Softswitch vendors have started exiting the market over the past several years, while service providers are facing growing subscriber demand for unified communications (UC) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.
Given that legacy softswitches are limited in their ability to support today’s modern communications infrastructure, ILECs, RLECs, CLECs, MSOs and other service providers at various stages of the modernization journey are actively evaluating hosted softswitch solutions that can serve as cost-feasible, secure and proven replacement option.
A hosted softswitch solution offers service providers the opportunity to help shed the burdensome cost, resource and personnel investments required to support aging voice infrastructure. This allows for service providers to instead focus on high-impact business priorities – helping to accelerate profitability, unlocking new revenue streams and improving customer experience.
With the right technology partner, it is now possible to smoothly transition to a scalable, future-ready cloud softswitch environment.
Cloud Softswitches vs Legacy Hardware
Before evaluating and executing a cloud softswitch modernization strategy, let’s analyze the current state of the softswitch market.
- Many service providers are saddled with on-premises hardware-based switches or legacy softswitches
- Legacy softswitches are approaching end-of-life, leading to high license and rising maintenance costs
- Service providers face insufficient security posture if legacy softswitches are still in use
- Emerging regulator/compliance mandates create operational difficulties for legacy softswitches
The Time Is Now for Cloud Softswitch Modernization
The path for service providers to move forward with softswitch modernization is more compelling and feasible than ever before, and the business factors supporting near-term migration are clear.
Subscribers seek advanced UC, VoIP services
Even if it were feasible to withhold the sunsetting of legacy TDM and current softswitch infrastructure, doing so puts service providers at a significant competitive disadvantage. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) vendors are elevating subscriber expectations for a dynamic user experience with service offerings including VoIP calling, video conferencing, mobile/desktop apps and much more, and service providers limited to legacy voice platform features and functionality will fall behind. Vendors of UCaaS services can introduce new AI features into the model that existing platforms can’t – helping to drive AI voice conversation and helping to prepare service providers for Virtualized Conversations (VCONS).
Declining support and expertise to manage legacy infrastructure
There is a gradual decline in the availability of personnel with the expertise required to support legacy TDM and softswitch voice infrastructure, leaving service providers vulnerable to the risks associated with inadequate expertise to manage and troubleshoot legacy devices and applications.
Rising security and compliance risks
Relying on legacy voice infrastructure (TDM/PSTN) exposes service providers to critical security and compatibility vulnerabilities, primarily due to unpatched software, lack of vendor support and outdated protocols. Cloud softswitch solutions, such as TNS Hosted Cloud Connect, can support FCC mandates, such as STIR/SHAKEN and Do Not Originate Support.
Future Proof Your Business with TNS Hosted Cloud Connect
TNS Hosted Cloud Connect is a comprehensive, purpose-built cloud communications solution that supports a seamless transition from legacy TDM Voice to IP. By modernizing legacy infrastructure, operational costs are reduced and new, revenue-generating service innovations are accelerated.
Hosted Cloud Connect combines the power of TNS Voice Transit (a fully managed service for TDM-to-IP migration), Call Guardian Authentication Hub (CGAH), TNS Enterprise Branded Calling and AI Screening solutions into a single, scalable and secure platform that allows service providers to bolster revenue and subscriber growth.
Brad Zerr is Director – Product Transformation at TNS with specific responsibilities for TNS transformation solutions.
Download The Post-Softswitch Future eBook
This eBook introduces TNS Hosted Cloud Connect, a cloud-based solution designed to replace solutions depending on legacy softswitches, as well as legacy TDM switches. Learn more about the solution and its benefits including cost efficiency, business agility and scalability, and security and compliance.