Asterisk is an open source software used around the world in which PCs and servers can be used as a telephone system. It was developed in 1999 by Mark Spencer to meet various telephone communication scenarios for various type of businesses.
Conventional telephone systems often require additional hardware which can quickly increase the price per extension. However, Asterisk is a software solution and an ultimate alternative to hardware telephone systems.
It can become:
- The basis for a complete business phone system,
- or used to enhance or extend an existing system,
- or to bridge a gap between systems.
Benefits:
Low cost turn-key solution | Low cost calling |
Easy to use operation | Unified communications features: Video, Presence, Instant Messaging, Fax |
Open solution – Ability to integrate telephony with other applications (CRM, Mapping , Easy administration) | Integration with Outlook for address books, email |
Sophisticated features (Call queues, IVR, Conferencing, etc.) |
Difference between Traditional Voice and Voice Over IP (VoIP):
Traditional Voice
Voice Over IP (VoIP)