As mobility is gaining even more importance throughout the global marketplace, the enterprise must identify the best way to migrate to an efficient platform for cellular mobile communication systems. One such platform is Long Term Evolution, or LTE (News - Alert), and is considered to be the last step toward 4G for 3G networks.

A number of major carriers in the United States and throughout the world announced their plans to convert their networks to LTE beginning last year. As this change continues, how do these companies monetize on the migration to LTE and the benefits of a fully managed transformation?

In all areas of communications, enterprises are increasingly outsourcing voice and data network management and transformation to equipment vendors, systems integrators and managed service providers. A global communications solution provider with the right amount of knowledge can deliver the managed services necessary to efficiently and cost effectively administer the enterprise network from end to end.

This is especially important in the move from 3G to LTE as it is not as smooth and easy as some have claimed. This is a big step and one that should be managed by a provider that understands the transformation process inside and out and can provide enhanced valued to the customer. In doing so, the enterprise can gain powerful strategic advantages in today’s market.

For the enterprise, telecommunication expenses are rising. A recent CIO blog from Aberdeen (News - Alert) Group noted that telecom and network services expenses now account for 3.6 percent of revenue or 12 percent to 18 percent of all expenses for Fortune 500 companies.

 

The addition of intelligent IT and network functionality to improve employee productivity is increasing cost. The enterprise is also facing increased complexity created by the integration of people, networks and communications across multiple locations.

With all of these financial challenges in light of improving the overall operations of the business, the enterprise faces additional challenges and costs when migrating to an LTE platform. For this reason, it makes good business sense to evaluate the benefits of an outsourcing partner that can address all aspects of the enterprise network management and transformation.

When an outsourcing team is selected with the goals of the enterprise in mind, migration to LTE is properly managed and the enterprise gains the most benefit from the process. Selecting the right partner is key and companies should look for one that will work directly with the CIO; manages external IT partners and suppliers; understands enterprise network technology, enterprise communications, voice and data carriers and carrier equipment; this partner should be experienced in working in a multi-vendor environment; has no vested interest in the enterprise’s other expanse streams; and is experienced in management and transformation.

No matter how much benefit is promised in any type of internal change, if it is not managed properly, the enterprise can lose productivity, buy-in from users, revenue and even customers. By partnering with a proven provider to manage the transformation, the migration to LTE can deliver all the promised benefits without giving way to potential threats.