Should Asterisk Phone Systems Be Part Of Your Business?

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.

The Asterisk system is able to perform internal functions others can not. Often referred to as a “developmental platform, ” Asterisk software can be used to operate large media servers as well as a typical small business PBX system. Besides being free, open source technology is versatile and can be customized. It has successfully challenged and competed with other closed platforms.

Originally designed for use with Linux, Asterisk can now operate with Mac OS X, Solaris, OpenBSD, and FreeBSD. It also can function with Microsoft Windows using a port designated Asterisk Win32. Asterisk software can allow an ordinary computer to act as a PBX or VoIP gateway, or a conference server. PBX systems based on Asterisk include nearly all of the same features found in proprietary setups. Among these are conference calling, voice mail, call distribution, and initial voice response on phone menus.

Originally developed by Mark Spencer of Digium, Inc, the original operating code has seen the contributions of open-source engineers and developers around the world. Asterisk does not manufacture or necessarily recommend any particular kind of physical phone equipment, because it can utilize your existing setup. When installed it functions as the basic software foundation, and can be altered as conditions merit.

Asterisk systems are excellent for call-center applications. Around the world, users have made the switch to Asterisk because it readily adapts to such existing features as remote IP agent capabilities, bulk dialing or advanced routing. There is no additional hardware needed for VoIP. The system does require cards and certain hardware devices for some interfaces, such as standard telephony cards. Support and sales of these items are provided by 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.

Asterisk can also provide a telephony setup program called AsteriskNOW. Downloading it allows customization, and the creation of solutions by building the inner workings of a system. Much of the complexity of Asterisk and Linux is handled by the administrative GUI. This allows your system engineer to completely incorporate into an existing system such products as VoIp or Skype Gateway, IP PBX, a Call Center ACD, Conference Bridge, and much more.

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.

Core Telecom Innovations Inc. provides telecommunications solutions including asterisk phone systems Vancouver, PBX Business Center and VoIP Consulting.