The growth of the VoIP industry has accelerated. Certainly, there are several driving factors that are contributing to the supersonic growth of the VoIP telephony industry such as the 5G wave, AI driven automation, and many more. In this era of transformations, one thing is constant and that is the importance of a billing system. Asterisk and FreeSWITCH based billing solutions are two popular billing systems available to VoIP solution users and service providers that automate their billing processes. Thus, learning about a FreeSWITCH billing solution is necessary.
Certainly, Asterisk is one of the technologies in the VoIP industry that has set the steppingstone of the VoIP telephony ecosystem. Therefore, a majority of VoIP businesses have Asterisk based solutions, including Asterisk billing solutions. If you, too, are using Asterisk based solution to manage billing and invoicing jobs, then you must switch to one of the best FreeSWITCH billing software solutions.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss more details about Asterisk and FreeSWITCH based billing solutions. Moreover, we will uncover important information on this subject that can help you streamline your billing processes.
So, let’s delve deeper and explore all the important facts that can help you harness the complete potential of a billing platform for your business.
1. Understanding a VoIP Billing Solution
Certainly, this software is important to automate the billing process to streamline VoIP services. Undoubtedly, this solution is crucial for both providers and customers in the telecom industry. This software simplifies the complex task of tracking call data, calculating charges based on various rates, and generating detailed invoices. Moreover, it can operate several other jobs such as applying taxes, special rates as per conditions, and more.
It ensures accuracy, efficiency, and scalability in managing the financial transactions associated with VoIP services. Moreover, by integrating with VoIP networks, this solution captures usage data in real time, applies the appropriate billing rates, and supports multiple payment methods. As a result, the billing solution is an indispensable tool for VoIP service providers that aim to offer transparent and reliable billing to their users.
Drive your billing performannce to new heights with our FreeSWITCH Billing Solution.
Depending on the technology used to develop this billing system, it can have different features. Moreover, it can support different levels of scalability, security, flexibility, and other characteristics.
2. Understanding an Asterisk Billing System
Simply put, a VoIP billing solution that is developed using Asterisk technology is an Asterisk billing software solution. It performs all the jobs of a VoIP billing system such as tracking system usage, applying predefined rates according to billing plans, and providing options for processing payments.
This solution is equipped to handle diverse billing scenarios. For example, it can manage prepaid and postpaid accounts, call routing based on different times of the day, and apply varying rates for different destinations. Unquestionably, this solution is critical for service providers for streamlining operations. Moreover, it ensures financial accuracy and delivers transparent billing experiences to its customers.
3. Understanding a FreeSWITCH Billing System
It is a next generation billing solution due to its superior functionalities and robust platform. According to the top FreeSWITCH solution development company, FreeSWITCH billing open source and enterprise solutions are very popular among VoIP service providers to implement with different solutions such as VoIP networks, PBX systems, VoIP Softswitch solutions, calling card solutions, and more.
A FreeSWITCH based billing solution captures call detail records (CDRs) for every call or communication session. Moreover, it processes these records to calculate charges based on predefined billing rules and rates. Finally, it generates invoices or billing statements for users or clients. Additionally, these solutions integrate payment processing gateways to include online payment in the process.
The FreeSWITCH based systems for billing and invoicing are considered more advanced and feature rich. Undoubtedly, they can manage real time billing, too. Moreover, these solutions provide an array of unseen features that can future-proof a VoIP business.
We recommend you read our complete guide on FreeSWITCH billing solutions. It defines this solution in more detail. Furthermore, it shares the top reasons to adopt this solution for your VoIP business.
4. Asterisk Billing system vs. FreeSWITCH Billing System
Whether you are already using an Asterisk or a FreeSWITCH billing solution or considering the one for your business, it is necessary to pick the right platform. Certainly, the selection of the right solution can help you futureproof your business and constantly thrive without any hindrances.
To compare FreeSWITCH and Asterisk billing systems, we will delve into the nuances that differentiate these two systems to compare how their respective billing solutions stack up against each other.
4.1 Features and Functionalities
Undoubtedly, FreeSWITCH billing systems support a broader set of out-of-the-box features. For example, advanced billing capabilities, real time analytics, and comprehensive support for complex rating scenarios are some of the powerful features available in FreeSWITCH. Additionally, FreeSWITCH has a modern architecture that facilitates easier integration with external APIs, CRM systems, and other third party tools. Unquestionably, this nature enhances the overall functionality and value of this billing solution.
Compared to FreeSWITCH, Asterisk based billing platform supports a wide range of VoIP features. However, it still lags behind FreeSWITCH when compared to supporting advanced features. Additionally, it also supports integration with third party applications. However, sometimes it can present challenges. As a result, the integration process requires custom development work.
4.2 Performance and Scalability
Fundamentally, a group of Asterisk developers founded FreeSWITCH after parting ways from Asterisk. Ideally, FreeSWITCH is designed with scalability and high performance in mind. Therefore, it is capable of handling thousands of concurrent calls with minimal resource usage. As a result, this inherent efficiency translates to its billing system, which can manage an extensive number of calls. Moreover, it can seamlessly manage complex billing scenarios without compromising on performance. Therefore, for service providers with high call volumes, FreeSWITCH billing offers a more robust and scalable solution.
Conversely, Asterisk provides a rock-solid foundation for developing a variety of VoIP services. It is a pioneer system, which is why it is used by several VoIP networks and service providers. However, when it is compared to a FreeSWITCH based solution, it has several limitations in managing large volumes of concurrent calls and transactions. As the number of calls increases, the performance of the system is likely to degrade. Additionally, these limitations create potential hindrances to growing business. Thus, Asterisk billing solutions affect a business’s ability to scale seamlessly as demand grows.
4.3 Flexibility
Undoubtedly, FreeSWITCH billing systems are renowned for their astonishing flexibility. You can create different hosting models and architectures for this solution. Moreover, you can use these solutions with any other system regardless of their base technology. Additionally, the modular architecture of FreeSWITCH makes it easier to customize this billing system. Therefore, you can tailor the solution to meet your custom needs. Additionally, a business can quickly launch and configure new billing models, changes in business requirements, or even regulatory changes.
On the other hand, the billing solution developed by Asterisk offers a good degree of flexibility. Still, you need certain prerequisites and expensive server configurations to support complex hosting architectures. For example, to build a cluster architecture for extensive load balancing and failover support, you need more server and hardware infrastructure than a FreeSWITCH based solution. Additionally, the Asterisk billing platform supports customization to meet specific business needs. However, the customization process can sometimes be complex. Moreover, it can have some technical challenges. Therefore, you may need more resources to apply the same customization in the Asterisk based system compared to a FreeSWITCH based billing system.
4.4 Reliability and Support
FreeSWITCH has a proactive and supportive community. Also, it distinguishes itself from commercial support and professional services directly from the core development team. This access to expert support can be invaluable for ensuring reliability and optimal operations.
Similarly, Asterisk also has a large and active community. Therefore, it has a wealth of knowledge and support options to offer to its billing system users. However, dedicated and timely support options are limited. As a result, several other aspects and the reliability of the platform are also limited.
4.5 Cost and Value Over Money
Often, FreeSWITCH based solutions are considered more expensive than Asterisk. Clearly, FreeSWITCH is new in the market compared to Asterisk. Therefore, the market of FreeSWITCH developers is not as saturated as the market of Asterisk developers. Therefore, FreeSWITCH based billing solutions are sometimes more expensive than Asterisk based solutions. However, the value for money is definitely way higher with FreeSWITCH than Asterisk while considering the range of features and advantages it has to offer.
In the long run, FreeSWITCH can definitely generate more value. Additionally, the system will provide a range of functional advantages. Furthermore, maintenance and other expenses will make FreeSWITCH based solutions more cost efficient than its counterpart.
5. Top Tips to Switch from Asterisk to FreeSWITCH Billing Platform
Due to the clear advantages of using a FreeSWITCH billing software solution, several businesses are switching their Asterisk based system to its counterpart. If you are also in this journey of migration, then here are the pro tips that you must follow:
Choose the Right Software
The first recommendation is to select the right billing system. Even if it is a FreeSWITCH based solution, it can have outdated tech and features. Therefore, you must choose a solution that can meet present and future needs. You must compare the advanced features, scalability, performance, future upgrades, and other offerings of the solution to choose the best one for your business.
Strategic Migration Process
Definitely, the migration process has to be smooth and seamless. Therefore, you must have the right plan for the switch. Firstly, map out how you will transfer existing billing data to the new system. This includes customer information, billing history, rate plans, and any custom configurations. Secondly, you must ensure compatibility between the two systems to maintain data integrity and accuracy. Thirdly, it is advisable to implement the new system in phases if possible. Finally, you must have a backup and plan to roll back if required. Surely, it might be a temporary rollback, but it is necessary to stay prepared for any situation to manage.
Train your Team
Generally, the software providers offer basic product training to the customers. Certainly, you must indulge all team members in using this training. Beyond basic training, provide your staff with detailed sessions on the nuances of the FreeSWITCH billing platform. This could include hands-on workshops, access to online resources, or investing in paid technical support to receive additional training. Proficiency with the new system will minimize disruptions and improve problem-solving efficiency.
Run Both Solutions in Parallel
Consider running both Asterisk and FreeSWITCH billing systems in parallel for a short period. This allows you to compare outputs and ensure the new system is performing as expected without risking data loss or service disruption. Additionally, this will give the required time and flexibility to the team to adopt the new system.
Concluding Note
Certainly, both Asterisk and FreeSWITCH based billing solutions offer powerful platforms. However, FreeSWITCH billing open source and enterprise solutions provide greater scalability, flexibility, advanced features, and reliability. Moreover, they are advanced, robust, high performing, and extremely scalable platforms. Therefore, for service providers looking to manage high call volumes, require extensive customization, or need robust integration capabilities, FreeSWITCH billing solutions emerge as the superior choice. Moreover, for businesses interested in using high performing and future proof billing solutions, FreeSWITCH based platforms are a must.
Interestingly, several VoIP businesses are using Asterisk based systems. As technology is offering so many added advantages, it is recommended to make a switch to this future of technology and choose the right FreeSWITCH billing system. You can seek professional support in the journey of selecting the right software and implementing it seamlessly.
ASTPP is renowned for its cutting-edge, comprehensive, and powerful FreeSWITCH billing solution. This solution provides a future-proof platform designed to support the growing and evolving demands of modern telecommunications services and thriving businesses. To learn more about this solution and to book a free demo, contact us now.
