Telecom Expense Management (TEM) solutions are essential for businesses to manage and optimize their telecommunications costs effectively. In this article, we'll compare Tangoe and zLinq to see which one is the best TEM solution for your needs.
A Quick Overview of Tangoe vs zLinq
What is Tangoe?

Tangoe provides Telecom Expense Management (TEM) solutions that assist businesses in managing and optimizing their telecom expenses. Their services encompass financial management, reporting, analytics, automation, and compliance to drive efficiencies and cost savings.
One unique feature of Tangoe's TEM solution is its AI-powered tools for end-to-end lifecycle management. Additionally, Tangoe offers customizable bundles tailored to different business needs, setting them apart from competitors.
What is zLinq?

zLinq specializes in telecom and technology lifecycle management, helping businesses reduce their telecom, WAN, and CCaaS spend by an average of 22%. Their services include optimization, invoice processing, lifecycle management, inventory audits, and strategic advisory services, all aimed at driving cost savings and technology improvements without adding more work for their clients.
One unique feature of zLinq's TEM solution is the Customer Dashboard, which provides real-time insights and allows clients to track savings, monitor assets, and manage services effortlessly. Additionally, their invoice processing service simplifies billing, eliminates errors, and ensures accurate payments, making it a valuable tool for consumers looking to streamline their telecom expenses.
Features of Tangoe vs zLinq
Similarities
Both Tangoe and zLinq offer robust Telecom Expense Management (TEM) solutions designed to help businesses manage and optimize their telecom expenses. Here are the key similarities in their features and services:
- Both provide comprehensive telecom lifecycle management, covering everything from ordering to payment.
- They offer invoice processing services to streamline billing and ensure accurate payments.
- Each company provides optimization services to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve efficiency.
- Both utilize data-driven software for real-time tracking and analytics, offering visibility into telecom assets, usage, and costs.
- They offer strategic advisory services to help businesses realign their IT infrastructure and optimize telecom investments.
Differences
While both Tangoe and zLinq offer robust Telecom Expense Management (TEM) solutions, there are some key differences in their features and functionalities:
- AI-Powered Tools: Tangoe leverages AI for lifecycle management, driving efficiencies and cost savings, whereas zLinq does not explicitly highlight AI capabilities.
- Customer Dashboard: zLinq emphasizes its Customer Dashboard for real-time tracking of assets, expenses, and performance, a feature that Tangoe does not prominently feature.
- Vendor Neutrality: zLinq works with existing providers to optimize services without requiring a switch, while Tangoe's approach is not explicitly vendor-neutral.
- Global Carrier Ecosystem: Tangoe leverages a large network of global carriers and integrations with business systems, a feature not highlighted by zLinq.
- Patents and Automation: Tangoe boasts over 70 patents supporting its platform's capabilities and extensive automation, which is not a focus for zLinq.
Tangoe vs zLinq Pricing
The information requested about the pricing structure or model for Tangoe and zLinq was not found in the provided sources. For detailed pricing information, you are encouraged to contact Tangoe or zLinq directly or request a demo from their respective websites.
How Does Lightyear Compare to Tangoe and zLinq?

Lightyear offers enterprise telecom management software designed to automate the telecom lifecycle, driving savings across procurement, inventory management, and bill payment. With features like network and pricing intelligence, digital inventory management, and bill consolidation, Lightyear ensures you get the best telecom options and pricing with minimal effort.
Pros of Lightyear
Lightyear offers a comprehensive telecom management solution that stands out with its unique features and benefits.
- Automated Procurement: Lightyear's data-driven software automates the procurement process, ensuring you get the best telecom options and pricing with minimal effort.
- Comprehensive Inventory Management: Capture and manage your network inventory details seamlessly, providing complete visibility and control over your telecom assets.
- Bill Consolidation: Simplify your billing process with a consolidated bill audited by Lightyear, eliminating errors and ensuring accurate payments.
- Dedicated Project Management: Benefit from dedicated project managers who streamline processes and ensure timely delivery of services, even on short notice.
- Self-Service Portal: Use the intuitive self-service portal to request quotes quickly and easily, centralizing all your telecom needs in one place.
Lightyear's Pricing
Lightyear offers custom pricing based on your specific telecom needs, leveraging network and pricing intelligence to deliver the best options with minimal effort. Book a demo with Lightyear to see how we can optimize your telecom expenses.
Lightyear Reviews
Our users have consistently praised Lightyear for its ease of use, efficiency, and the ability to centralize and manage telecom procurement effectively. The overall rating users have given Lightyear is currently 5 out of 5.
- "What a change of pace! Their web portal, inventory management, makes it easy for my team and me to get several quotes simultaneously and centralize them instead of dealing with emails and several different vendor meetings." - Luis G.
- "A Rare Gem in the ISP Experience. Lightyear is fantastic at getting us competitive, reasonable quotes on time every time we use them." - Eric L.
- "Lightyear is a lifesaver. Lightyear has been able to meet all the deadlines we need, even on short notice. The personal attention you receive from who you work with really helps to make your business feel supported." - Skye V.
Find more of our reviews on G2.
Tangoe, zLinq, or Lightyear: Which is the best platform for you?
Choosing the right Telecom Expense Management (TEM) solution depends on your specific needs and preferences. While Tangoe and zLinq offer robust features and services, we recommend Lightyear for its comprehensive automation, data-driven software, and significant cost savings. With Lightyear, you can streamline your telecom management effortlessly and focus on what truly matters for your business.