Outsourcing Solves the VoIP Puzzle

Outsourcing Solves the VoIP Puzzle
In the new VoIP service-delivery environment, speed-to-market must be hastened, scale must be achieved quickly, innovation must be constant and costs must be controlled. This is a tall order for all providers — from legacy carriers burdened with overhead to upstart challengers with limited resources. The response increasingly must be outsourcing.

PSTN Gateway
VoIP providers have to be able to get on and off the PSTN and provide services customers have come to expect, such as local access numbers, directory listings and emergency services. Fortunately, LECs have productizes PSTN on-ramp services targeted at infrastructure-light providers.

Softswitch
The low cost of a softswitch vis-a-vis its TDM counterpart is an oft-cited low barrier to entry into the VoIP business. That doesn't mean softswitch ownership and operation is right for every service provider. There are plenty of reasons why a VoIP provider might outsource this function, including lack of capital and a lack of expertise.

Hosted Applications
One of the most hyped opportunities in the VoIP space is hosted IP telephony applications, such as PBX, call center, messaging, conferencing, etc. New entrants need not reinvent the wheel; there are many wholesalers that already have developed enterprise-grade applications for rebranding.

Professional Services
To complete the VoIP picture, service providers must consider the professional services component, including such tasks as on-site installation, integration, repair and maintenance.

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