Calero and zLinq offer essential Telecom Expense Management solutions that help businesses manage costs and optimize their telecom investments. We will compare these two providers to determine which one offers the best solution for managing telecom expenses efficiently.
A Quick Overview of Calero and zLinq
What is Calero?
Calero specializes in managed technology solutions aimed at providing greater visibility, control, and optimization for enterprises. Their offerings include telecom expense management, managed mobility, SaaS management, unified communications, and market data solutions.
Calero's TEM solution includes comprehensive management of telecom inventory, invoices, and contracts. A unique feature is their certification as a carrier integrator to Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) standards, enhancing wireline eBonding capabilities for reduced error rates and improved order process times.
What is zLinq?
zLinq helps IT teams manage their WAN, Unified Communications, and Contact Center investments. The company provides comprehensive visibility across the communications environment through their Customer Dashboard.
One unique feature of zLinq's TEM solution is their Customer Dashboard, which offers real-time visibility into the communications infrastructure. Additionally, their dedicated Client Services Manager helps align priorities with savings and technology roadmaps, setting them apart from competitors.
Features of Calero and zLinq
Similarities
Calero and zLinq share several key features in their telecom expense management solutions, making them comparable options for businesses looking to optimize their telecom investments. Both companies emphasize visibility, control, and optimization of technology expenses.
- Telecom Expense Management: Both offer solutions to manage telecom expenses, including inventory, invoices, and contracts.
- Managed Mobility Services: They provide services to manage the entire lifecycle of enterprise mobility.
- SaaS Management: Both offer solutions to optimize software environments and manage SaaS expenses.
- Unified Communications Management (UCaaS): They help manage network transformations and unified communications.
- Market Data Management: Both companies offer solutions to streamline and automate market data management for clarity and compliance.
Differences
Calero and zLinq offer distinct features that set them apart in the telecom management landscape. While both provide robust solutions, their unique offerings cater to different business needs.
- Customer Dashboard: zLinq provides a real-time Customer Dashboard for comprehensive visibility into telecom infrastructure.
- Strategic Advisory Services: zLinq offers in-depth strategic planning and advisory services with dedicated Client Services Managers.
- Execution Support: zLinq has a unique process for managing changes and ensuring successful execution of telecom strategies.
- Telecom Expense Management (TEM): Calero specializes in detailed tracking and optimization of telecom expenses.
- Mobility Management: Calero offers comprehensive management of mobile devices and services.
User Interface and Usability
Calero's user interface is clean and well-organized, featuring a clear header navigation menu that directs users to key sections. The layout is structured with sections and subsections, providing a logical flow of information. The user experience is designed to be informative and user-friendly, offering detailed descriptions of services and solutions, along with resources like blogs and newsletters to engage users. The overall usability is high, with easy navigation and multiple ways for users to engage with the company.
zLinq's user interface is straightforward, focusing on ease of navigation with clear headings and call-to-action buttons. The user experience is engaging, offering detailed descriptions of services, testimonials, and real-time management tools like the Customer Dashboard. The overall usability is high, emphasizing comprehensive lifecycle management and personalized support through dedicated client services. Both companies offer robust user interfaces and usability, but zLinq's real-time dashboards and dedicated client services may provide a slight edge in user experience.
Calero and zLinq Pricing
Calero's pricing details are not explicitly listed on their website. Potential customers are encouraged to contact Calero directly or request a demo to get specific pricing information. This approach suggests a customized pricing model based on the unique needs of each client.
zLinq also does not provide specific pricing details on their website. Similar to Calero, zLinq encourages potential clients to reach out directly for detailed pricing information. This indicates a tailored pricing strategy that aligns with individual business requirements.
Both companies require direct contact for pricing, making it difficult to determine which offers better pricing without further inquiry.
Comparing Calero and zLinq to Lightyear
Lightyear offers a telecom operating system designed to automate the telecom lifecycle using data-driven software. By driving savings in procurement, inventory management, and bill payment, Lightyear ensures optimal telecom options and pricing, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to streamline their telecom operations.
Pros of Lightyear
Automate your telecom lifecycle with data-driven software.
- Time Savings: Achieve over 70% time savings on telecom procurement and management tasks.
- Cost Efficiency: Realize cost savings of over 20% by leveraging competitive pricing and optimized procurement processes.
- Comprehensive Data Access: Gain access to over 1 million price quote data points, ensuring the best possible pricing and options.
- Global Reach: Benefit from global carrier access exceeding 1,200, providing extensive connectivity options.
- Automated Workflows: Streamline telecom operations with automated carrier workflows, including MACDs and renewal processing.
Lightyear's Pricing
Lightyear offers custom pricing tailored to each customer's unique telecom needs, ensuring optimal solutions and cost efficiency. Book a demo with Lightyear to discover how our data-driven software can transform your telecom operations.
What Are Others Saying?
Calero Reviews
Overall, users have given Calero a rating of 4.2 out of 5. While customers appreciate the comprehensive overview and ease of use, they find the interface complex and the presentation of information not very intuitive.
- "Difficult to manipulate the aggregated information." - Nagy F. (3.5 out of 5)
- "Lack of direct communication, prefers phone calls over emails." - Emily T. (3.0 out of 5)
- "High workload on employees affecting attention to clients." - Debbie W. (3.5 out of 5)
Find more of Calero reviews on G2!
zLinq Reviews
Overall, users have given zLinq a rating of 4.8 out of 5. While customers appreciate the proactive account management, they find the initial onboarding process complex and have concerns about the definition of "savings."
- "The initial onboarding process was complex." - Paul S. (3.5 out of 5)
- "Higher management's concern about the definition of 'savings'." - Ashley C. (3.5 out of 5)
- "Resentment from some carriers due to zLinq's involvement in preventing over-billing." - Anthony J. (3.5 out of 5)
Find more of zLinq reviews on G2!
Lightyear Reviews
Our users have given Lightyear an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5. Customers find our platform incredibly useful for its efficiency and ease of use.
- "The perfect resource for sourcing anything in the telecom ecosystem." - Verified User
- "No more Internet sourcing headaches!" - Jeremy H.
- "Lightyear is a game changer." - Henry C.
Find more of our reviews on G2!
Why choose one over the other?
Why choose Calero over zLinq:
- Consumers who need advanced inventory tracking and seamless migration to industry-leading platforms will find Calero's comprehensive solutions beneficial. Large enterprises and IT departments looking for robust SaaS management and detailed expense optimization are ideal candidates for Calero.
Why choose zLinq over Calero:
- Businesses that require real-time visibility into their communications infrastructure and dedicated client services will benefit from zLinq's Customer Dashboard and strategic advisory services. Multi-location enterprises and IT teams seeking comprehensive lifecycle management and cost savings should consider zLinq.
Why choose Lightyear over zLinq and Calero:
- Lightyear is perfect for enterprises looking to automate their telecom lifecycle with data-driven software, achieving significant time and cost savings. Companies aiming for optimal telecom options and pricing through extensive data access and global carrier reach will find Lightyear's solutions unmatched.
Calero, zLinq, or Lightyear: Which is the best platform for you?
While Calero and zLinq offer robust telecom expense management solutions, Lightyear stands out with its data-driven software that automates the entire telecom lifecycle. Each platform has its strengths, but we believe Lightyear's ability to deliver significant time and cost savings makes it the optimal choice for businesses looking to streamline their telecom operations. Ultimately, any of these platforms can enhance your telecom management, but Lightyear's comprehensive features and global reach provide an unmatched advantage.
