In the old days, getting new software, including telecom Expense Management (TEM) systems could be problematic. Aside from having to budget for a fairly large amount of money, there was the problem of what hardware to install it on, who would install it, who would teach people to run it and who would maintain it, keeping it current with all the updates and upgrades that would inevitably follow. While it gave complete control over the software, it also presented headaches, especially with the often abysmal quality of technical support.

All this has changed with Software as a Service (SaaS), also known as Application Software Providers (ASP) and Web-based or on-demand software. With web-based call accounting and TEM software a small monthly fee replaces the large up-front payment and the provider of the software service now has the job of keeping the software up-to-date and working as expected, doing backups and keeping the system up and running.

The advantages of SaaS are many. Anyone who has been authorized with a valid login and password can access the software from any computer that has a Web browser and access to the Internet. There is no need to install any special software. Traveling executives can access the software from their hotel room and get the data they need right away, without a need to call the head office.

With TEM software, different levels of access can be implemented. For example, department heads, human resources personnel, accounting, IT administrators, security personnel and corporate executives can be given access only to those parts of the system they need to do their jobs. Provided they have been granted access, different personnel can simultaneously view or print the data they require.

In terms of return on investment (ROI), SaaS TEM can provide financial benefits much sooner than with an outright purchase. Not only is there immediate access to the latest software, but there also is no large financial outlay to be amortized over a long period of time. The modest monthly fee can easily be budgeted for and provides financial predictability.

In the past, some companies that purchased TEM software failed to get the full benefits due to a lack of in-house expertise. With SaaS, implementation becomes much easier as the providers of the software already have the expertise and personnel quickly learn to use their Web browsers to obtain the data they require.

The beauty of managing telecommunications with a Web-based TEM system is that it allows corporations to concentrate on running the business, rather than the details of running and maintaining their software.