Managing Cost of Equipment Facilities and Services

Managing cost of equipment, facilities, and services is a critical and ongoing part of managing communications assets and expenses. Communications cost is and has been a growing expense since the first telephone line was installed in a business. Over a relatively short time, telephones spread from the first desk to every desk occupied by an employee to say nothing of conference rooms, halls, and entrance doors. Now everyone has a multi-button, three-color, telephone with three-way calling, multiple lines, caller identification screening, and voice mail jail. Things became a little more complicated when management information systems (MIS) wanted a telephone line and a modem so computers could talk to each other. And then there was the possibility and perceived need for a website, mobile telephones, and wireless Internet access. Communications methods and alternatives abound on all sides from any direction.