State of the Technology Management Industry event registration is now open!

Event Date October 14, 2026

2026 State of the Technology Management Industry

Live Online Event Free Registration
Reserve Your Seat

What Are Your Current Technology Management Challenges?

By Timothy C. Colwell, Executive Vice President at AOTMP
A digital network map or web of interconnected icons (cloud, cybersecurity lock, servers, mobile, dollar sign, compliance shield).

Organizations face many complex challenges in today’s fast-changing IT environments. Beyond simply keeping systems running, leaders are tasked with optimizing value, ensuring compliance, and aligning technology decisions with
business strategy. The reality is that what may seem like individual issues (e.g., network diversity, cybersecurity, portfolio management) are deeply interconnected, and solving them requires a strategic, holistic approach. Here are some of the most common challenges technology management leaders are navigating right now:

Network Diversity

With Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) shifting availability and service delivery models, organizations are struggling to maintain diversity and resilience in their networks. Ensuring business continuity often means redesigning redundancy strategies while balancing cost and vendor complexity.

Technology Replacement Lifecycles

Determining when to refresh or replace aging technology is a dilemma that goes beyond hardware depreciation. Teams must evaluate the risks associated with outdated systems against the costs of replacement and the opportunities presented by adopting emerging solutions. This requires a clear asset inventory and lifecycle strategy.

Cybersecurity

Security remains top of mind as risks multiply across telecom, mobile, and cloud platforms. Protecting sensitive data while enabling flexible collaboration demands defense-in-depth strategies, continuous monitoring, and proactive mitigation across every layer of the IT stack.

Risk Assessments

Risk management is no longer optional; it’s foundational. From supply chain concerns to vendor continuity risks, organizations must perform ongoing assessments that go beyond compliance checklists. Doing so helps ensure operational resilience and prepares teams for quick response when disruption occurs.

Portfolio & Program Management

Managing the full portfolio of infrastructure and applications is complex, especially with hybrid environments that mix on-premises, cloud, and mobile technologies. Layer in the need for program management tools that seamlessly support both ITIL
processes and Agile delivery, and it’s clear that effective governance is mission- critical.

Value Beyond Cost Reduction

Cost-cutting pressures are ever-present; however, the imperative today is to articulate value beyond cost reduction. This means demonstrating business outcomes, such as improved productivity, enhanced customer experience, innovation enablement, and revenue growth.

EMS / E911 Compliance with UCaaS

As organizations move to Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), ensuring compliance with Enhanced 911 (E911) and Emergency Management Services (EMS) regulations is a non-negotiable challenge. Leaders must strike a balance between the rapid adoption of scalable UCaaS solutions and ensuring that safety protocols and emergency requirements are met.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

This post is sponsored by Sakon and Bearstone.

Logo for Sakon

About Sakon

Sakon is the Telecom Cloud — a governed architecture that brings clarity, control, and automation to global enterprise telecom and mobility operations. As a pioneer in telecom lifecycle management, Sakon created the industry’s first unified system of record and continues to lead with data-governed solutions that power real-time visibility, intelligent automation, and modernization across network, wireless, and financial systems. Built for outcomes, Sakon helps CIOs, CFOs, and IT leaders stabilize platforms like ServiceNow, Coupa, and SAP, reduce risk, and drive transformation. Beyond technology, Sakon supports global connectivity through its teams and Kids Connect Global, making telecom smarter, simpler, and more equitable. Learn more at www.sakon.com.

About Bearstone

Bearstone is a telecom vendor governance firm founded by Bill Henrichs, Former Head of Telecommunications at Simon Property Group. Managing telecom for a 200+ site portfolio, Bill saw what most CIOs learn: invoices routinely carry unauthorized charges — services billed after disconnect, rates outside contracted terms — that no one is validating line by line. He built Bearstone to close that gap.

Bearstone delivers BearGuard — a managed governance service that validates invoices against contracted terms, surfaces unauthorized charges and variance, and holds carriers accountable for correction. Where TEM platforms stop at reporting, BearGuard begins.

Headquartered in Noblesville, Indiana, Bearstone serves multi-site enterprises — retail, hospitality, and distribution — with 200+ locations or $2M+ in annual telecom spend.

Learn more at www.BearstoneLLC.com/ExecutiveBrief  

Related Posts

Newest Posts

Archive