Need reference on VoIP Billing

for what its worth, you left off the best provider.

Hi,
We are using VocalTec VoIP system. They recommend us to use Eyebill billing system. In my view, Eyebill is very good for all, but for specific, customized billing system, we need a domestic provider so we choose one. But, when we are moving to provide real-time service (prepaid service), we need a specific billing system that can handle realtime service. Please suggest us, if you can.

The key parameter in telecom is call completion with quality. The billing shall include intelligent LCR for quality service.

Sysmaster solution seem to be “cheap” on the purchase order, but you will pay the price by ordering extra modules which you will need for the normal operation. What’s even better – when you need to purchase module A, you will find out that it also requires modules B and C – and there is no documentation on the module dependencies which you can study in advance.

No, thanks – I do not need a hosted VM. I use PortaSwitch, which is open-source (so I can make my own development/modification if I wish!) and I do not have to pay for extra ports, modules or new features. Plus it supports many features which are just absent in VM (rates to be effective in the future, templates, invoice designer, …)

In deciding VOIP billing software you need to make a decision that you want to use the Sw for Telecom operation or you want to modify , support upgrade the billing software along with your telecom operations.
Pl. keep in mind that software support modifications is different from telecom operations. No company can do both.
If you want to be in only core telecom operation you need to go for quality and reliable biling softwate and take the support from software venders.

Everyone trying a new billing system should try the following test:

1) Place one call ,on prepaid mode. What will be the normal prepaid calling card operation:
When the first call is in progress, make a second call using the same account number: You guys will be surprised how many systems could be tricked that way to give you two $5:00 dollars calls on a single $5:00 dollars card.
Matter of fact, unlimited ammount of calls could be done that way unless one of the callers hung up and the ammount gets deducted from the balance.

2) Second test: Make one call on prepaid mode like before.When you finish the call, dial a second call using a dialer or speed dial from a phone with memory.
Some billings will take few seconds to access the DB and deduct the ammount of the previus call from the balance, allowing a second, very fast call that will get the full balance, like the first call never was made.

Oh, yeah. I read all this in a book. Never happened to me.

I will not name companies, but this troubles are present on the billing system on the list.

Well, sound simple enough.
But you could not do it on the gateway, needs to be done on the billing.
And the billing does not have that option, is wide open to abuse.
And that billing system is on the list published .
Seems something so basic that anyone writing software will have thought of it, but again…..