Services Suite: The next generation carrier switch should not only provide voice services but also provide broadband and multimedia services and should also provide the entire suite of IN services. Presently one has to buy the TDM box and then add different boxes for different applications. But with the next generation switches one can buy a box and add different cards for different applications. The new technology should provide all the features that subscriber was used to in the past.

Interworking: Moving from traditional TDMA switch to packet-based switching is not easy. One has to support the existing infrastructure as well as support the future infrastructure. One has to see whether the next generation switches support all applications, all interfaces, all protocols, and all standards. It should also support all customer equipment. And should have standardized interfaces for third party networks and third party CPE.

Scalability and Modularity: With subscribers and traffic increasing at a fast pace, one should see whether the existing system is scalable and modular to meet the future demand. It should not only be scalable in terms of number of subscribers and traffic but also in terms of different applications that carriers plan to deploy in future.

Carrier Class Redundancy, Robustness, and Protection: Service providers should check whether protection mechanisms are built in the product or they have to make additional investments. With subscribers increasing at a fast pace, the network should be able to support it whether it is in the centralized mode or in a distribution mode. There should be reduction in set up time for the provisioning of new services. The increase in network size should also result in support and service level from the vendor so that the network is robust, reliable and highly redundant. The service level should not come down with the implementation of softswitch. Carrier-class robustness is a must so that one can provide the best service possible to enterprise customers.