This repository is the entry point for The Somleng Project. The README links to the individual software components that make up Somleng. The repository also contains the source code for somleng.org.
Somleng is the world's only Open Source Telco-as-a-service (TaaS) and Cloud-communications-as-a-service (CPaaS). With the support of UNICEF, we're helping to save lives by reaching some of the most remote and vulnerable communities around the world. Learn more.
Our vision is a world where communications is accessible to everyone.
You can use Somleng to roll out your own programmable voice and SMS to:
- π₯ Save lives
- π§π½ Improve the lives of children
- π€ For fun or profit
The diagram below shows how each component is connected together.
On the left hand side, applications such as RapidPro, Somleng SCFM, Early Warning Systems, or your own custom application use Twilio's libraries to connect to Somleng's Open Source Implementation of Twilio's REST API by updating the endpoint in the helper library from api.twilio.org to api.somleng.org (or to your own URL running Somleng).
Somleng then connects to carriers, aggregators, network providers, VoIP gateways, or SMS gateways in order to make or receive calls/SMS from the telephone network via SomlengSWITCH which interprets the TwiML (provided by the connecting application on the left) in order to control a call / SMS.
More information on the various components are listed below. More detailed information about each component can be found in the individual project repositories.
Somleng is an Open Source Cloud Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS). This is the core engine of Somleng. Some features include:
- An open source implementation of Twilio's REST API for programmable voice and SMS.
- White-label(able) dashboard.
SomlengSWITCH is the low level switching layer for Somleng. Some features include:
- TTS engines
- Open source TwiML parser
Somleng Simple Call Flow Manager (SCFM) is an application which can be used to connect and process calls through Somleng (or Twilio). Some features include:
- Contact management
- Callflow management
Below is a link to the documentation start page.
- π Documentation
Follow the Getting Started Guide and run through the tutorials to learn about Somleng.
Follow the Installation guide to get Somleng up and running on your local development machine.
The infrastructure directory contains Terraform configuration files in order to deploy Somleng to AWS. This repository only contains core infrastructure. Each individual component's infrastructure is in its own repository. Some of the infrastructure in this repository is a dependency of the other components and is shared using remote state.
Chatterbox Solutions offers white-labeled Somleng hosting for Carriers. Currently this service is in private beta. Please contact us for more info.
You can join at the Discord channel for asking questions about the project or talk about Somleng with other peers.
Our 2024 Roadmap is structured around the following strategic building blocks.
- Create more network reachability.
- Add more communication channels.
- Global customer onboarding.
In order to provide a cheaper alternative to existing CPaaS companies, especially in emerging markets, we need to partner with carriers and individuals who can provide in-country network reachability.
We plan to achieve this by the following approaches:
-
Encourage local carriers to use Somleng.
Local carriers can offer much cheaper pricing than global aggregators which are used by existing CPaaS providers. By using Somleng to offer white-labeled programmable voice and SMS to their customers, local carriers can generate extra revenue which would otherwise go to global CPaaS providers. Additionally local carriers can publish their routes to be used by global customers in the Somleng network.
-
Empower individuals to become in-country network providers.
Individuals across the globe can generate income by using their own hardware (GSM modem, SIM Box, etc)to provide network connectivity for Somleng. Individuals register their device with Somleng and Somleng will automatically route calls to devices based on network quality and pricing.
Add programmable SMS to the Somleng stack by developing an open source implementation of Twilio's Programmable SMS API. Carriers and network providers can configure SMPP routes for programmable SMS similar to programmable voice.
Once there are local carriers and network providers providing pubic routes on the Somleng network, we can open up global customer onboarding. Customers can then sign-up and use programmable voice and SMS through these providers without the need for a direct relationship with them.
To dive deeper into our roadmap and progress please refer to our Pivotal Tracker Project.
For carriers, network providers, or anyone who is interested in suggesting features to Somleng, feel free to join us on the Discord channel.
Currently we are moving quickly to achieve the goals stated in our roadmap. While we welcome anyone who wants to contribute to Somleng we have some specific goals which we want to achieve. It's best to reach out to us on the Discord channel first to discuss your ideas before submitting a pull request.
All final decisions about the direction of this project will be decided by the Somleng team.
The Somleng Project is among the first 5 start-ups to received investment from the the UNICEF Innovation Fund.
Somleng (ααα‘αα) means Voice in Khmer.
Special thanks to our investors: