Earlier this March, global telecom service provider SwitchRay announced updated features for its softswitch platform, SR-S5000. The update version, 1.8, includes enhanced services for call centers and proprietary Hunt Group functionality.
According to the company, Hunt Group is a feature that allows incoming calls to “hunt” for available operators, designed to improve queue and call-handling capabilities for companies such as internet service providers that make use of the softswitch service. On its website, SwitchRay targets ISPs directly in its effort to market the SR-S5000, stating that the platform can efficiently manage the calls of whole corporations and will integrate with any provider's network.
A softswitch, or software switch, is a device that connects one phone line to another entirely by way of software that runs on a host computer. Calls can be mediated by a softswitch from telephone to telephone, telephone to Internet-based connection, or between two Internet-based connections.
There are two classes of softswitches, Class 4 and Class 5, with Class 4 devices functioning mainly as call routers and Class 5 devices addressing the needs of end-users, such as corporate clients. The SR-S5000 is a Class 5 softswitch.
In addition to the Hunt Group capabilities, SwitchRay has added Call Barge-In, a service that allows a third party to interrupt a call in progress. For instance, if an administrator needs to address a problem between two employees currently speaking over their ISP's VoIP connection, the admin can “barge-in” on the existing call and turn it into a three-way conversation.
On its website, SwitchRay mentions a host of other capabilities available for end users in the SR-S5000 system. These include remote access; voice messaging; remote controls, such as the ability to query a list of services; call center services, such as group and conference calling; and personal services, such as alarm clock and speed dial features.
Edited by Blaise McNamee