Softswitch
Wikipedia defines a softswitch as, "a central device in a telecommunications network which connects calls from one phone line to another, entirely by means of software running on a computer system. This work was formerly carried out by hardware, with physical switchboards to route the calls. A softswitch is typically used to control connections at the junction point between circuit and packet networks. A single device containing both the switching logic and the switching fabric can be used for this purpose; however, modern technology has led to a preference for decomposing this device into a Call Agent and a Media Gateway."
TelcoBridges and softswitches
TelcoBridges does not develop softswitches as such. Instead it works with solution developer and system integrator partners that provide softswitch capabilities developed internally or licensed from a third party.
As of July 2009, TelcoBridges media gateways can be controlled via the SIP protocol but not H.323, H.248 or MGCP. Development of H.248 capabilities is currently scheduled for release in Q4 2009. TelcoBridges will likely pursue interoperability efforts with third party softswitch vendors following the introduction of H.248 capabilities.
