In the Softswitch environment, the integrated voice and data network will support a wide range of value-added services, from legacy voice services to unified messaging and IP telephony. The Alcatel Softswitch also gives service providers the ability to offer end customers bundled voice and data services, a key market driver for next generation networks. These services will tend to generate higher margins than previous offerings. Today, best effort network technologies are not enough. A single hour of downtime costs end users massive amounts of money.
Carriers have to ensure absolutely reliable, resilient systems or lose customers.
It's that simple. Everyone today is talking about customer relationships. But pleasing customers is simple - give them what they want and make sure it works. They want efficient, reliable networks that can deliver the services they need at a price they can afford. The Alcatel Softswitch is the central control element for a converged, data-centered network.