Survey Reveals Carriers' Aggressive Plans for Softswitch Deployments
Tuesday January 15, 6:30 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: International Softswitch Consortium
Survey Reveals Carriers' Aggressive Plans for Softswitch Deployments
SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2002--According to the survey ``Current & Planned Uses of Softswitches & Next Generation Networks in the U.S.,'' 67% of the RBOCs and 43% of the inter-exchange carriers (IXCs) interviewed are already carrying live customer traffic on a softswitch. The survey, which was commissioned by the International Softswitch Consortium (ISC), also found that a large number of ILECs and IXCs are considering future softswitch deployments and have already begun testing softswitches or have issued requests for information and proposals. A synopsis of the survey results is published in today's issue of America's Network, a magazine that provides real-world information on technologies for the public telecommunications network.
The ISC commissioned the survey to examine current deployments and favored softswitch applications, as well as to ascertain carriers' commitments to future implementation of softswitching technologies. The survey also investigated deployment challenges and sought to determine the timeframe for future deployments. Among the various softswitch applications, the most popular ones cited were Internet offload (29% of the respondents), Class 4 replacement (26%), and expanding revenue (19%).
``This survey is a great testament to the real market traction softswitch products have had thus far. It's critical for softswitch vendors to have a good sense of carrier deployment plans in order for them to tailor their marketing and sales strategies accordingly,'' said Ike Elliott, president of the ISC. ``As a Consortium representing the softswitch industry, it's important that we make these tools available for our member companies and the industry overall.''
Research First Consulting conducted the survey among a sampling of America's Network readers, a group of service providers that included ILECs, IXCs, ISPs, CLECs, and Wireless Providers. Respondents hold engineering or technical management positions and are responsible for purchasing or specifying central office and transmission equipment.
Full results of the survey are available to ISC members via the Consortium's web site. The ISC plans additional studies to continue its analysis of softswitch technology growth and to provide its members with market insights.
About the ISC
The International Softswitch Consortium was launched in May 1999 to support rapid advancement of application development for the evolving Internet protocol networks, which support the convergence of voice, data and multimedia communications. Internet protocol networks are built on distributed servers generally called ``call agents,'' ``media gateway controllers,'' ``softswitches,'' ``application servers'' and ``media gateways.'' The Consortium promotes worldwide compatibility and interoperability; identifying, selecting, augmenting as appropriate, the development and distribution of standard interfaces for call agents, media gateways, and applications. With over 175 members, the Consortium works to advance the worldwide adoption of seamlessly integrated communications networks through events, education and cooperative work groups. More information can be found on the International Softswitch Consortium's website at softswitch.org.
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Contact:
International Softswitch Consortium
Lily Sun, 925/275-6674
lsun@inventures.com
or
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