subject: Should Asterisk Phone Systems Be Part Of Your Business? [print this page] Saving money on business communications means more these days than cutting down on personal calls. Telecommunications in all its forms can be a huge expense for some companies, especially those whose operations include a call center, or those who have a PBX system needing updates. Under development since 1999, Asterisk phone systems can provide a wide range of economical applications and services. The free open-source software which forms the backbone of this system can turn an ordinary computer into a communications server.
What exactly does the Asterisk system do that other systems can not? This software system is often referred to as a "development platform, " and it can be used to run everything from small business PBX systems to huge media servers. Open source technology, besides being free, is customizable and versatile. The Asterisk system uses Linux, the freely available source code that has challenged other major systems.
Asterisk, while originally designed for Linux, now also incorporates Mac OS X, NetBSD, OpenBSD, FreeBSD and Solaris. It can also provide a Microsoft Windows port called Asterisk Win32. When installed, the Asterisk software can transform an ordinary computer into a device that can function as a conference server, PBX or VoIP gateway. Asterisk PBX systems include many of the same features found in proprietary systems, including voice response for phone menus, conference calling, voice mail, and call distribution.
The original operating code was written by Mark Spencer of Digium Inc., in addition to contributions from open-source engineers worldwide. Asterisk is not a phone company in the sense that it manufactures telephone sets or physical components. Rather, it will provide the basic software building blocks for many communications systems, and can be constantly changed as conditions require.
Because of this flexibility and adaptability, the Asterisk system has been utilized and adopted by call centers world-wide. With bulk dialing, advanced routing and remote IP agent capabilities, it does not require additional hardware for for systems utilizing voice over IP. Certain cards are required for other interfaces including standard telephony. Support for this hardware comes from Digium, Inc., the parent company.
Telephony and PBX are enhanced by PTSN and VoIP drivers for those interface cards, which enable handling and routing both inbound and outbound calls. The system allows management control of functions such as record and play, billing call details, and tone generation. It can handle multiple or single party bridging with monitor functions, and can convert from one media format or protocol to another.
The company can also furnish a telephony setup program named AsteriskNOW. This setup enhances the customization of systems by creating an software-based functional platform which can be controlled through an administrative GUI, or graphic user interface. Asterisk, Linux and FreePBX gui can be installed in a very short time, often less than half an hour. This allows the PBX to easily incorporate VoIP or Skype Gateways, PBX IP, a Call Center ACD, a Conference Bridge, and more features common to these setups.
Many businesses around the world have made the decision to make use of the open-source technology that asterisk phone systems Toronto can provide. Whether you operate a call center, need a solution to your PBX problems or simply want to make use more efficient software, Asterisk open-source systems successfully integrates traditional PBX or voice systems with advanced VoIP setups for communications solutions both cost-effective and easily updated.
by: Adriana Noton.
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