When considering Telecom Expense Management (TEM) software, zLinq presents itself as a comprehensive solution for managing WAN, Unified Communications, and Contact Center investments. This article will delve into the features, reviews, and other options to consider in the TEM landscape.
What is zLinq?
zLinq specializes in telecom and technology lifecycle management, assisting IT teams in managing their WAN, Unified Communications, and Contact Center investments. They offer a Customer Dashboard that provides real-time visibility into the communications environment.
Other features include a Visualization Toolkit for near-real-time data analysis, a Dedicated Client Services Manager for lifecycle management, and a Risk-Sharing Partner Model that guarantees results. Additionally, zLinq offers Invoice Processing to simplify expense management and Strategic Advisory Services for strategic planning.
What to Consider When Selecting a zLinq Alternative?
- Integration Capabilities: Ensure the alternative offers seamless integration with existing systems and platforms, such as ERP, CRM, and MDM solutions, to streamline workflows and enhance data accuracy.
- Customer Support: Look for a provider that offers dedicated account managers and responsive support teams to address issues promptly and provide personalized assistance.
- Cost Management: Evaluate the alternative's ability to optimize and control telecom expenses through features like automated invoice processing, cost validation, and detailed reporting.
- Scalability: Choose a solution that can scale with your business needs, accommodating growth and changes in telecom infrastructure without compromising performance or functionality.
- Security and Compliance: Verify that the alternative adheres to industry standards for security and compliance, such as SOC II certification, to protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance.
Best Alternatives to zLinq in 2025
1. Lightyear
Lightyear is dedicated to transforming the B2B telecom industry, which is often seen as antiquated and resistant to change. By leveraging data-driven software, we automate and optimize how companies source and manage their internet, WAN, voice, and colocation services. Our mission is to drive positive, durable change in this crucial space for digital interactions.
Pros of Using Lightyear
Lightyear offers a range of features that make it a compelling choice for businesses looking to optimize their telecom management.
- Automated Sourcing: Lightyear's platform automates the sourcing process, saving time and reducing errors.
- Data-Driven Optimization: The software uses data analytics to optimize telecom expenses and improve efficiency.
- Real-Time Visibility: Provides real-time insights into telecom usage and expenses, helping businesses make informed decisions.
- Scalable Solutions: Lightyear's services can scale with your business, accommodating growth and changes in telecom needs.
- Dedicated Support: Offers dedicated account managers to provide personalized assistance and address issues promptly.
These are just a few of Lightyear's many features. Check them out here to learn more.
Who should use Lightyear?
Lightyear targets businesses of all sizes that require efficient and reliable telecom solutions, including internet connectivity, wide area networking, voice services, and data center/colocation solutions. Our platform is ideal for companies looking to streamline their telecom procurement, manage network inventory, and consolidate billing, ensuring seamless digital interactions and optimized telecom expenses.
Lightyear Pricing
At Lightyear, we understand that every business has unique telecom needs, which is why we offer custom pricing tailored to each customer. To get a personalized quote, feel free to schedule a demo here.
Lightyear Reviews
Lightyear has received an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Users appreciate the ease of use and efficiency of our web portal and inventory management, as well as the competitive pricing and excellent customer support. Check out more of our reviews here!
2. Valicom Clearview
Valicom Clearview is a cloud-based telecom expense management (TEM) software that efficiently manages voice, wireless, and data environments. It enhances visibility, cost control, and risk reduction, offering versatile scalability, effortless integration, and comprehensive features such as inventory management, invoice auditing, payment processing, cost allocation, and reporting.
Pros of Using Valicom Clearview
- Versatile Scalability: Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to large enterprises with multi-user, permission-based access.
- Effortless Integration: Manages wireline, mobile, servers, and data on a single platform.
- Web-Based Simplicity: Reliable, secure, and easy deployment without IT involvement.
- Customizable Reporting and Dashboards: Designed to expand with new reports and capabilities as needed.
Cons of Using Valicom Clearview
- Limited Customization Options: The interface could benefit from more customization features, such as the ability to modify headers to show site names in the invoice approval area.
- Dated Interface: The overall look and feel of the interface are somewhat outdated, which may affect user experience and ease of use.
Valicom Clearview Pricing
Valicom Clearview's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
Valicom Clearview Reviews
Valicom Clearview has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. Users generally mention that the interface could use more customization options and looks somewhat outdated. Check out more Valicom Clearview reviews here.
3. Linq services
Linq Services offers a comprehensive solution for enterprise mobile management, handling everything from Mobile Device Management (MDM) to streamlined invoicing and customized reporting. They guarantee savings and aim to simplify the management of hundreds or thousands of mobile devices for organizations.
Pros of Using Linq services
- Human Customer Care: Personalized, one-to-one service from dedicated account specialists.
- Device Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive management of the entire lifecycle of mobile devices.
- Simplified Billing: Streamlined invoicing processes.
- Guaranteed Savings: Assurance of cost savings on mobile management.
Cons of Using Linq services
- Potential Over-Reliance on LINQ: The comprehensive nature of LINQ's services might lead to over-reliance on their platform. If there are any service disruptions or changes in service terms, it could significantly impact your business operations.
- Initial Transition Costs: While LINQ guarantees savings, the initial cost of transitioning to their services might be a concern for some businesses, especially smaller ones with limited budgets.
Linq services Pricing
Linq services's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
Linq services Reviews
Linq services has received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Users generally mention that while the service is functional, the interface could be more user-friendly and the customer support response times could be improved. Check out more Linq services reviews here.
4. Sakon
Sakon offers a comprehensive platform designed to manage telecom expenses and services, providing solutions for telecom expense management, service management, cost optimization, and network management.
Pros of Using Sakon
- Cloud-Based Platform: Sakon's platform is designed to manage communication ecosystems efficiently, offering a comprehensive, cloud-based solution.
- Integrated Service Management: The platform integrates all communication services, providing a unified approach to telecom management.
- Automation of Workflows: Key telecom management workflows are automated, reducing manual effort and increasing operational efficiency.
- Tailored Solutions: Sakon offers customized solutions to meet specific telecom management needs, ensuring optimal performance and cost control.
Cons of Using Sakon
- Complex User Interface: Users have reported that Sakon's interface can be challenging to navigate, which may lead to a steep learning curve and inefficiencies in managing telecom expenses.
- Limited Customization Options: The platform offers limited flexibility in customizing reports and dashboards, which can be a drawback for businesses with specific reporting needs.
Sakon Pricing
Sakon's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
Sakon Reviews
Sakon has received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Users generally mention that the interface is complex and the customization options are limited. Check out more Sakon reviews here.
5. Cass
Cass offers a comprehensive suite of telecom expense management services, including fixed telecom management, mobility management, and cloud management, designed to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency for enterprises globally.
Pros of Using Cass
- Real results, accountability, and a complete end-to-end service: Cass offers comprehensive services that support internal IT and telecom departments, ensuring significant savings by preventing overcharges and paying only for used resources.
- Market leader in customer satisfaction: Cass is recognized for its high customer satisfaction, best-in-class implementation, and rapid time-to-value.
- Federally regulated: Cass operates under federal regulations, ensuring compliance and security.
- Global execution: Cass provides services worldwide, managing disbursements and invoices across multiple countries and currencies.
Cons of Using Cass
- EDI Use Has Limitations: The Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) functionality has some limitations, which can affect the efficiency of data exchange processes.
- Denied Issues Can Cause Delays: Issues with denied payments can lead to delays in processing, potentially impacting the overall workflow and financial management.
Cass Pricing
Cass's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
Cass Reviews
Cass has received a rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Users generally mention limitations with EDI use and potential delays caused by denied issues. Check out more Cass reviews here.
6. Avotus
Avotus offers a comprehensive Telecom Expense Management (TEM) platform that includes modules for Inventory, Purchasing, Invoicing, and Analytics. This interactive solution helps organizations manage their telecom assets and expenses more effectively, providing benefits such as cost savings, error detection, and improved financial control.
Pros of Using Avotus
- Interactive and Flexible Platform: Avotus offers a self-contained yet interactive TEM platform with modules for Inventory, Purchasing, Invoicing, and Analytics, providing a seamless experience.
- Robust Automation and Human Expertise: The platform combines automation with human expertise to detect errors and optimize efficiency, ensuring accurate telecom expense management.
- Three Levels of Quality Checks: Every invoice undergoes three levels of quality checks, significantly reducing the risk of errors and ensuring financial accuracy.
- Automated Alerts for MACD Orders: Avotus provides automated alerts for Moves, Adds, Changes, and Disconnects (MACD) orders, enhancing control and compliance with corporate IT policies.
Cons of Using Avotus
- Complex User Interface: Users have reported that Avotus' interface can be challenging to navigate, which may lead to a steep learning curve and inefficiencies in managing telecom expenses.
- Limited Customization Options: The platform offers limited flexibility in customizing reports and dashboards, which can be a drawback for businesses with specific reporting needs.
AvotusPricing
Avotus's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
Avotus Reviews
Avotus has received a rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. Users generally mention that the interface is complex and the customization options are limited. Check out more Avotus reviews here.
7. Calero
Calero offers a comprehensive suite of managed technology solutions, including telecom expense management, mobility, SaaS, and unified communications, designed to provide visibility, control, and optimization for enterprise technology needs.
Pros of Using Calero
- Wireline eBonding: Calero is the only TEM provider certified as a carrier integrator to Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) standards.
- Award-Winning Inventory Technology: Provides deeper and more accurate insights into telecom inventory data by pulling data directly from vendor APIs and validating it against billing records.
- Comprehensive Managed Technology Solutions: Covers a wide range of services including managed mobility, telecom expense management, SaaS management, unified communications, and market data management.
Cons of Using Calero
- Complexity in Integration: While Calero offers comprehensive solutions, integrating these solutions with existing systems might be complex and time-consuming, requiring significant effort and expertise.
- App Functionality Issues: Users have reported problems with the functionality of the app, indicating that it may not always perform as expected.
Calero Pricing
Calero's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
Calero Reviews
Calero has received a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Users generally mention that the interface is difficult to manipulate and not very intuitive, and there are complaints about the lack of communication and the need for better support from the account team. Check out more Calero reviews here.
8. GoExceed Mobil(X)
GoExceed Mobil(X) offers a comprehensive suite of enterprise cellular management solutions, including data mitigation, invoice auditing, hardware procurement, and lifecycle management, all designed to optimize costs and enhance operational efficiency.
Pros of Using GoExceed Mobil(X)
- Automated Data Asset Mobile Management (ADAMM): Uses Azure, machine learning, and AI to interpret carrier contracts and maximize discounts.
- OneSYNC Integration: Seamlessly integrates with MDM, help desk ticketing, asset management, carrier portal, HR, and ERP systems.
- Mobile Intel: Provides data-driven insights into wireless carriers using Power BI.
- Solve(X) Portal: Powered by Microsoft, it simplifies data management and provides clear and concise data to executives.
Cons of Using GoExceed Mobil(X)
- Not the Most Intuitive Interface: Users have reported that the interface is not necessarily intuitive and there seems to be redundant data in multiple places, which can complicate navigation and data management.
- Outdated Interface Design: The interface can look slightly outdated, which may affect the overall user experience despite the technology working and everything being presented visually just fine.
GoExceed Mobil(X)Pricing
GoExceed Mobil(X)'s pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
GoExceed Mobil(X) Reviews
GoExceed Mobil(X) has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Users generally mention that the interface is not intuitive and there is redundant data in multiple places. Check out more GoExceed Mobil(X) reviews here.
9. Temforce
Temforce is a SaaS application designed to manage IT and telecom inventory, expenses, and related processes. It offers features such as request management, inventory management, finance management, supplier management, contract management, network management, cost management, and reporting, providing transparency and control over IT and telecom resources.
Pros of Using Temforce
- Team Workflows: Standardizes and automates information flow across teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and efficiency.
- Blockchain-based Smart Contracts: Integrates with DocuSign for digital and smart contracts, enhancing security and compliance.
- Automated SLA Credit Recovery: Automatically recovers SLA credits aligned to contracts, ensuring financial accuracy and cost savings.
- Accrual Bot: Automates monthly accrual processes, reducing manual effort and increasing operational efficiency.
Cons of Using Temforce
- Leveraging several un-trusted sources of data: Temforce relies on multiple unverified data sources to piece together information about your network inventory, which can lead to inaccuracies and potential security risks.
- Lack of customizability in field organization: Users have reported that the platform could benefit from more options to customize how fields are organized, which can hinder efficient data management and user experience.
Temforce Pricing
- Per User Package: $100 per user per month.
- Managed Services Package: Custom pricing based on the defined scope.
Temforce's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
Temforce Reviews
Temforce has received a rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Users generally mention that the platform could benefit from more options to customize how fields are organized. Check out more Temforce reviews here.
10. TEMEdge
TEMEdge is a cloud-enabled expense management solution designed to automate, optimize, and manage technology spending for organizations, offering features like invoice processing, inventory management, and dynamic reporting.
Pros of Using TEMEdge
- Integrated: Leverages common data, such as cost center information, and provides centralized views of inventory across modules.
- Modular: Offers a choice of modules based on requirements, such as invoice management and inventory management, with the ability to add new modules as needs expand.
- Synchronized: Automates and synchronizes the exchange between technology vendor feeds to eliminate duplicate data entry.
- Flexible: Available as a hosted, software-licensed, or outsourced solution, ensuring total visibility into the complete technology lifecycle to reduce costs and save time.
Cons of Using TEMEdge
- Complex User Interface: Users have reported that TEMEdge's interface can be challenging to navigate, which may lead to a steep learning curve and inefficiencies in managing telecom expenses.
- Limited Customization Options: The platform offers limited flexibility in customizing reports and dashboards, which can be a drawback for businesses with specific reporting needs.
TEMEdge Pricing
TEMEdge's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
TEMEdge Reviews
TEMEdge has received a rating of 0.0 out of 5 stars. There are no user reviews available, and the page encourages users to be the first to write a review and share their experience. Check out more TEMEdge reviews here.
Which One Should You Go With?
While all the options discussed offer robust features and capabilities, Lightyear stands out for its data-driven optimization, real-time visibility, and dedicated support. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient alternative to zLinq, Lightyear is a compelling choice. Ultimately, the best solution will depend on your specific needs, but you can't go wrong with Lightyear's innovative approach to telecom management.
