Redefining TEM in 2025

We are pleased to announce that we were recognized as a Representative Vendor in the 2024 Gartner Market Report for Telecom Expense Management Services last quarter. Looking ahead into 2025, we want to share how we think of telecom expense management (TEM) services and their ability to empower IT leaders to simplify their operations, unlock hidden value, and drive impactful change. 

For over 27 years, One Source has been a trusted provider in the industry, providing businesses with a proven approach to managing and optimizing technology expenses. Through decades of evolution, we’ve seen managing telecom expenses become more challenging and complex. Enterprises are facing mounting pressure to control costs, streamline workflows, and stay ahead of the technology curve—all while maintaining connectivity that powers their business. At One Source, we view TEM as much more than a routine service. It’s a strategic tool that empowers IT leaders to simplify their operations, unlock hidden value, and drive impactful change. 

 

The traditional TEM model is no longer enough 

Historically, TEM was about auditing bills and catching discrepancies. It focused on cost reduction and identifying savings—essential tasks but limited in scope. While these basics remain important, the needs of modern IT leaders have outgrown this narrow view. Enterprises today require a comprehensive approach that not only finds savings but also delivers visibility, control, and agility across the entire telecom lifecycle. 

Modern TEM must align with business strategy. It should: 

  • Integrate seamlessly into the overall technology lifecycle (design, procure, implement, support). 
  • Provide proactive insights into telecom usage and spending trends. 
  • Free up internal teams to focus on strategic priorities rather than administrative tasks. 

 

TEM as a path to strategic transformation 

At One Source, we approach TEM as a foundation for business growth and operational efficiency. Our process doesn’t stop at identifying overcharges or renegotiating rates. We help IT leaders leverage their telecom assets to support bigger business goals, such as: 

  • Optimizing Infrastructure: With a clear view of telecom spend and usage, businesses can identify opportunities to modernize networks, decommission underutilized assets, and invest in solutions that drive performance. 
  • Increasing Agility: By outsourcing routine tasks like invoice processing and auditing, IT and finance teams gain time to focus on strategic projects. This helps businesses respond faster to market demands. 
  • Improving Governance: TEM provides a framework for better vendor management and procurement practices. Centralized control and clear policies reduce the risk of “shadow IT” and uncontrolled spending. 
  • Supporting Innovation: With TEM under control, IT leaders can confidently explore new technologies like 5G, SD-WAN, and IoT, knowing they have a solid foundation of cost visibility and management in place. 

 

A holistic approach to telecom lifecycle management 

True TEM success requires an end-to-end approach. We believe that effective TEM supports the full telecom lifecycle—not just procurement and billing, but also ongoing support, optimization, and vendor management. Our process addresses key stages: 

  • Design: We help you identify the right telecom solutions that align with your business goals. 
  • Procure: We manage the procurement process, ensuring you get fair rates and terms from vendors. 
  • Implement: We support project management to ensure smooth implementations. 
  • Support: We monitor, manage, and optimize your telecom environment, ensuring you stay agile and cost-efficient. 

 

Delivering real business impact 

For us, TEM isn’t just about saving money. It’s about empowering IT leaders to: 

  • Make data-driven decisions with confidence. 
  • Remove the roadblocks that hinder growth. 
  • Simplify the path forward in an increasingly complex technology world. 

By redefining TEM, we’re helping businesses turn complexity into opportunity. We’re not just managing telecom and technology expenses; we’re enabling strategic growth, efficiency, and innovation. 

One Source goes beyond software, offering a fully managed service that takes the heavy lifting off your plate. This approach ensures that cost savings and optimizations are not just identified but fully realized—a distinction that can mean the difference between incremental improvements and transformative results.  

 

Are you ready to simplify complexity and unlock your business potential? 

Let’s talk about how a managed approach to technology expense management can make a difference for you. 

 

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 

Ready to start your next project?

Send a request to speak with a One Source technology advisor.

 

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