The VoIP industry is one of the most lucrative ones because a plethora of opportunities are available for business owners and entrepreneurs. Using different solutions, multiple business branches can be run to diversify revenue generation sources. One of the most commonly selected business paths in this industry is running a business using a Softswitch solution. There are different types of softswiches available in the market but most probably Class 4 and Class 5 softswitch are the most preferred choice for any business. If you are looking for softswitch solution and want to know more about this, you can follow the guide difference between class 4 and class 5 softswitch for better understanding.
In the industry, you will find three common VoIP Softswitch solutions:
- Class 4 Softswitch
- Class 5 Softswitch and
- Hybrid Softswitch solution
Each of these Softswitch solutions focuses on a specific business model and audience. While getting started in this industry, you might get confused about which Softswitch to choose to run your business. In this article, I will share the top driving factors that you need to keep in mind while making the selection. This will ensure that you can get started without many hurdles on the way.
Major driving factors to consider while making a selection between class 4 and class 5 Softswitch solutions.
1. Budget
When you are getting started in any industry, it is necessary to focus on funds and investment. It is not only about capital investment but also ongoing operational expenses that you must keep in mind.
Buying a class 4 or a class 5 Softswitch solution is quite similar to buying a four-wheeler versus buying a two-wheeler vehicle for you in terms of budget and expenses. This analogy must have given you clarity on this driving factor that will drive your selection process. A class 4 Softswitch solution is definitely more expensive compared to the class 5 switch. Moreover, ongoing operational and maintenance expenses will also be high with class 4 compared to its counterpart.
2. Targeted audience
This is another major area that you must consider during the selection process. If you want to target international carriers, VoIP service providers, ITSPs (Internet Telephony Service Providers), and similar businesses and audiences, then you need a class 4 Softswitch Solutions
On the other hand, if your target audience is local businesses, small business owners, home offices, etc., then the Softswitch solution that you need is definitely class 5.
Both class 4 and class 5 Softswitch solutions target B2B audiences and serve them with the best VoIP based services.
3. Focus area
Another major driving factor that influences the choice of the Softswitch process is the area of focus. Whether you want to cater to customers with wholesale VoIP services or you are happy offering retail VoIP services, what do you need to think about?
If you are new to the industry, let me share the difference. The wholesale business uses a class 4 Softswitch solution and the focus area here is to provide call routing and billing services. The whole business model revolves around routing VoIP traffic to international destinations. The retail VoIP business offers business phone services to local businesses. It would include all different communication features and related services. Also, the call volume or traffic that needs to be handled is low compared to the wholesale business and in this case, you need a class 5 switch.
Concluding notes
VoIP Softswitch solutions are developed to meet the wholesale and retail needs of businesses and a hybrid switch can help in meeting the business needs of both retail and wholesale businesses. However, when an entrepreneur is just getting started in this industry, there is always an ordeal to choose between a class 4 or class 5 Softswitch solution.
Both of these solutions have their own advantages, features, target audiences, focus areas, limitations, etc. Thus, it is necessary to choose the right Softswitch solution, depending on the major driving factors explained in this article instead of making a wild guess to choose between a class 4 or class 5 Softswitch.
Orginial Source From:-
