ECG Introduces Tool for Simple Call Rating

Integrated with Metaswitch, call rating platform offers new choice for mediation, rating and billing platforms

 

Metaswitch Forum 2010, Orlando, September 21, 2010 — ECG, a network and systems consulting firm, today announced completed integration of the NGTelsoft Call Rating platform with Metaswitch Call Detail Records. NGTelsoft gives telecom carriers a new choice for their mediation, rating, and billing platforms.

NGTelsoft is one of the first and only platforms available that supplements a carrier's, utility's, or ISP's existing billing system with complete call-rating capability. Service providers can use the platform for virtually any billing system – including online services. Carriers are no longer fenced-in by telecom-specific billing platforms.

NGTelsoft cost-efficiently provides a precise calculation of the cost of calls while maintaining compatibility with existing billing platforms to provide line-item records, and move the complexity to a modern Microsoft SQL Server database. A standard NGTelsoft server can rate 50 million calls per month and runs on standard hardware.

By simplifying provisioning, NGTelesoft's web interface supports local, long distance, toll-free and services calls plus trunk-group billing and post-paid calling cards. The NGTelsoft does complete digit-analysis of phone calls, and provides the option for sophisticated local calling areas to be assigned to each rate plan. The platform also makes LATA-wide or state-wide local calling easier. The NGTelsoft database has information about all rate centers, LATAs, states and territories in the NANPA region and the complete local calling area for a service provider's calling area.

Customers can bundle a pool of minutes onto plans with free minutes plans. For example, a plan may provide 500 minutes of free local and long-distance usage every month, then charge normally after that.

NGTelsoft also handles tandem trunk-group billing where the customer's telephone number cannot be known in advance. Each trunk group can have a different rate plan, and all rate plan changes can be scheduled to occur in advance.

Carriers may run their own NGTelsoft server, or use ECG's hosting services to operate a dedicated installation. Normal support includes rate-plan updates and maintenance at no additional charge. The NGTelsoft API allows for extension and modification by a carrier’s IT staff.

About ECG

ECG, founded in 2001, provides innovative OSS Solutions, Design Solutions, and Business Services that address the operational and marketplace challenges faced by today’s telecom providers. Our clients include Independent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs), Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), wireless carriers, and Internet service providers. ECG offers Business Services Consulting that includes feasibility studies, interconnection agreements, regulatory reviews, web development, and professional training. We assist our client through every phase of a project from initial design to actual implementation. ECG's telecom expertise continues to grow with the development of NGTelsoft, our high performance rating engine. NGTelsoft is the perfect complement to any operator who has decided to enter the telephony market and already has an investment in a billing platform. ECG staffs experts in emerging technology, regulatory issues, OSS solutions, telecommunications network designs and more because the business of telecommunications involves a number of complex relationships between infrastructure and operations. ECG, Inc. is a privately held company and has been profitable since its inception. For more information, visit http://www.e-c-group.com/.

About Metaswitch Forum 2010

Now in its seventh year, the Metaswitch Forum is a must-attend event for Metaswitch Networks' customers, prospects and partners. The rich agenda is custom-designed for communication service providers, helping them to remain relevant in the ultra-competitive industry of telecommunications. The event attracts over 700 attendees and includes keynote speakers, technical and marketing breakout sessions, formal training, live product demonstrations, an extensive expo of over 50 interoperability partners and continuous networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.metaswitch.com/forum2010.