Wireless telecom has become the fastest growing part of overall IT expenditures. Even in an environment where overall IT spending is decreasing, wireless expenses continue to increase at double digit rates.
Wireless management policies are not by their nature cost control mechanisms. Like any policy within the IT world, the focus is on acceptable use and security. That said, the decisions that an enterprise makes regarding its policies can have a measurable impact on both hard dollar wireless costs, like what is paid for devices and in monthly charges, and soft dollar costs for support, asset control and risk mitigation.
No other IT decision involves as many moving parts as wireless telephony. There is a huge variety of devices and platforms. Carrier plans are diverse, and carrier coverage is inconsistent across the country, with different carriers having better coverage in specific regions. New offerings are added regularly, from Facebook access to location based services. And most importantly, no device is as “personal” as a mobile device. Factor in what devices and carriers are preferred, how devices are used—it’s hard to standardize on any one specific carrier, platform or mode of operation.
There are Telecom Expense Management (TEM) tools and services in the marketplace, some geared specifically towards wireless. Carriers have developed better tools to help track inventory and monthly billing.
These are all helpful developments. However, the key to controlling the growth in spend is a comprehensive and well thought out wireless mobility policy within the enterprise.
If you are interested in learning more about developing an enterprise wireless GRC policy, download our Wireless GRC Policy white paper.
