Metaswitch Networks

What Metaswitch Networks does

Metaswitch Networks is a UK-headquartered (Enfield) provider of cloud native communications software for fixed, mobile, and converged communications service providers (CSPs) globally. Its portfolio spans the voice core and adjacent layers: Perimeta (a cloud-native session border controller validated at 20M concurrent subscribers and a perfect 100 NPS), Clearwater Core (cloud-native IMS), MetaSphere CFS/EAS (fixed-line call feature server), MetaSphere QCall (STIR/SHAKEN robocall authentication), Rhino (open telephony application server), MaX UC (mobile-native unified communications), Fusion Core (cloud-native 4G/5G packet core for private LTE/CBRS), and MetaView NMS / Service IQ for management and assurance. The technology stack is built on microservices, containers, and the proprietary Quicksilver development platform, with deployment options across on-premises, private, public, and hybrid clouds and integrations with Microsoft Teams (Direct Routing, Operator Connect), Microsoft Azure, VMware, and major orchestrators.

Metaswitch monetizes primarily through enterprise software licensing (recurring) augmented by professional services for network design, migration, and deployment, plus 24/7 support (NPS 57). Go-to-market is a hybrid of direct enterprise field sales to tier-1 and regional carriers (AT&T, Sprint, Vodafone, Orange, TalkTalk, KCOM, Liquid Telecom, Orange Egypt, Spark, etc.) and channel partnerships (notably a global HPE reseller agreement, Dell EMC for Composable Network Protocols, and siticom for Germany), with cloud trials available via Azure Marketplace. The company serves 750+ service providers worldwide and reached a 25M business subscriber milestone in March 2019 (No. 2 per Synergy Research Group).

Historically founded in 1981 (previously known as Data Connection), Metaswitch was acquired by Microsoft in 2017, operated as a covered subsidiary, and was acquired by Alianza on March 4, 2025 to combine Metaswitch's high-performance software with Alianza's cloud communications platform for service provider modernization and AI-enabled service delivery. No external venture or private equity funding rounds were disclosed; the company is currently privately held under Alianza.

Name

Metaswitch Networks

Legal name

Metaswitch Networks Ltd

Website

https://metaswitch.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Metaswitch Networks is a UK-based provider of cloud native communications software — including session border controllers, IMS cores, telephony application servers, and unified communications — sold primarily to fixed, mobile, and converged communications service providers worldwide through direct enterprise sales and channel partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Telecom Network Software

NAICS

Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) (5171), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182)

SIC

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) (4813), Communications Services, Nec (4899), Services-Telephone Interconnect Systems (7385)

akta.pro primary industry

Cloud Connectivity & Interconnect (Cloud On-Ramps, IX, Cross-Connects) (HDAIAFAF)

Keywords

• Cloud native communications
• Session border controller
• IP multimedia subsystem
• Unified communications platform
• Network functions virtualization

Headquarters

HQ city

Enfield

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licensing: Core network software products licensed to service providers for deployment in their networks. Includes virtual network functions (VNFs) for voice, IMS, SBC, and other communications services. Licensing models include VM-based licensing and distributed capacity management.
2. Professional Services: Network design, deployment, installation, commissioning, migrations, training, and custom professional services. Professional Services team designs and deploys networks.
3. Support Services: 24/7 customer care and ongoing support services. Net Promoter Score of 57 for support organization with 77% of customers reporting better support than any other vendor.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Metaswitch Networks develops and licenses cloud native communications software for communications service providers, including virtualized session border controllers, IP Multimedia Subsystem cores, telephony application servers, unified communications platforms, and network management solutions. Its products power voice, data, VoLTE, VoWiFi, 5G, and unified communications services for fixed, mobile and converged operators globally, deployed on-premises or in private, public and hybrid clouds.

Product overview

Metaswitch Networks is a cloud native communications software provider offering a full-stack portfolio of Voice Core, Unified Communications, and Management products. The core Voice Core includes Perimeta SBC (cloud-native session border controller), MetaSphere CFS/EAS (call feature server for fixed-line voice), Clearwater Core IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), MetaSphere QCall (STIR/SHAKEN robocall blocking), and Fusion Core (4G/5G packet core for private LTE). The Unified Communications portfolio includes MaX UC (mobile-native UC&C with multi-persona capabilities) and Accession Communicator. Management solutions include MetaView NMS (network management) and Service IQ (service assurance). The Rhino Open Service Creation Platform enables extensible application development via APIs. These products work together as a comprehensive cloud-native communications software stack spanning edge, core, applications, and management orchestration layers, all integrated with Microsoft Teams through Perimeta SBC for Operator Connect and Direct Routing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Perimeta: Cloud native session border controller
• Clearwater Core
• MetaSphere
• MaX UC
• Rhino
• MetaView
• Service IQ
• Accession

Products and services

• Perimeta Session Border Controller (SBC) Cloud native virtualized session border controller providing signaling and media distribution for large-scale rich communications services, targeting communications service providers.
• MetaSphere CFS and EAS Call Feature Server and Enhanced Application Server platform for delivering fixed-line local calling and long distance voice services in modern telephone networks, for service providers.
• Clearwater Core IMS Cloud native IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) core platform for massively scalable deployments, combining OTT-style service economics with telco-grade standards compliance for service providers.
• MetaSphere QCall STIR/SHAKEN compliant robocall mitigation solution enabling network operators to authenticate calls and combat robocalling and telephone scammers.
• MaX UC Mobile-native Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C) solution with multi-persona and group collaboration capabilities for mobile operators and their business subscribers.
• Fusion Core Cloud native Packet Core delivering connectivity options in 4G and 5G deployments including private LTE using CBRS spectrum, optimized for IoT applications and edge deployments.
• Rhino Open Service Creation Platform / Telephony Application Server Extensible open telephony application server and service creation platform allowing operators and third-party developers to create new applications via APIs and SDKs for network and service evolution.
• MetaView NMS Network Management System providing comprehensive network monitoring, analytics and troubleshooting for communications service architectures.
• Service IQ Service assurance and analytics platform providing deep network insight to enhance quality-of-experience and reduce time to repair.
• Composable Network Protocols (CNP) Composable network protocol portfolio for white box switches including IP routing and MPLS networking stacks, resold by Dell EMC for software disaggregation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Clearwater Core validated at 20M concurrent subscribers, 5,544 registrations/second, 15,000 call attempts/second, 1.7M concurrent calls with zero traffic loss in node failure scenarios
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature10 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional, major and flagship.

• AlianzacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2025On March 4, 2025, Alianza announced the completion of its acquisition of Metaswitch from Microsoft. This strategic acquisition combines Metaswitch's ultra-high-performance cloud native communications software with Alianza's platform to help service providers modernize networks, transition to AI-powered cloud-based communications solutions, and accelerate growth in services revenue.
• siticomregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 October 2020Strategic reseller agreement to deliver innovative hybrid cloud solutions for private 5G/LTE networks addressing Industry 4.0 market in Germany.
• VodafonemajorTechnology or Integration · 29 April 2020Conducted industry's first 5G Wireless Wireline Convergence tests. Cloud native Access Gateway Function proved viability of path for converged broadband access to 5G core, simplifying broadband service delivery.
• Transaction Network Services (TNS)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 January 2020Joint offering of Call Guardian Authentication Hub combining TNS analytics and robocall detection with Metaswitch's STIR/SHAKEN-compliant MetaSphere QCall solution for robocall prevention. Combines TNS visibility into 1 billion+ cross-carrier call events daily with Metaswitch's inter-carrier call authentication.
• Microsoft AzuremajorTechnology or Integration · 5 November 2019Metaswitch Fusion Core for Private LTE demonstrated on Microsoft Azure as part of Microsoft Azure capabilities for private LTE. Tight integration with Microsoft's networking and edge connectivity solutions for seamless configuration and provisioning.
• CommScope (Ruckus)majorTechnology or Integration · 5 November 2019Integration with CommScope's Ruckus CBRS-based RAN solution as part of the Private LTEaaS solution demonstrating end-to-end enterprise connectivity.
• VMwaremajorTechnology or Integration · 25 February 2019Collaboration enabling automated telco core infrastructure. Fully automated solution from Metaswitch with VMware technology sharply reduces operational costs for telecom operators.
• Dell EMCmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 March 2018Dell EMC resells Metaswitch Composable Network Protocols (CNP) combining IP routing and MPLS networking stacks with Dell EMC OS10 Open Edition on ONIE-enabled platforms for true software disaggregation in data center and wide-area networks.
• HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 February 2018Comprehensive global reseller agreement through which HPE integrates Metaswitch core network software products including Clearwater IMS core and Perimeta SBC with HPE's virtual network functions and management platforms. Joint go-to-market for end-to-end virtualized VoLTE, VoWiFi and advanced communications services.
• CloudifymajorTechnology or Integration · 26 February 2018Partnership to automate NFV management and orchestration (MANO) for global operators. Metaswitch OEMs Cloudify's VNFM capabilities for delivery of its VoLTE TAS, vSBC and vIMS VNFs, collaborating closely on customer engagements and bridging gaps in operators' NFV MANO systems.
• OrangemajorTechnology or Integration · 26 February 2018Orange selected Metaswitch Rhino platform as framework for Open Service Gateway (OSG) enabling deployment and interworking of fixed and mobile voice, messaging, video and data services. Initially deployed in Orange Egypt.
• AffirmedmajorTechnology or Integration · 22 February 2018Joint demonstration of Metaswitch VoLTE and MaX integration with Affirmed Service Activation Platform (ASAP) for VoLTE services at Mobile World Congress.
• IBMmajorTechnology or Integration · 22 February 2018Metaswitch IMS Solution (Perimeta vSBC and Clearwater vIMS) integration with IBM Agility Lifecycle Manager service orchestrator demonstrated at Mobile World Congress.
• Interop TechnologiesmajorTechnology or Integration · 9 January 2018Interop Technologies integrated Metaswitch cloud native communications products including Rhino TAS and Service Assurance Server with its CorePlus platform for hosted VoLTE and VoWiFi offerings.
• Telia CompanymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 October 2017Joint issuance of guide to Cloud Native VNF Operational Automation addressing design and operation of NFV networks, selection and creation of VNFs, and operational aspects of virtualized networks.
• NeustarmajorTechnology or Integration · 19 September 2017Metaswitch first to complete STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication tests in ATIS Robocalling Testbed hosted by Neustar Trust Lab, working collaboratively on interoperability challenges and best practices.
• ATIS (Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions)majorTechnology or Integration · 19 September 2017Metaswitch first vendor to complete tests of STIR/SHAKEN solution in ATIS Robocalling Testbed, implementing both IETF STIR standard and ATIS/SHAKEN framework for robocall mitigation.
• SprintmajorTechnology or Integration · 5 September 2017Sprint deployed Metaswitch products and technologies enabling accelerated development and deployment of advanced mobile communication services. Cloud technologies enable compelling new services to be deployed faster and at lower cost.
• AT&TflagshipTechnology or Integration · 18 August 2015AT&T selected Perimeta SBC to power portion of carrier's software-centric network connecting LTE traffic with other carriers' networks via VNFs as part of AT&T's goal to virtualize 75% of its network by 2020.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cisco: Cisco's BroadWorks and Webex Calling directly compete with Metaswitch's MetaSphere, MaX UC, and Clearwater IMS in the same service provider voice and unified communications category.
• Oracle: Oracle's Acme Packet Session Border Controllers directly compete with Metaswitch's Perimeta SBC in tier-1 carrier SBC deployments, including in the same global operator RFPs.
• Mavenir: Mavenir provides cloud-native IMS, packet core, and SBC software to communications service providers, directly overlapping Metaswitch's Clearwater IMS, Perimeta SBC, and Fusion Core portfolios.
• AudioCodes: AudioCodes sells SBCs, voice networking, and Microsoft Teams voice solutions to service providers and enterprises, directly overlapping Metaswitch's Perimeta SBC and Teams Direct Routing business.
• Ribbon Communications: Ribbon's SBC and UC solutions directly compete with Metaswitch's Perimeta SBC and MetaSphere portfolio in fixed, mobile, and converged service provider networks.

Broad incumbents

• Ericsson: Ericsson offers an end-to-end telecom portfolio including cloud packet core, IMS, and UC (including Vonage) that competes broadly with Metaswitch's voice core, IMS, and UC&C offerings.
• Nokia: Nokia's cloud core, IMS, and 5G packet core products overlap with Metaswitch's Clearwater IMS and Fusion Core, addressing the same tier-1 operator transformation deals.
• HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise): HPE is both a major reseller of Metaswitch's core network software and a broader telecom infrastructure provider whose VNF/management platforms compete for the same operator transformation budgets.

Others

• Alianza: Alianza is Metaswitch's parent company as of March 2025 and provides a cloud-hosted communications platform serving the same service provider customers, making it both owner and an adjacent platform peer.

Emerging players

• Affirmed Networks: Affirmed Networks (now part of Microsoft) offers cloud-native 5G core and vEPC solutions that overlap with Metaswitch's Fusion Core and Clearwater IMS in mobile operator modernization.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/metaswitch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/metaswitch-networks
• Facebookfacebook.com/metaswitch

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Metaswitch Networks