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Roundup
January/February 2001

 

Softswitches And Application Servers

[ Go Right To The Roundup List ]

We are poised at the base of the giant foothill that is the Communications ASP market, and which promises to evolve into a full-fledged mountain if industry analysts are on target. The softswitch will play a vital role in helping service providers and LECs scale that mountain, as they move away from traditional, proprietary central office solutions to distributed platforms that can support the rapid rollout of new services.

Theoretically, the softswitch offers amazing opportunity: It's a scalable, interoperable Class 5 switch replacement. And not only can it support existing Class 5 services, but many softswitches offer modules for service creation and rollout, a critical feature in today's converged network. According to the Softswitch Consortium (a not-for-profit organization promoting interoperability among softswitch vendors), a softswitch is also known as a call server, media gateway controller, or call agent. It provides intelligence for controlling connection services for a media gateway and/or native IP endpoints; the ability to select processes to be applied to a call; routing for a call within the network based on signaling and customer database information; the ability to transfer control of the call to another network element; and finally, a softswitch provides interfaces to, and support, of management functions like provisioning and billing.

We have also decided to include application servers in the latter part of this roundup, as they are obviously vital to the development and deployment of enhanced services in a next-gen network. And while the servers we have included make up just a small portion of this burgeoning market, they were developed for voice and messaging applications and offer the scalability and features required for these robust services.

The products listed below are offered as a guideline to this vast marketplace. We have attempted to break out important features to offer an even comparison of each product. But keep in mind that not all softswitches or application servers offer the same functionality, so do your homework and get a clear idea of what your network and development needs are before making this important investment decision.

[ Return To The January/February 2001 Table Of Contents ]


SOFTSWITCHES

APPLICATION SERVERS


SOFTSWITCHES

CSSW-4000 SoftSwitch
ComGates Communications
15 Hagalim Ave.
Herzeliya, Israel 46725
972-9-9500404

Scalability: Supports up to 10,000 ports
Protocol Support: CAS ISDN, SS7/C7, H.323, MGCP, SIP
Features: Bridges and integrates PSTN networks in real time with data communications networks, adapting instantly to the protocol being used. Can also run multiple transmission protocols on the same operating platform simultaneously.
Platform: Unix-based open architecture

ICServiceWorks service creation softswitch
Convergent Networks (formerly TCS)
900 Chelmsford St.
Lowell, MA 01851
978-323-3300
Scalability: 220 calls/second, 800,000 BHCA, 40,000 concurrent calls, and 400,000 subscribers
Protocal Support: MGCP, H.248, SS7, TCAP, ANSI ISUP, ITU-T ISUP, ETSI ISUP
Features: Offers call control and management capability, an SS7 signaling gateway, and carrier-ready application modules like an open service creation environment and unified messaging. The ICSDK developers' toolkit allows for rapid creation of enhanced applications and traditional custom calling features.
Platform: Dual Sun Netra 1400/1405

CopperCom Local Exchange Softswitch System (LeXSS) 
CopperCom
2860 De La Cruz Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-987-8500

Scalability: Voice-over-DSL support for high-speed data delivered simultaneously with up to 24 voice lines
Protocol Support: SIP, SS7 ISUP, ISDN, Megaco/H.248
Features: Offers a switching and media conversion platform, a softswitch platform, and a provisioning and management platform. The softswitch controls the switch platform and offers call handling, a service creation environment, and line and trunk side features. The first phase of the product is comprised of the CopperController softswitch and the CopperCom CSX 2100 switch.
Platform: Dual redundant server platforms

Continuant Softswitch
GNP - Continuant
555 E. Huntington Dr.
Monrovia, CA 91016
626-305-8484

Scalability: From 5,000 BHCA to over three million BHCA on the same platform without requiring any forklift upgrades, support for up to three million subscribers
Protocol Support: H.323, Megaco, SS7, MGCP, SIP
Features: Delivers call control, customer policy management, SS7 intelligent network services, and back-office services. Built on GNP's natural clustering technology, controller data management system, and a system management framework.
Platform: Uses GNP's Natural Clustering Technology in tandem with non-proprietary off-the-shelf hardware

DataAXS
IPAXS Corporation
6301 Benjamin Rd., Ste. 101
Tampa, FL 33634
813-887-1100

Scalability: One softswitch is needed for the network to operate; however, for redundancy, and for larger networks, multiple softswitches are recommended to reduce call-setup delays, single point failure, congestion at the softswitch LAN and unnecessary backbone traffic
Protocol Support: H.323, SIP, MGCP, SS7, ISDN CAS
Features: Integrates packet telephony with the PSTN while leveraging user accounts, network registration and authentication, routing tables, a billing platform, rate plans, phone numbers, administration and maintenance, network/database operations, and CDR logs.
Platform: Platform-independent

ControlSwitch
ipVerse, Inc.
490 De Guigne Dr.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
408-830-3200

Scalability: From small to large-scale global deployments with millions of subscribers
Protocol Support: SS7, Q.931, H.323, MGCP, SIP
Features: Offers a distributed architecture and protocol independence, regardless of the underlying transport network. Offers Web-based tools and an XML-based language for easy development of augmented services. A library of base services is also available for augmentation.
Platform: Sun Solaris 2.6 with SPARC version 9 is recommended

NuvoStream Integrated VoIP Application Switch (IVAS)
Mockingbird Networks
10050 Bubb Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014-4132
408-342-1067
Scalability: 96 to 8,400 ports in a seven-foot rack
Protocol Support: SS7/C7, ISDN, R1, R2, Q.SIG, H.323
Features: Provides built-in softswitch features which offer a UNIX-based protocol engine, signaling algorithms, network management, and standards-compliant operation. Also offers a platform for building enhanced applications.
Platform: NEBS-compliant, CompactPCI open systems running the Solaris OS

ORCA SSC Softswitch
Nuera Communications, Inc.
10445 Pacific Center Court
San Diego, CA 92121-1761
858-625-2400
Scalability: May be deployed regionally and multiple SSCs work together to provide the call processing and switching fabric of a large-scale network. For maximum assured network reliability, the SSC may be deployed in redundant pairs.
Protocol Support: SS7, H.323, ISDN, R2, CAS signaling, MGCP, SIP
Features: Offers network call processing and routing fabric, while using SIP to interwork with enhanced services platforms. Open APIs and a SIP interface enable integration of third-party enhanced service applications with ORCA network services.
Platform: NEBS-compliant UNIX platform

DataCrate SCO
PacketPort.com
587 Connecticut Ave.
Norwalk, CT 06854
203-831-2220

Scalability: High scalability and the ability to dynamically switch call routes
Protocol Support: SS7/C7, ISUP SS7, MGCP
Features: This large-scale intelligent call agent comes in a soft SS7/C7 server model for connecting to the PSTN and converting traffic to TDM format. It also comes in an intelligent call agent-only model for receiving voice traffic from IADs and terminating calls to other IADs in the IP network.
Platform: Sun Solaris

PSX6000 SoftSwitch
Sonus Networks, Inc.
5 Carlisle Rd.
Westford, MA 01886
978-692-8999
Scalability: High performance, and may be replicated as required to meet PSTN call processing requirements
Protocol Support: MGCP, Megaco, Sigtran, ANSI, SS7, SIP
Features: Manages network devices to set up calls across circuit, IP, and ATM networks, and maintains network policy information on routing, provisioning, and services. Enables service and application development based on open APIs and standards-based platforms.
Platform: May utilize a wide range of standard hardware platforms

Applications Switch
Sylantro Systems Corporation
910 East Hamilton Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
408-626-2300

Scalability: Carrier-class scalability
Protocol Support: SIP, MGCP, SS7 ISUP, ISDN, TCAP
Features: An applications-enabled softswitch that offers call routing and call state handling functions. Offers pre-packaged applications built on end-office, Class 5 functionality with an emphasis on Internet development capabilities. Allows applications to support multi-administrative domains, and is client-device independent. Softswitch layer manages interfaces to PSTN controlling primary rate ISDN or ISUP signaling.
Platform: NEBS-compliant Sun Solaris OS systems

OCX End Office Package
Taqua Systems, Inc.
75 Attucks Lane
Hyannis, MA 02601
877-778-8800

Scalability: Shelf model can handle 4,096 maximum concurrent calls (8,192 ports), and rack model can handle 12,288 maximum concurrent calls (24,576 ports)
Protocol Support: SS7 TCAP
Features: This Class 5 enabling software operates on Taqua's OCX platform and offers features like enhanced 911 calling, automatic number identification, and local number portability. The package also provides a core set of CLASS and custom calling services, and additional services may be developed using the Taqua Open Programmable Interface (TOPI).
Platform: Imbedded System Engine (ISE) OS

Vxi Media Gateway Controller (MGC)
Tekelec
26580 W. Agoura Rd.
Calabasas, CA 91302
800-835-3532
Scalability: May be scaled to one million or more BHCA for large call volume applications
Protocol Support: MGCP, SIP, Q.2931, ANSI SS7, ISDN PRI
Features: Offers control of switching and routing of packets among media gateways across a packet backbone network. Also offers implementation of service logic and integrated call control based on the advanced intelligent network (AIN) model. provides built-in triggers to service control points so that carriers may use the same tools for service creation and deployment as they use for traditional voice services.
Platform: Netra 1400 server

IntelligentIP Softswitch
telecom technologies (recently acquired by Sonus Networks)
1701 N. Collins Blvd., Ste. 3000
Richardson, TX 75080
972-301-4900

Scalability: Carrier-grade, modular solution
Protocol Support: SS7, SIP, H.323, MGCP, ATM, frame relay
Features: Offers a control engine for end-to-end call control, as well as an intelligence layer for common access to multiple databases and third-party service platforms. A signaling agent handles messaging control for call setup, handling, and release, while a media gateway control agent instructs the media gateway on setting up, connecting, and tearing down individual connections. Additional features include a network manager and a billing event manager.
Platform: Can sit on any media gateway/switch and talk to any in-house or third-party application to roll out new applications for use by service providers

PathMinder
TeraBridge Technologies
1375 Tri-State Pkwy.
Gurnee, IL 60031
847-782-2000

Scalability: Up to 2.5 million BHCA
Protocol Support: SS7, UNI 4.0, ISDN, Q.2931, MGCP
Features: TeraBridge describes PathMinder not as a softswitch, but as a suite of software-based intelligent call control products. The product can provision, monitor, control, and bill any voice, data, or video session, and also provides interworking for carrying voice over an ATM network.
Platform: Will interoperate with Sun or Crystal PC platforms running Solaris 2.6 or Windows NT

SRX-3000
Unisphere Networks
One Executive Drive
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-848-0300

Scalability: Up to one million-plus BHCA
Protocol Support: SS7, SIP, TCAP, LDAP, JAIN, Parlay, H.323, MGCP
Features: Provides integration with third-party applications through protocol or programming interfaces, as well as meta-directory technology for integration with back-office applications. The service mediation architecture features a modular design for abstracting the software application from its hardware platform.
Platform: Sun Netra commercial platforms

VOISS Release 2.0
VocalData, Inc.
3001 E. President George Bush Freeway, Ste. 150
Richardson, TX 75082
972-354-2100

Scalability: Fully redundant, and any system function may be distributed over multiple processors so that each function may be made redundant
Protocol Support: MGCP, SIP, H.323
Features: This service delivery softswitch may be deployed in a NOC or POP, and features a distributed call processing architecture. It offers flexible and multiple auto attendants, high capacity conferencing, voice mail, and unified messaging. Additional features include a firewall and a desktop portal which displays address books, call logs, and messages. The new release also includes new IP phones.
Platform: Provided as an integrated solution, or as an open solution, able to integrate with industry-leading VoIP products

Vsys Softswitch
VSYS, Inc.
7150 Campus Dr., Ste. 220
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
719-785-5400

Scalability: Inherent scalability since intelligence is moved from individual nodes to a single, virtual, distributed resource control layer
Protocol Support: SS7, MGCP, H.323, SIP
Features: Offers a distributed execution backplane for load balancing and inter-process communications across processor boundaries. Also provides single-system image monitoring and diagnostics, and is compatible with common billing, service, and batch APIs.
Platform: Unix-based

Xybridge Softswitch
Xybridge Technologies, Inc.
3400 Waterview Pkwy., Ste. 107
Richardson, TX 75080
214-570-8600

Scalability: The Call Manager may be set up in a clustered configuration for carrier-grade scalability and reliability
Protocol Support: MGCP, H.323, SIP, NCS, IPDC
Features: Bridges IP, PSTN, wireless, and SS7 networks to offer a service delivery platform for creation of converged solutions. Includes a library of open APIs for third-party service development and back-office integration.
Platform: Platform-independent Java-based system (can be deployed on NT, Solaris, Linux, HP-UX, embedded OS)

APPLICATION SERVERS

I-Series 2000 Appliance Server
Alliance Systems, Inc.
3001 Summit Ave., Ste. 400
Plano, TX 75074
972-633-3400
Scalability: An ATX motherboard supports up to three full-length PCI slots
Features: Designed to offer functionality and density for managing voice, data, and other networks, the Appliance Server can manage IVR, speech recognition, FTP, DNS, Web hosting, and unified messaging. Also handles call management, and is rack mountable.
Platform: Supports Windows NT, Windows 2000, Unix, and Linux

BeIA
Be, Inc.
800 El Camino Real, Ste. 400
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-462-4100

Scalability: Transparent multiprocessor support
Protocol Support: HTML 4.0, SSL 2.0 and 3.0, JavaScript, PersonalJava, and a variety of digital audio/video formats
Features: Includes a management and administration platform, and a client platform featuring an integrated software package and development tools for creating Internet appliances with customized capabilities. Also features an Integration Services component for offering the third-party relationships and expertise needed to deploy a targeted appliance. The Application Server component enables an appliance provider to offer e-mail, instant messaging, personal information management, and chat rooms.
Platform: BeOS, compatible with x86 (Pentium-class or better) and all PowerPC processors

Application Server
dynamicsoft
72 Eagle Rock Ave., First Floor
East Hanover, NJ 07936
973-952-5000

Scalability: Carrier-grade scalability, including support for load balancing and centralized management over groups of servers
Protocol Support: SIP, HTTP, XML, CGI, Servlets, Java
Features: Offers a rules engine and service composition tool for determining the relationship between protocol events and applications. Features API containers supporting a number of Web interfaces, and also includes a range of example applications. Also offers a GUI-based interface for management, operation, administration, and provisioning.
Platform: Sun Solaris and Windows NT are supported

Multimedia Application Platform (LMAP)
LongBoard, Inc.
3103 North First St.
San Jose, CA 95134
408-571-3300
Scalability: Supports 500,000 busy hour call attempts (BHCA), 100,000 ports
Protocol Support: SIP, RSVP, DiffServ, MPLS, COPS
Features: Includes a "multi-engine SoftSwitch" for multimedia applications. Allows subscribers to provision their own features and services, as well as manage and customize inbound calls through a Web-based service. Works with softswitches or legacy Class 5 switches.
Platform: Unix and Solaris-based

iVANi iServer
NexTone Communications, Inc.
9700 Great Seneca Hwy.
Rockville, MD 20850
240-453-6300
Scalability: Redundant mode of operation
Protocol Support: SIP, H.323
Features: Offers policy-based call routing and signaling mediation while interoperating with softswitch and media gateway platforms. Provides support for enhanced services and applications like IP Centrex, unified messaging, multimedia conferencing, presence management, and voice-data VPNs.
Platform: Sun Solaris 2.7 or higher, or RedHat Linux 6 or higher

viaIP Multi-Service Platform
RADVision, Inc.
575 Corporate Dr., Ste. 420
Mahwah, NJ 07430
201-529-4300
Scalability: Support for 100 conferencing ports per card
Protocol Support: H.323, H.320
Features: Integrates a multimedia gateway, data collaboration, multipoint conferencing, and gatekeeper into a single platform. Uses Windows NT application server cards for running an enhanced communication server, a data collaboration server, a multipoint conferencing unit card, and an internetworking multimedia gateway card.
Platform: Four-slot CompactPCI architecture

Voice Portal Platform
Dialogic Corporation (an Intel subsidiary)
1515 Route Ten
Parsippany, NJ 07054-4596
973-993-3000

Scalability: Can range from four ports to four spans, or up to 120 ports of voice resources per board
Features: This integrated hardware and software platform offers the tools for building and expanding e-business and speech-enabled voice portal solutions. It is comprised of the ISP2150 Internet Server Platform, Intel Dialogic Telephony Interface Boards, and CSP speech processing software.
Platform: Windows NT Server 4.0, SPS Solaris 7.0

Lutris Enhydra
Lutris Technologies
1200 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-471-9753
Scalability: Applications may be deployed on a cluster of machines
Protocol Support: XML, WML, HTML, HTTP/SSL
Features: Offers the Enhydra Java/XML application server development and deployment environment at its core, and includes features for separating presentation, business, and data layers of an application. Other features include wireless application support through WML, manipulation of XML documents as Java objects, and load balancing and failover capability.
Platform: Red Hat Linux 6.1, VA Linux 2.2.13-0.7smp (Enhydra only), Sun Solaris 2.7, Windows NT 4.0 SP5

[ Return To The January/February 2001 Table Of Contents ]







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