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.
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.
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.
Many call centers around the world have adopted the Asterisk system primarily because it is flexible and adaptable to existing features such as bulk dialing, remote IP agent capabilities, and advanced routing. It requires no additional hardware for use with voice over IP. It does require hardware devices and cards for certain kinds of interfaces, including standard telephony cards, and this support comes from the parent company, Digium, Inc.
The system utilizes VoIP and PTSN drivers for interface cards, and handling and routing of both inbound and outbound calls. Tone generation, call billing details, and record and play media management functions are also featured. Conversion from one media format or protocol to another is possible, and the system can integrate both the database and Web Services. Asterisk is also able to handle single or multiple party bridging, and monitoring and recording uses.
Those wishing to set up PBX software can make use of a provided program called AsteriskNOW. When downloaded, this program allows system administrators to create solutions based on their own company needs. An easy to read administrative GUI, or user interface, makes the complexity of Linux and Asterisk easy to interpret. AsteriskNOW helps incorporate services such as VoIP or Skype Gateway, a call center ACD, a Conference Bridge, IP PBX, and others.
Call centers and businesses worldwide have adopted the technology unique to the asterisk phone systems Toronto. It can be integrated into many existing setups, and is a free and open source. Whether you need to update your current PBX, or create an efficient and technologically sound digital call center, consider the cost-effective and proven advantages of Asterisk communications systems.
Core Telecom Innovations Inc. provides telecommunications solutions including asterisk phone systems Vancouver, PBX Business Center and VoIP Consulting.
