Wireless Telecom Expense Management by mindWireless - RSShttp://www.mindwireless.comWireless Telecom Expense Management by mindWirelessWed, 22 Feb 2012 20:00:04 MST<![CDATA[ mWSMART V5.3 Improves Report Visualization ]]>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/28/mindWireless Upgrades Platform to Improve Report Visualization and Consolidation of Wireless User Data Across Multi-Company Organizations Austin, TX:  mindWireless announced the release of mW SMART V5.3, its wireless telecommunications expense management (TEM) software platform. Improved report visualization enhances the ability to define and manage across organizations with multiple divisions and independent operating companies. The enhanced reporting responds directly to changes in the way organizations view their devices and employee usage, providing greater visibility of data and increased management capability. “Security, data visibility and accessibility, and a proliferation of devices and operating systems have caused organizations to seek new ways to view their wireless devices and usage data,” said Jack McAfee, chief technology officer for mindWireless. “mW SMART is the process automation foundation of mindWireless’ services and V5.3 provides the technical muscle and graphical flexibility to help organizations track usage across a wide variety of devices to keep costs in check.” mindWireless gave mW SMART V5.3 a new graphical look with simplified navigation that provides one-click access to the four key wireless TEM functions:  Enrollment/Inventory Management, Shopping/Procurement, Management, and Reporting. Key enhancements include:
  • Employee Portal Reports: With a clearly defined organizational hierarchy, authorized executives, executive assistants, and managers can create new reports on wireless expense and usage from the bottom of the organization to the top levels.
  • Single Organizational View: mW SMART V5.3 consolidates multiple feeds from multiple business units within a single enterprise, as it creates a consolidated view of wireless expense by company.
  • Manage BYOD (bring your own device): Employees can purchase an iPhone or other device via the mW SMART Procurement Portal at a corporate discount using their personal credit card or by entering a monthly stipend amount. Enterprises can then identify and monitor costs on BYODs in use.  Hardware purchase can be separated from the service purchase (split billing).
  • Unique Report Views: Once report access is granted, unique views are available based on and triggered by single-sign-on, enabling effortless information access.
mW SMART is proprietary and provides the foundation for mindWireless’ fully automated wireless TEM services. For a web-based demonstration of mW SMART V5.3, email bizdev@mindwireless.com, or call 512.615.7538.
 
About mindWireless   
mindWireless helps Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices and usage through technology and outsourcing solutions.  Founded in 2000, mindWireless is the oldest and largest pure wireless expense management firm and has become a leader in the corporate mobility management market with services deployed internationally. For more information, visit www.mindwireless.com. ]]><![CDATA[ Wireless TEM Imperatives for 2012: Control, Secure, Save ]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/27/Managing enterprise mobility has become an alphabet soup of activities. Do you know what the following acronyms mean: WEM, TEM, BYOD, EMM, MDM, MAM, MEAP, or MCAP? Which are right for your enterprise?And, most importantly, how do you integrate these tools to most effectively control, secure and reduce the cost of your wireless initiatives. Join us for this 30 minute webinar, February 23, we'll explore best practices to help you:
  • Plan strategies to handle trending WEM issues like Smishing
  • Understand the WEM/MDM intersection
  • Manage increased security, cost, and risk related to bring your own device (BYOD)
  • Implement cost saving tactics to hold the line on rising data expense
  • Create operational efficiencies by automating critical WEM processes
DATE: Thursday, February 23, 2012
TIME: 11:30 am CST/ 12:30 pm EST

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now. ]]><![CDATA[ Mobile Device Management ]]>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/26/Taming the Raging Bull of MDMWith the proliferation of iPhones, Androids, Smartphones and Blackberries, every business is stuggling to protect itself from becoming exposed, optimize its user support for varied devices and enable secure deployment of applications. The final webinar in our Fall Blockbuster series: Taming the Raging Bull of MDM offered several ways to take control of the personal and corporate devices deployed across your enterprise.  This webinar defines the integration points between mobile device management and wireless expense management, as shown in the illustration below: Wireless Expense Management includes mobile device management (MDM) Email now to request a link to the webinar recording to hear mindWireless founder and Co-CEO Kevin Whitehurst and Business Development Director Michael Prince explore best practices that can help you:
  • Implement mobile device management (MDM) effectively
  • Control user behaviors and enforce compliance
  • Automate device configuration and software updates
]]><![CDATA[ Controlling International Wireless Costs ]]>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/25/Traveling Around the World in 80 Days with a Smartphone Will Cost Me What?  International Wireless UseWhen your employees travel abroad, their Smartphone, iPhone, Android or Blackberry travels with them. And while most companies have put travel expense restrictions in place, they often get a surprise when the wireless invoices show up after a trip to Europe or Asia, or even Mexico. Request a copy of this broadcast to learn:
  • 6 options that can control international wireless expense
  • How to decide if cost control or convenience is more important
  • How to select the right option for your travelers
  • How other enterprises control international wireless costs
]]><![CDATA[ Comply with IRS Tax Regs on Cell Phone Use ]]>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/20/mW SMART Platform from mindWireless Enables Corporations to Comply with IRS Tax Regulations on Personal Use of Corporate Cell Phones Houston, TX: Heightened visibility on an IRS regulation created in 1989 to tax personal calls made with a corporate cell phone has ignited debate on the regulation as outdated, overly burdensome and unnecessary. The level of detail needed to comply with this regulation, and other corporate governance requirements is available wireless telecom expense management (TEM) provider mindWireless’ fully automated mW Smart software platform. Passed at a time when only the wealthiest professionals used brick-sized cell phones costing $1,000 and $.50 per minute, few companies enforce the tedious record-keeping rule. Compliance has not been enforced by the IRS because BlackBerrys, , PDAs, cell phones and laptops have become standard fixtures for workers. Easy access to detailed user data lets managers identify and validate personal usage “Using millions of data records in our client database, we researched apparent wireless personal use, mostly looking for after hours calls to the same number and that number appearing during work hours,” said David Wise, co-founder and managing partner of mindWireless. “Over the years we’ve consistently found that personal use of a corporate device has generally been minimal. Our mW SMART platform has enabled managers to identify suspected calls since the release of its mW SMART platform in 2004." Options make it easy for managers to review and tag calls for validation by the employee, and the B2B integration launched mid-2008 streamlines any tax information that must be sent to payroll. Congress Debating Repeal of Personal Cell Phone Tax - IRS Regulation May be Repealed An article in the June 13, 2009 Washington Post reported that Reps. Sam Johnson (R-Tex.) and Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) sponsored legislation last year to repeal the statute. It passed the House but not the Senate. Those lawmakers, as well as Sens. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.), have introduced similar bills this year, with the endorsement of the Obama Administration. Meanwhile, the IRS is exploring three options to simplify the record-keeping process: Assign 75 percent of cell phone use as work-related and the remaining 25 percent as personal with employees taxed on personal use. Employees provide proof of a personal cell phone available during work hours. Employers use a statistical sampling to determine the average workers' personal use of the cell phones. Whether the regulation is overturned or the IRS simplifies compliance, having access to accurate and complete data is critical to avoid fines or back taxes. Implementing a comprehensive wireless TEM solution, such as mindWireless with full process automation and monthly cost optimization, is still a sound strategy that will deliver greater visibility into overall wireless usage and expense. About mindWireless mindWireless helps Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices and usage through technology and outsourcing solutions. ]]><![CDATA[ Partnering with Cellhire for International Rentals ]]>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/19/mindWireless Teams with Cellhire to Offer International Wireless Rentals Houston, TX, January 21, 2009: mindWireless added rental of low cost temporary wireless phones for international travel to its wireless telecommunications expense management (TEM) clients through an alliance with Cellhire® , a global provider of wireless voice and data solutions. With this alliance, mindWireless becomes the first and only TEM provider to offer this service. Cellhire’s extensive portfolio of wireless rental solutions includes international cell phones, Blackberry devices, 3G data cards, and a host of satellite options. Strategic partnerships with global networks such as O2, Vodafone, and T-Mobile allow Cellhire to provide their customers with the best solutions on the highest quality networks in over 180 countries worldwide. “Our relationship with Cellhire extends our ability to offer significant wireless expenses savings to our clients,” said Kevin Whitehurst, managing director for mindWireless. “Most already operate internationally and the roaming expense can be prohibitively expensive. Through Cellhire our clients will pay a low rental fee and local calling rates, saving up to 50 percent over the cost of using their own cell phone.” “We approached mindWireless because of their leadership position as a wireless-only TEM provider,” said Greg Kraynak, Vice President of Business Development for Cellhire USA. “mindWireless is a perfect fit for Cellhire’s low cost international cell phone rental solutions. It is now possible for mindWireless clients to take advantage of sophisticated voice and data technology and to stay connected whenever and wherever they travel.” mindWireless clients can request a Cellhire rental phone through their mindWireless Procurement portal. Their selected device will be delivered, ready to use, and set with a local number for the country they will be visiting. About Cellhire Established in 1987, Cellhire is a world leader in mobile communications providing clients and partners with innovative and competitive wireless solutions. Cellhire is an independent company providing service on various networks worldwide. Through the strength of global relationships, Cellhire offers customers a broad range of world class rental services. Cellhire’s commitment to innovation makes it possible for clients to take advantage of the most sophisticated voice and data technology enabling them to stay connected whenever and wherever they travel. Cellhire is represented around the world with offices throughout the US in New York, Dallas, Washington DC, Chicago and Seattle, and internationally in the UK, France, Japan, China, and Germany. For more information please visit: http://www.cellhire.com. About mindWireless mindWireless is a technology and outsourcing firm focused on the wireless marketplace with offices in Houston and Dallas. Rated “Positive” rating in Gartner’s “MarketScope: Telecom Expense Management (TEM), 2008,” mindWireless was founded in 2000 and has grown rapidly to become a leader in the corporate mobility management market with a list of Fortune 1000 clients, and corporate mobility services deployed worldwide. ]]><![CDATA[ newsBytes ]]>Mon, 10 May 2010 23:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/15/Smartphones in the Enterprise; Enrollment Strategies; Corporate VS Personal Liability

Increasing Enterprise Use of Smartphones Calls for Action

Although Apple and the iPhone get all the attention in the mobile market, it's still RIM and its ubiquitous BlackBerry smartphones that reign supreme in the corporate world. As RIM unveils the BlackBerry Bold 9650 mobile smartphone evolutiondevice at its WES conference, eWEEK looks at why the BlackBerry is still the smartphone to beat in the enterprise. However, while Android still ranks fourth according to Comscore's Mobilens released in mid March, Android devices are gaining fast. Android usage grew 4.3% while leading RIM grew 1.7% and Apple only .3., and they are expected to continue on this fast growth pace as options appear via all carriers. Regardless of which smartphone winds up on top, it's clear that use of these functionally rich devices is growing. As they make their way into the enterprise, processes must be in place to control their use and the data security of the business. mindWireless recommends amending your Corporate Wireless Policy, or creating one if you haven't already. Check out the Corporate Wireless Policy guideline that we offer our clients.

All Star Saving Strategy Enrollment

Keep an accurate Wireless TEM inventory Enrollment is simply the process of identifying and documenting all corporate owned wireless devices and their current users. There are three critical best practices that drive and help to enforce wireless device enrollment:
  1. Create a Comprehensive Policy
  2. Create a Centralized Process
  3. Create a Clear Communication Plan around the Policy and Process
Read the complete white paper.

Corporate VS Personal Liable Debate Rages

With the management of wireless devices getting more and more complicated, and employees demanding the cellphone of their choice, employers are again debating the corporate vs personal liable issue. For many companies, it's a case of simplicity. Security, however, becomes a huge issue. How will corporate access be controlled? And, how do you control huge data downloads that may not be included in rate plans? The Boston Globe reported on a family that received an $18,000 bill when their son downloaded approximately 1GB of data to his laptop via a tether to his cellphone, without a data plan. The same could occur in your company if employee cellular usage is not controlled by a corporate liable program. Phillipe Winthrop of the Enterprise Mobility Forum chaired a panel of industry experts on this topic at the 2010 INTEROP. His panel offers some interesting insights on Who Should Own the Handset. mindWireless has worked with clients using both types of management and finds that corporate liable provides the most efficient control. Allowances for device variety can be worked into the Corporate Wireless Policy guide. Download our Corporate vs Personal Liable white paper that offers the mindWireless perspective from both sides. ]]><![CDATA[ Mindful Of BizFolk On The Road ]]>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/14/Satnews Daily: mindWireless Is Mindful Of BizFolk On The Road + Their SatWireless Needs ]]><![CDATA[ Podcast with TMCnet ]]>Wed, 07 May 2008 23:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/13/TMCnet - Wireless TEMS Podcast with Rich Tehrani ]]><![CDATA[ Reporting Hierarchy Provides Faster Searches ]]>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/12/New Reporting Hierarchy Provides Faster Searches of Employee Wireless Expense Data Houston, TX: Responding to client requests for increased access to wireless telecommunications user data and faster search, mindWireless has integrated an enhanced supervisory reporting hierarchy. The improved reporting offers a clear snapshot of usage that rolls up to the group level or drills down to individual call data, and managers get their data delivered in sub-seconds. Accessed through the Employee Portal of its mW SMART software platform for wireless telecommunications expense management, the enhanced reporting hierarchy enables group and telecom managers to view granular call detail by month, quarter or year. The data can be formatted into a rolling 12-month report to track trends. While telecom and group or division managers can view all data, employees see only their own data. The increased search time was enabled by leveraging enhanced data caching, improving search performance by over 1,000%. "Our goal with both of these enhancements was to improve our clients' experience with mindWireless telecommunications expense management tools," said Jeff Myers, Chief Technology Architect for mindWireless. About mindWireless mindWireless helps Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices and usage through technology and outsourcing solutions. Founded in 2000, mindWireless is the oldest and largest purely wireless expense management firm, and has become a leader in the corporate mobility management market with services deployed worldwide. ]]><![CDATA[ mindWireless Co-Founder Elected to TEMIA Board ]]>Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/11/Kevin Whitehurst Elected to TEMIA Board Houston, TX: Kevin Whitehurst, founder and managing partner of mindWireless was recently elected to the Telecommunication Expense Management Industry Association (TEMIA) Board of Directors to serve as Treasurer for the 2010/2011 term. Mr. Whitehurst will be working with TEMIA and its committees to promote the value proposition that rigorous financial analysis can deliver as part of a telecommunications expense management (TEM) program, particularly for wireless TEM programs. He will also assist the organization in building productive relationships with wireless carriers and other TEM organizations. “mindWireless fully supports the concept of working in cooperation with other TEM industry companies,” said Mr. Whitehurst. “As a member of the TEMIA board, I intend to continue our push to educate enterprises on the financial benefits they can achieve with a proactive TEM program.” About mindWireless mindWireless helps Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices and usage through technology and outsourcing solutions. Founded in 2000, mindWireless is the oldest and largest pure wireless expense management firm and has become a leader in the corporate mobility management market with services deployed worldwide. For more information, visit www.mindwireless.com. ]]><![CDATA[ One Millionth Help Desk Inquiry ]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/9/mindWireless Logs One Millionth Help Desk Inquiry Houston, TX: Riding a growing volume of help desk inquiries, mindWireless recently logged its one millionth wireless help desk inquiry. Initiated in 2004, the company’s Help Desk is based in the Houston headquarters and manages a variety of user issues including billing inquiries, replacing lost or broken devices, wireless device procurement and device set-up. mindWireless, a technology and outsourcing firm solely focused on wireless telecom expense management (TEM), recently moved into larger and upgraded offices. The move facilitated a phone system upgrade to handle the growing help desk call volume and space for a customer care team that nearly doubled in 2008. Additionally, enhancements to the proprietary customer relationship management (CRM) system, mW SMART Tracker™, improve functionality for handling attachments and ancillary documents, issue search capability and the graphical interface for online Help Desk request submissions. “With an improved phone system and the enhanced mW SMART Tracker system, our mindWireless Help Desk team expects to continue outperforming the TEM industry’s average call center service level achievement standards,” said Keith Clark, Director of Operations for mindWireless. “Our customer service team is serious about our commitment to exceed customer satisfaction expectations.” About mindWireless mindWireless helps Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices and usage through technology and outsourcing solutions. Rated “Positive” in Gartner’s “MarketScope: Telecom Expense Management (TEM), 2008,” mindWireless was founded in 2000 and has grown rapidly to become a leader in the corporate mobility management market with corporate mobility services deployed worldwide. ]]><![CDATA[ mindWireless Co-Founder Speaks at ITEXPO ]]>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/8/Kevin Whitehurst Participated in ITEXPO Panel Houston, TX: Kevin Whitehurst, co-founder and managing partner of mindWireless, was selected to present at ITEXPO East in Miami, as a panel expert discussing "If charges for wireless service plans keep going down, why does my spending keep rising?" A survey by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2010 reveals that 30 million American mobile phone subscribers (1 in 6) have experienced bill shock or an unexpectedly large bill for wireless services. "Few companies perform the labor-intensive tasks of validation and optimization of wireless expenses" said Whitehurst. "Automated telecom expense management systems, with controls on enrollment, device procurement, clear wireless usage reporting, and some tips that we will present in the session, enable organizations to reduce expenses and curb spending." Whitehurst, a Telecom Expense Management Industry Association (TEMIA) board member will offer best-practices and practical suggestions to help enterprises capture savings through effective wireless telecommunications expense management. About mindWireless mindWireless provides wireless management services to the world's largest companies, helping numerous Fortune 1000 firms manage their wireless devices, usage and end user support through technology and outsourced solutions. Founded in 2000, mindWireless is a leader in the corporate mobility management market. For more information, visit http://www.mindwireless.com/. ]]><![CDATA[ iPhones Cost Enterprises 80% More Than Blackberries ]]>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/5/iPhones Cost Enterprises 80 Percent More than Blackberries Austin, TX:  A recently completed mindWireless study, analyzing costs of business users with an iPhone or BlackBerry provided by AT&T and Verizon found the average total cost for a BlackBerry was $103 per month compared to $183 per month for an iPhone. For an enterprise considering allowing 1,000 users to switch from Blackberry to iPhone they can expect their upfront costs to rise by over $100,000 and their annual wireless expense to increase by over $900,000. The higher cost comes primarily from the wide use of features and international data on iPhones.  International travelers have 50 percent higher charges for data roaming on their iPhones. Increased data usage does not always equate to higher costs because 95 percent of users are on unlimited or 2GB data plans for domestic use.  "Data use is clearly the driver for the cost variance between iPhone and Blackberry," said Brian Hall, manager of Financial Analytics for mindWireless. "By analyzing actual data drawn from our wireless telecommunications expense management clients, we validated a belief that iPhones were inherently more expensive to the enterprise. We found that iPhone users send/receive 66 percent more text and picture messages, with twice as many users requiring a text message plan over 1000 messages/month.  Key comparison findings of the study included:     
  Blackberry    iPhone
  Average Monthly Cost Average Equipment Cost Average Monthly Data Consumption  Mobile Device Management International Data Roaming Device Incentives Text & Picture Messages Enterprise Server Costs   $103 $136 22MB Available    Frequent    Yes   $183 $262 232MB Difficult 50% higher Rare 66% higher Optional
However, as data pricing moves away from unlimited pricing and  becomes tiered for domestic plans, iPhone users are expected to pay even more in the future based on their higher usage. With the introduction of tiered international data pricing, we found that the 10 fold increase in data usage played a much bigger factor in the international wireless market. Another major factor in the Smartphone arena is the growing Android user base. According to ComScore, of the 72.5 million Smartphones in use in the U.S. in the first quarter, 34.7% were Android devices, BlackBerry's share dropped to 27.1%, and Apple's share increased only slightly, to 25.5%. In conclusion, Hall noted, "But, then again, the iPhone does have Angry Bird." About mindWireless mindWireless provides wireless management services to help Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices, usage and end user support through technology and outsourcing solutions.  Founded in 2000, mindWireless is a leader in the corporate mobility management market.   ]]><![CDATA[ Headquarters Relocates to Austin ]]>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/4/Better Availability and Customer Service for Wireless TEM Clients
Austin, TX: In the midst of Austin's South by Southwest® (SXSW®) 2011, mindWireless announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Austin.  The move enhances the company's ability to provide customer support for its wireless telecommunication expense management (TEM) clients. Initially, mindWireless executive, business development, financial analysts and technical team members will relocate. Hiring has already begun to fill additional customer support and additional technical positions, with an additional 30 jobs to be created in the next 12 months.  The Houston office will remain open, and has moved to a new location where it continues to provide IT development, customer support and help desk services. "Staying competitive in our fast paced industry requires highly-technical aptitude in all positions.  Austin gives us access to one of the most tech-savvy workforces outside of Silicon Valley," said David Wise, co-founder and managing partner of mindWireless. "Houston has been, and will remain a solid part of our growth strategy in the coming years." About mindWireless mindWireless provides wireless management services to help Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices, usage and end user support through technology and outsourcing solutions.  Founded in 2000, mindWireless is a leader in the corporate mobility management market.   ]]><![CDATA[ Commentary on AT&T Acquisition of T-Mobile ]]>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700http://www.mindwireless.com/News/1/Notable Reduction in Competition Expected with AT&T's Proposed T-Mobile Acquisition Austin, TX: While changes to users of AT&T® or T-Mobile® networks are likely a year away, mindWireless sees the acquisition as a shrewd way for one leading carrier to eliminate the lowest price competing carrier. mindWirelessTM, a leading wireless telecommunications expense management firm, expects the biggest change to come from reduced competition which will likely mean higher pricing for enterprise users. What the acquisition means to enterprise wireless users:
  1. Higher prices: Although T-Mobile® holds the lowest share of enterprise clients among the Tier-1 carriers that include Verizon®, AT&T® and Sprint®, it traditionally offers the lowest cost voice and data plans. AT&T's rate plans are higher, particularly for data, and while change is a year or more out, increases to T-Mobile subscribers are likely.
  2. Less choice: Struggling with user defections because of network bandwidth issues and availability of the popular iPhone® through Verizon, AT&T is making a strategic move to take out the lowest priced Tier 1 carrier. The AT&T website, launched to answer questions about the deal, reports that most enterprise users, regardless of location, have a choice of five or more carriers. Tier 1 carriers are typically the preference, with Tier 2 and 3 carriers selected because of better local availability. With T-Mobile out, the choice of Tier 1 options is narrower.
  3. International roaming: Ties to its current parent company, Deutsche Telekom AG, enable T-Mobile to offer aggressive international roaming to its subscribers. While Deutsche Telekom will retain an eight percent ownership in the new AT&T, mindWireless does not expect the relationship to continue the same level of international roaming plans to users. However, AT&T may become the primary option for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications).
About mindWireless mindWireless provides wireless management services to help Fortune 1000 companies manage their wireless devices, usage and end user support through technology and outsourcing solutions.  Founded in 2000, mindWireless is a leader in the corporate mobility management market. For more information, visit www.mindwireless.com.   ]]>