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.

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.

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.

Featured in telephony and PBX are VoIP and PTSN drivers for interface cards, and routing and handling inbound calls as well as outbound. There is control of media management functions such as tone generation, record and play, and call detail for billing purposes. The system can convert from one protocol or media format to another, and is capable of database integration as well as Web services integration. It is capable of single or multiple party bridging and recording and monitor functions.

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.