartner believes that over 15% of telecom costs can be eliminated
if companies negotiate better deals with their providers. Examining
service levels and networking requirements could save a further
12.6%, while monitoring and reducing wasteful use could save around
9%.
Gartner recommends that companies pay close attention to employees
using email and the Internet for personal use. "Internet access
should be restricted to those who need it for business purposes,
and access should be blocked to sites that are clearly not related
to business use," Delcroix suggested.
While Delcroix admitted that such enforcement could cause friction
within the workforce, he recommends that users should be
discouraged from watching video clips on Web sites.
"Enterprises should establish a telecom cost-reduction plan that
specifies networking actions, time frames and expected results,"
Delcroix advised. "They should appoint a part-time cost-containment
manager and involve global managers in the effort."