Best VoIP Softswitch with Billing Solution for Service Providers

by Abhishek Upadhyay Sr. SEO Specialist

VoIP Softswitch is an integral part of VoIP business as it’s the only way to connect the calling party with the called party. If you are already into the VoIP business, you might be aware about its importance. Many existing service providers also changes their switch platform in search for the best VoIP softswitch. So, let’s identify some elements that will help you decide while purchasing a softswitch.

Class 4 & Class 5 Softswitch

If you work in the VoIP business, you will know about Class 4 and Class 5 Softswitch. The main role of Class 4 platform is to manage high traffic levels for long destination calls. Some of the features of this softswitch are billing, transcoding and protocol support and conversion. A Class 5 softswitch has all the above functionalities along with other features such as IVR functions, local level switching and access to rest of the network. The main function of a class 5 softswitch is to connect the end clients. Various types of modules are supported by this type of softswitch, which include Calling Cards Module, Callshop, and Callback to name a few.

Integrated Billing System

If you are looking for the best Softswitch, you should go for one that comes with integrated billing system. A switch with an integrated billing system helps VoIP service providers set up call rates and also control client’s payments. When you are running your own VoIP service, you will be able to send invoices to your resellers easily. With a class 5 Switch with inbuilt billing system, you can generate client invoice without any hassle. There is also no requirement to invest in a separate billing software. Your switch should support both prepaid and postpaid billing providing flexibility of having different types of billing options.

Hosted or a Licensed Softswitch

This is one important option, which you should consider which selecting a softswitch. A hosted softswitch is one, which is available in a rented option. Here you need to pay monthly rent to use the softswitch. This is ideal for customers who do not want to bear a huge cost and hassle of managing a softswitch. A licensed softswitch needs to be purchased paying the total sum of money at once. Although the initial cost may be more but in the long term, you will save money as you do not need to pay every month. In terms of features usually both hosted and licensed softswitch are same.

Important Features to Consider

A softswitch comes with huge amount of features and modules such as call shop, calling cards etc. However, some regular features, which you should consider includes – Call volume, rate plan management, different types of routing options, call monitoring, intelligent alert system, DID management to name a few. These are some core features which should be available.

Apart from these factors, you should consider security while choosing a softswitch. Its multi-layer security system, which makes a softswitch best VoIP switch. If your switch supports multi-layer security, it can minimize hacking attempts, which are quite common nowadays.