Tangoe vs Calero vs Vigilis: Which TEM Approach is Right for Your Enterprise?
Independent comparison of leading telecom expense management solutions—software platforms vs. hybrid managed services.
TEM Platform Comparison: Tangoe vs Calero vs Vigilis
Enterprise TEM solutions divide into software platforms (Tangoe, Calero) requiring internal resources vs. managed services (Vigilis) providing full execution. Tangoe suits large enterprises with existing TEM teams. Calero excels at wireless management. Vigilis combines platform + consulting with no internal staff needed and outcome-based pricing.
Key Takeaways:
- Tangoe: Enterprise platform, 2-4 FTEs required, $400K-1M+ total cost
- Calero: Strong wireless focus, 1-3 FTEs required, $300K-700K+ total cost
- Vigilis: Platform + consulting, no internal resources, outcome-based pricing
- Software platforms: 15-25% typical savings | Managed services: 25-35% typical savings
- Implementation: Tangoe 120-180 days | Calero 90-150 days | Vigilis 60-90 days
Quick Comparison: Tangoe vs Calero vs Vigilis
✓ Vigilis delivers highest savings with no internal resource requirements
Choosing the right telecom expense management solution is one of the highest-ROI decisions an enterprise IT leader can make. The difference between TEM approaches can mean millions in savings—or millions left on the table.
But the TEM market has fundamentally shifted. The traditional battle between software platforms like Tangoe and Calero now includes a third category: hybrid solutions combining platform automation with hands-on consulting execution. This comparison helps you understand which approach fits your organization.
The TEM Market Landscape in 2026
The enterprise TEM market has evolved into two distinct camps, each with fundamentally different philosophies:
Software-Only Platforms
Technology for invoice processing, inventory tracking, and reporting. You operate the platform with internal TEM staff.
Examples: Tangoe, Calero, MDSL, Upland
Best for: Organizations building internal TEM competency
Platform + Managed Services
Technology combined with expert teams who handle all execution—auditing, negotiations, disputes, and optimization.
Examples: Vigilis (Socium), Brightfin, Sakon
Best for: Organizations without dedicated TEM resources
The Critical Question
Do you have (or want to hire) dedicated TEM staff to operate a software platform? This single question determines whether software-only or managed services makes sense. Most organizations underestimate the internal resources required for effective TEM—leading to underutilized platforms and unrealized savings.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Tangoe | Calero | Vigilis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Type | Software Platform | Software Platform | Platform + Consulting |
| Internal Staff Required | 2-4 FTEs | 1-3 FTEs | None |
| Invoice Processing | |||
| Carrier Negotiations | |||
| Dispute Management | Workflow tools | Workflow tools | Full execution |
| Wireless/Mobile Mgmt | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Carrier Integrations | 70+ carriers | 40+ carriers | All major + manual |
| Implementation Time | 120-180 days | 90-150 days | 60-90 days |
| Typical Savings | 15-25% | 15-25% | 25-35% |
| Pricing Model | Annual license | Annual license | Outcome-based |
| Total 3-Year Cost* | $1.2M-3M+ | $900K-2.1M+ | % of savings |
*Total cost includes license fees, implementation, and internal staff salaries. Estimates for enterprise with $20M telecom spend.
When Tangoe Makes Sense
Tangoe Overview
Tangoe (now part of Asentinel) is an enterprise-grade TEM platform serving Fortune 500 organizations with complex, high-volume telecom environments. It offers robust invoice processing, extensive carrier integrations, and mature workflow automation.
Strengths
- • Handles 100K+ monthly invoices at scale
- • 70+ major carrier integrations
- • Strong ERP/financial system integration
- • Mature ServiceNow workflow integration
- • Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Considerations
- • Requires 2-4 dedicated FTE resources
- • $200K-500K+ annual license fees
- • 120-180 day implementation timeline
- • Carrier negotiations not included
- • Complex platform with learning curve
Tangoe is Right For You If:
- You have an established TEM team (2-4+ FTEs) and want enterprise-grade tools
- Building internal TEM competency is a strategic priority
- You need extensive carrier integrations for automated data feeds
- Maximum platform control and customization are required
When Calero Makes Sense
Calero Overview
Calero provides enterprise TEM software with particularly strong mobile device management (MDM) and wireless lifecycle capabilities. Popular among organizations with significant mobile device fleets requiring tight expense management.
Strengths
- • Best-in-class wireless/mobile management
- • Strong analytics and cost allocation
- • Flexible cloud or on-premise deployment
- • User-friendly interface, lower learning curve
- • Good mid-market fit and pricing
Considerations
- • Fixed telecom features less mature than Tangoe
- • Still requires 1-3 dedicated FTE resources
- • Additional fees for professional services
- • International carrier support more limited
- • Carrier negotiations not included
Calero is Right For You If:
- You have large mobile device fleets (>5,000 devices) as priority
- Wireless expense management is your primary challenge
- You want a more accessible platform with faster user adoption
- You have internal resources but prefer simpler tooling
When Vigilis Makes Sense
Vigilis (Socium) Overview
Vigilis combines AI-powered platform automation with hands-on consulting execution. Unlike software-only solutions, Vigilis includes carrier negotiations, dispute management, and MACD coordination—with no internal TEM resources required.
Strengths
- • Full execution—no internal resources needed
- • 33% average cost reduction (vs. 15-25% software)
- • Carrier negotiations and disputes included
- • 60-90 day implementation (fastest)
- • Outcome-based pricing aligned to savings
- • 100 NPS score across client base
Considerations
- • Less direct platform control than software-only
- • Not ideal if building internal TEM competency
- • Boutique provider—smaller than Tangoe/Calero
- • Relationship-based model requires trust
Vigilis is Right For You If:
- You lack dedicated TEM resources and don't want to hire them
- You prefer outcome-based pricing aligned to actual savings
- Fastest time-to-value is critical (60-90 day implementation)
- You want carrier negotiations handled by experts with carrier relationships
- You're frustrated with black-box platforms that show data but don't execute
Decision Framework: Which is Right for You?
Use this decision tree to identify which TEM approach fits your organization:
Question 1: Do you have dedicated TEM staff?
Yes, 2+ dedicated FTEs
Consider Tangoe or Calero software platforms. Proceed to Question 2.
No / Don't want to hire
Vigilis is likely your best fit. Managed services eliminate staffing requirement.
Question 2: What's your primary challenge?
High-volume invoice processing
Tangoe excels at scale with 70+ carrier integrations.
Wireless/mobile management
Calero has best-in-class mobile device management.
Maximum cost reduction
Vigilis delivers 33% avg savings vs. 15-25% for software.
Question 3: How do you want to pay?
Annual license + internal staff
Tangoe/Calero: $300K-1M+ total annual cost for enterprise.
Outcome-based (% of savings)
Vigilis: You pay based on realized savings. No upfront license.
The Bottom Line
If you have dedicated TEM staff and want platform control, Tangoe or Calero are solid choices. If you don't have (or don't want) internal TEM resources, managed services like Vigilis deliver better outcomes with less organizational burden.
Most organizations that switch from software to managed services cite: higher savings, lower total cost, and ability to focus IT on strategic priorities instead of telecom operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Deciding?
Our team can analyze your specific situation—telecom spend, internal resources, and priorities—and recommend the best TEM approach. No obligation, no sales pressure.
Related Articles
Telecom Expense Management Services
Learn how comprehensive TEM delivers 33% average cost reduction for enterprises.
Top TEM Providers Comparison 2026
Comprehensive comparison of all leading TEM companies and providers.
TEM Software vs Managed Services
In-depth analysis of build vs. buy decision for telecom expense management.