Wiki -VoIP Topics

Softswitch vs Windows PBX



These are similar software, based on the same core modules, but they have a few important differences.

The Windows PBX is a simplified version of the Softswitch with easy install and management.
The main difference between the Softswitch and the Windows PBX are the followings:

  • The Windows PBX is intended to be used by companies internal phone system
  • The Softswitch is intended to be used by telecom companies, callcenters or others who wish to provide VoIP services for the public or for certain companies (not only for their internal usage)
  • The Windows PBX is cheaper
  • The Softswitch has more performance and throughput and it can be used with millions of users and up to 12000 simultaneous calls per instance (then it can be easily scaled horizontally and/or vertically, including HA and load balancer usage as described here)
  • The Windows PBX has less performance, recommended to be used with up to 1000 simultaneous calls (still perfect for companies internal usage where the typical concurrent call count is usually less then 100)
  • The Softswitch uses a full external database while the Windows PBX has a built-in compact database
  • The Windows PBX comes with a simple automated installer while the VoIP server requires manual install (xcopy and database setup as described here)
  • The Softswitch comes with more support by default (support included with the software license)
  • The Windows PBX doesn’t support the following modules:
    • H.323
    • Callcenter
    • SMPP
    • GeoIP
    • Recharge
    • Advanced IVR, TTS
    • Tunneling
    • Resellers
    • BRS, LCR
    • Number portability
    • Web control panel, enduser webportal
    • Callshop
    • HA, load sharing, db failover, service failover
  • The Windows PBX doesn’t include the following modules by default (they can be purchased separately):
    • WebRTC
    • Push notifications
    • Customized softphones

Except the above modules, the Windows PBX licensing model and features levels are similar to the Softswitch as desribed here.

The Windows PBX can be upgraded at any time to the Softswitch.