Telecom Expense Management solutions like those from Cass and zLinq are essential for businesses to manage costs and improve efficiency. We'll compare Cass and zLinq to determine the best solution for Telecom Expense Management.
A Quick Overview of Cass and zLinq
What is Cass?
Cass Information Systems offers global telecom expense management services, including fixed telecom expense management and mobility management. Their solutions aim to provide cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced visibility and control over telecom and cloud estates.
One unique feature of Cass's TEM solution is its fully managed, global coverage that includes IaaS and PaaS cloud management. Additionally, Cass provides financial stability and payment capabilities as a US Federal Reserve member bank, setting them apart from competitors.
What is zLinq?
zLinq helps IT teams manage their WAN, Unified Communications, and Contact Center investments. They provide comprehensive visibility across the communications environment through their Customer Dashboard.
One unique feature of zLinq's TEM solution is its Customer Dashboard, which offers real-time visibility into the communications infrastructure. Additionally, their risk-sharing partner model takes on the burden of change, setting them apart from other providers.
Features of Cass and zLinq
Similarities
Both Cass and zLinq offer robust Telecom Expense Management (TEM) solutions designed to streamline telecom operations and reduce costs. Their services share several key features that make them effective in managing telecom expenses.
- Telecom Expense Audits: Both companies conduct thorough audits to identify and eliminate unnecessary telecom expenses.
- Invoice Management: They provide comprehensive services to manage and streamline telecom billing and invoicing processes.
- Inventory Management: Both offer detailed inventory management to keep track of telecom assets and provisioning.
- Managed Mobility Services: They provide solutions for managing mobile devices, including financial management and support for BYOD policies.
- Cloud Management: Both companies offer cloud management services, focusing on cost optimization, security, and regulatory compliance.
Differences
While both Cass and zLinq offer robust Telecom Expense Management solutions, their unique features set them apart. Here are the key differences:
- Fixed Telecoms Management: Cass provides a dedicated managed service for fixed telecoms, which zLinq does not offer.
- Customer Dashboard: zLinq offers a real-time Customer Dashboard for visibility into telecom infrastructure, a feature not available with Cass.
- Managed Mobility Services: Cass includes Device-as-a-Service, Financial Management, and BYOD support, which are not part of zLinq's offerings.
- Dedicated Client Services Manager: zLinq provides personalized support through dedicated Client Services Managers, a service Cass does not have.
- Risk-Sharing Partner Model: zLinq's model takes on the burden of change and guarantees results, unlike Cass.
User Interface and Usability
Both Cass and zLinq offer user interfaces that are clean and well-organized, making navigation straightforward. Cass's interface features dropdown menus and categorized links, which help users quickly find the information they need. The search functionality with auto-suggest is a notable feature that enhances usability. On the other hand, zLinq's interface is professional and structured, with multiple call-to-action buttons and highlighted key sections, making it easy for users to engage with the content.
The user experience for both platforms is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Cass provides comprehensive service descriptions and client testimonials, which add credibility and help users make informed decisions. zLinq focuses on engaging content, with testimonials and statistics that build trust. The announcement of new features like the Customer Dashboard shows zLinq's commitment to continuous improvement. Overall, zLinq's user interface and usability are slightly better due to its engaging content and interactive elements.
Cass and zLinq Pricing
Cass Information Systems does not provide specific pricing details on their website. Users are encouraged to contact Cass directly for pricing information. The lack of transparent pricing can make it challenging for potential customers to compare costs upfront.
zLinq also does not disclose specific pricing details on their website. Similar to Cass, potential customers need to reach out directly for pricing information. This approach may hinder immediate cost comparisons.
Both companies require direct contact for pricing, making it difficult to determine which has better pricing without further inquiry.
Comparing Cass and zLinq to Lightyear
Lightyear offers a telecom operating system designed to automate the telecom lifecycle using data-driven software. By focusing on procurement, inventory management, and bill payment, Lightyear drives significant savings and efficiency for businesses.
Pros of Lightyear
Lightyear automates the telecom lifecycle using data-driven software, offering unique features that set it apart from competitors.
- Quoting: Lightyear provides custom-tailored, best price quotes across multiple vendors, ensuring you get the most competitive rates.
- Implementation Management: The platform offers comprehensive implementation management, from vendor selection to contract signing and monitoring.
- Inventory Data Capture: Lightyear excels in capturing and managing detailed inventory data, streamlining asset tracking and provisioning.
- Bill Consolidation: The service consolidates all telecom bills into a single, easy-to-manage invoice, simplifying financial management.
- API Integrations: Lightyear integrates seamlessly with various telecom services and vendors, enhancing overall efficiency and connectivity.
Lightyear's Pricing
Lightyear offers custom pricing tailored to your specific telecom needs, leveraging its network and pricing intelligence to deliver the best possible options. Book a demo with Lightyear today to see how we can optimize your telecom lifecycle.
What Are Others Saying?
Cass Reviews
Overall, users have given Cass a rating of 3.5 out of 5. While customers appreciate the ease of invoicing and accurate payment dates, they find the EDI use limitations and denied issues frustrating.
- "EDI use has limitations and denied issues can cause delays." - Verified User in Transportation/Trucking/Railroad, 3.0 out of 5
- "The system is good for processing but has some limitations with EDI." - Verified User in Logistics, 3.5 out of 5
- "Great for invoicing but EDI issues can be a hassle." - Verified User in Supply Chain, 3.0 out of 5
Find more of Cass 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, some find the initial onboarding process complex and higher management dislikes how savings are specified.
- "Happy to have zLinq on board as trusted members of our team." - Anthony J., 3.5 out of 5
- "The initial onboarding process was a bit complex." - Verified User, 3.0 out of 5
- "Higher management dislikes how savings are specified." - Verified User, 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. Here are some highlights:
- "The perfect resource for sourcing anything in the telecom ecosystem." - Luis G.
- "Lightyear is a game changer." - Henry C.
- "No more Internet sourcing headaches!" - Jeremy H.
Find more of our reviews on G2!
Why choose one over the other?
Why choose Cass over zLinq:
- Cass is ideal for large enterprises and global organizations that require a dedicated managed service for telecom expense management and value the financial stability of a US Federal Reserve member bank.
Why choose zLinq over Cass:
- zLinq is perfect for multi-location enterprises and IT teams looking for real-time visibility into their telecom infrastructure and a dedicated Client Services Manager to align priorities and manage changes effectively.
Why choose Lightyear over zLinq and Cass:
- Lightyear is the best choice for businesses seeking to automate their telecom lifecycle with data-driven software, offering comprehensive features like quoting, implementation management, and bill consolidation to drive significant savings and efficiency.
Cass, zLinq, or Lightyear: Which is the best platform for you?
Choosing the right Telecom Expense Management solution depends on your specific needs and priorities. While Cass and zLinq offer robust features and services, we believe Lightyear stands out with its data-driven software and comprehensive automation capabilities. Any of these platforms would be a solid choice, but we recommend Lightyear for its ability to drive significant savings and efficiency in managing your telecom lifecycle.
