In general, VoIP softswitches can be either Class 4 or Class 5. They are software-based devices used to route calls and manage data, fax, video and voice traffic in a telecom network.

Class 4 softswitches are typically found when managing VoIP traffic among carriers and can be used to route long-distance VoIP telephone calls – usually involving a large number of them.

Speedflow explains that Class 4 softswitches may include such features as protocol support, codec support, conversion options, calls per second data, and multiple concurrent call capabilities.

Meanwhile, Class 5 softswitches are used for both local calls and long distance calls. Class 5 softswitches can have such advanced features as IP PBX (News - Alert), call center services, calling card platforms, authorization capabilities, and quality of service options. These switches are targeted to businesses needing to provide services to end-users and can be used either at businesses or residences.

Sippy Software is one such provider of Class 4 and 5 VoIP switch solutions for Internet telephony services.  Its products are widely used worldwide, with the company reporting more than 4 billion minutes of traffic handled a year, involving thousands of client networks found in over 100 nations.

In the case of Sippy, their softswitches in general offer routing, rating, billing, and personal branding. They also allow users to have the option to access Sippy XML/APIs so customized Web portals can be made for either clients or resellers. In addition, the company’s softswitches provide network management tools for VoIP carriers.

Looking to cater to voice networks of various sizes, Sippy offers four different pricing models tailored to meet a firm’s unique needs. For instance, Sippy Hosted Solutions start at $195.00 a month. Benefits of the hosted model include the lower cost and the assured availability of a reliable and secure switch. Sippy hosted solutions are targeted for VoIP entrepreneurs, interconnects and carriers. 

If call volume and flexibility needs require it, the next pricing model is the Sippy FLEX license rental. Starting at $476.00 a month, one of its key strengths is the ability to expand between 2,000 to 10,000 concurrent calls on a single server. It also can handle between 75 to 300 calls per second. This high level of flexibility means users will find it easy to increase or decrease available channels, or to add or remove customer models. The switch can be branded, too.

Sippy FLEX is targeted to clients who want a scalable and reliable softswitch in their own network.

A third option is a dedicated hosted solution. This option includes a rental server, rack space, dual power, access to multiple backbone providers, and dedicated bandwidth in a Sippy IBM (News - Alert)/Softlayer colocation center.

The final option is a fully-purchased Sippy softswitch, starting at $6,400. Under this model, a business obtains a Sippy perpetual license for a Class 4/5 switch and session border controller (SBC) platform. The switch is designed to behighly scalable based on the changing needs of a business and includes round the clock support and upgrades during the first year. This model is targeted to large carriers, interconnects and businesses that need a Class 4/5 softswitch on their own premises.