Telecom networking consultants help clients get the most out of their communication systems by strategically assessing information systems, products and services in mission critical applications. With vast experience, technology skills and network expertise, telephone networking consultants deliver voice and data network solutions to meet all of your business communications needs. Whether installing a new system or enhancing an existing system, telecommunications networking consultants develop cost-effective solutions with value-added features and flexibility to meet your current and future needs.

Before beginning your search for telecommunications consulting firms, it is important to define your needs. Clearly identify the goal of your telecom networking consultancy, including project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best phone networking consultants to meet your specific needs.

When selecting telecommunications networking consulting firms, research each company and evaluate the following:

1. What kind of experience do the telecom consultants have in developing communication solutions for your industry?

2. What assessment and implementation services do the phone network consulting firms provide to develop a solid communications foundation for your business?

3. How much should your business invest in telecommunications networking consulting services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire telecommunications networking consultants that specialize in your industry

Select telecom networking consultants who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business market. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Advocate Networks has experience in the health care, financial, business, technology, industrial, legal and communications industries, and provides a list of clients sorted by industry. Refund Systems facilitates telecom cost management services in the United States, Latin America and Europe, and features client success stories. Broad Reach Networks provides telecommunications networking consulting services to clients in the education, corporate, government, health care and real estate development industries, and includes an online client list.

Choose telecommunications consultants with proven skills

Review the services offered by each telecommunications networking consultancy. Evaluate the telecommunications consulting firm's experience, qualifications and certifications, and request successful project examples of the specific skill sets you need.

I recommend: Design Data provides system assessment, IT strategic planning, system acquisition, process re-engineering, project management and system configuration services. Carlini & Associates has a broad range of consulting experience including financial acquisition reviews, capitalization, venture funding, contract negotiations, business process analysis and integrated network design. Enablx offers comprehensive call center, web and database management services.

Select telephone networking consultants that meet your budget

Many telecommunications consulting firms operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Several utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects. Your telecom consultancy cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Get a free one-hour telecommunications evaluation and analysis at Fortune Consulting. Contact Alliance Core Technologies for a free on-site needs analysis.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before selecting a phone networking consultancy firm, find out if the firm offers telecommunications products from several business partners or has an exclusive contract with one manufacturer. Telecommunications networking consultants who work with multiple product vendors will offer a more objective telecommunications networking solution focused on your business needs, not those of their vendor.