Class 5 Softswitch solutions are pretty popular among businesses because they are the direct communication solutions to meet day to day demands and needs of consumers. Certainly, this solution makes it possible to create a network of private business phone exchanges that is exclusively available to a business. Moreover, it has an amazing range of communication features to enable businesses to take their communication system to the next level. Additionally, these solutions reduce communication expenses, operational costs, and several other expenditures. As a result, more and more businesses are adopting this communication tool for their business.
As a matter of fact, all businesses cannot purchase this solution or invest in custom class 5 softswitch development. Therefore, they either use class 5 Softswitch open source solutions or invest in rental services. VoIP service providers offer this solution along with a mobile SIP dialer, IP phones, and other infrastructural components that a business needs to keep enjoying rich communication features. At the same time, keeping expenses low is another advantage available to users of this software.
In summary, this solution is a perfect tool that any business would need. However, to stay competitive and to leverage all its benefits, it is necessary to use the latest version or edition of this software.
What is it all about?
Does it matter?
You must have these questions and to help you resolve these and many similar questions, we are here to help. So, let’s delve deeper and understand how this solution can change your life, in fact, your business.
1. What is a Class 5 Softswitch?
Technically speaking, traditional VoIP based communication was managed using a hardware based switch. However, as one can see, this was an expensive and tedious job. Certainly, it was very difficult for any VoIP provider or a business owner to manage a hardware based switch system. Therefore, software solutions were invented.
Undoubtedly, these software solutions resolved several concerns that were troublesome for businesses. Moreover, they also made VoIP based communication tools more flexible, scalable, and easily adaptable. On the other hand, to ensure that service providers can easily differentiate different VoIP software solutions, the industry kept the name as it is.
The class 5 Softswitch is a software solution that manages different SIP devices, trunks, DID numbers, and other components to create a private business exchange for a business. Moreover, it provides a range of communication and collaboration features to consolidate the business telephony ecosystem. Majorly, this system is responsible for managing business calls and augmenting the overall communication experience with its features. As it focuses heavily on a retail audience, it is also known as a retail Softswitch solution that provides communication services.
Key Features Available in the Class 5 Softswitch Solutions
Interestingly, the features available in this solution may vary from type of software, its providers or development company, development technology, and several other aspects. However, it is necessary to have knowledge of its key features. Therefore, we have listed major and must have features of this software hereunder:
- IVR
- Auto attendant
- Call mute and un-mute
- Call waiting
- Call forwarding
- Call forking
- Call hold and retrieve
- Find Me, Follow Me
- Ring group
- Voicemail
- Caller ID
- 3-way conferencing
- Call authentication
- Callback
- Voicemail
- Call monitoring
- Support for Codec, Media transcoding
- DID number management
- System administration features
- Billing and invoicing
- Reports and CDRs
2. Top Reasons to Adopt the Class 5 Switch
Interestingly, there are several reasons to adopt this solution for your business. Firstly, you can be a VoIP service provider that uses this solution to offer business phone services. Secondly, you might be the business itself that is going to use this solution to manage services. Thirdly, you are yet another business that loves investing in technology or future-proofing a business. In any case, investing in this solution will certainly benefit your business.
Here are the top 5 reasons that enforce adoption of this solution if you are still using a legacy telecommunication system for your business.
2.1 Mobility
We are living in the 21st century. Undoubtedly, it is the era of digitization that takes businesses above and beyond geographical territories. From a VoIP software development company to an art piece seller, everyone is doing business internationally. Globalization of business increases the need for mobility. This is not just about the physical mobility of a person, but it is also about the accessibility of representatives and the business.
The retail Softswitch solution helps in achieving exactly the same. Unlike traditional telephony systems, it does not need you to use physical phone systems. It provides you with a mobile app or a web app that you can access from anywhere in the world if you have an active internet connection. Firstly, you can communicate across the globe from any nook and corner of the world without any need to stick to your desk. Secondly, you can take any administrative action from remote locations. For example, you can add a new tenant if you are a service provider. Conversely, you can create a new extension if you are using this software for your own business. In short, this solution gives you wings to fly and still stay connected.
2.2 Rich Features
Undoubtedly, this solution has an amazing range of features and that is also at half the price of the traditional telephony system. We have already named some of the major features that you will find in all solutions of the class 5 switch. Moreover, development companies and innovators are inventing new features to provide further advancements in communication and connectivity. For example, AI based chatbots and voice assistants are paving their way into this software to add automation in communication. Moreover, unified communication channels have already become part of this software.
In a nutshell, this solution provides way more and better features than its counterpart. It helps in enjoying excellent communication. Moreover, it helps in improving the overall user experience. Furthermore, it contributes to the process of boosting your brand image.
2.3 Scalability
Indisputably, this is one of the major reasons to use this solution. You can enjoy unlimited and immediate scalability. Moreover, you will enjoy a hassle-free scale up process. Conversely, traditional systems are quite rigid and do not provide ease of scaling up. There is so much messy wiring, connections, hardware components, and setups involved that the process becomes too slow and technical. Unlike that, the class 5 Softswitch open source and enterprise solutions are quite flexible and scalable. Moreover, it supports cloud native apps and hosting. This makes them more scalable and an instant scale up process is possible. Additionally, you can also scale down if your business slows down for any reason. This is just not possible with its counterpart.
2.4 Cost-efficiency
One of the major driving factors behind the increasing adoption of VoIP solutions is cost efficiency. The retail switch also provides this advantage. It is a software based app. Therefore, it is very low maintenance and requires minimal resources. Moreover, it does not require much hardware, which makes it cheaper in terms of capital investment. Additionally, it reduces operational expenses and increases operational efficiency. As a result, you save more money here as well. Moving ahead, it can manage some call traffic automatically. Therefore, you can save human resources from managing repetitive queries, which can further help in saving money. In a nutshell, you increase efficiency and cut costs. Therefore, you must adopt this solution if you have not already.
2.5 Personalization Capabilities
This is a highly personalized solution. You can ask for the exact features that you need in your business system. Moreover, you can white label it. Furthermore, if you are investing in class 5 Softswitch development, then you can even decide on the roadmap and future plans. In addition to that, it supports API integration and customization of existing features, too. Therefore, you can enjoy having the most personalized communication tool for your business.
3. Signs of an Outdated Class 5 Switch
Definitely, to enjoy the upper hand in having this communication tool, you have to use the latest edition with the trending features in your solution. However, businesses often end up using an outdated solution without even knowing this is the case. To help you figure out whether you are in this ordeal of using an outdated solution that needs an immediate upgrade or not, here are the top signs to consider.
Negative Experience
If you or your consumers are facing poor call quality and related issues persistently, then it is an outdated solution. For example, you experience packet loss, echo, noisy conversations, and similar issues during all or most of the calls.
Restricted Features
The latest versions of the software give access to the latest and trending features. If your solution is missing it, then you have an older version. For example, holiday routing or time based call routing are common features available in the latest version. Moreover, ring group and conditional routing are other features available in modern solutions. Additionally, unified communication and AI features are also making their way into the most advanced versions of the software. If you have none of these, then the time to upgrade is here.
We recommend you read our blog post covering the future prediction of the retail switch that will be influenced by AI.
Resource Consuming
If your physical resources are draining or if your team is spending too much time managing your switch, then also it indicates that your system is outdated. Moreover, if you end up putting too much on customization or maintenance, then also it is an indication of having an older version.
Limited Scalability
Scalability is the fundamental advantage of the modern solution. However, if it is too difficult or expensive to scale up, then it is an outdated version of the software.
Lack of Support for Customization
Finally, the modern solutions are highly customizable, but if your software is not, then you need an upgrade for sure.
4. Challenges Due to Outdated Class 5 Solution
If your system is outdated one, then you may face several challenges such as:
- Missing out on important features
- Lack of support
- Difficulty in meeting client expectations
- Increasing expenses
- Poor quality of call and service
5. Upgrade to the Latest Version to Overcome all Challenges
The only solution to get over all challenges and compete with flying colors is to upgrade to the latest version or edition of this software. Firstly, you can upgrade your existing solution. However, it must be an affordable option. However, if you find it too expensive, then you don’t just need a solution upgrade, but also a technology and infrastructure upgrade. In that case, you had better get a completely new edition of the software. In other words, buy a new and better class 5 solution for your business.
The latest version will give you access to the pool of advantages. Moreover, it will increase your operational efficiency and give you a competitive edge. However, you must ensure that your version upgrade matches the par set by the industry leaders. Therefore, always use the best tool and associate with an innovative provider that is renowned for constant improvements and innovations.
Concluding Note
In conclusion, a retail switch has a pivotal role in the communication business. In fact, this solution is useful in all industry verticals. Therefore, development companies make persistent efforts to augment its features and benefits. To ensure you are leveraging all the major advantages of having this powerful system, you must regularly upgrade the software and technology. For example, you can adopt FreeSWITCH based solutions over Asterisk as it gives more scalability at a lower expense. Likewise, there are several driving factors that you must keep in mind while upgrading your switch.
We provide the latest edition of this solution with modern features and intuitive UI that will make your business thrive. To book a demo of one of the best class 5 Softswitch solutions and check its features, contact us now.
