What Is Asterisk?
Intro:
Asterisk is an open source software that implements a PBX (private branch exchange) system. It’s been around since 1999 and has grown to be one of the most popular VoIP platforms available today. Its popularity stems from its flexibility, which allows it to be easily modified to suit a wide range of purposes – including small businesses, medium-sized businesses and enterprises.
Features:
Some of Asterisk’s key features include:
– Support for a large number of VoIP protocols, including SIP and H.323
– Comprehensive inter-operability with most IP phones, gateways and other equipment
– Built-in ‘conferencing bridge’ that supports up to 1000 simultaneous participants in a conference call
– Advanced routing capabilities for complex network environments (like those found in big enterprises)
– Ability to work with highly customized hardware platforms as well as standard computer hardware like desktops and laptops
– Highly-flexible dial plans, which allows users to define their own custom set of rules for how and when calls can be placed
– Support for a wide range of telephony hardware (both analog and digital) as well as VoIP equipment.
Use Cases:
Due to Asterisk’s flexibility and open source nature, it can be used for a wide range of purposes – from small home-based businesses to large enterprises with complex telecommunications requirements. Some common use cases include:
– Small business phone systems: Asterisk is an excellent choice for businesses that do not have many telephony needs but still need a basic PBX system. It allows them to start small and easily scale up their operations as they grow.
– Customer service centers or call centers: Asterisk’s powerful conferencing capabilities can be put to great use in customer care environments where staff often need to collaborate with each other on a variety of issues as well as with customers who call in on the phone.
– Internet telephony services: Asterisk has a number of features that make it ideal for companies and individuals who provide VoIP-based telephony services, like hosted PBX systems or virtual phone numbers. Its flexibility allows these service providers to easily modify their offerings and enhance them as they see fit.
– Telephony over the Internet: Asterisk’s inter-operability with a wide range of telephony devices and gateways means that it can be used to bridge any IP network, including the Internet. This opens up a world of possibilities in terms of new kinds of telephony services, applications and endpoints.
Conclusion:
Asterisk is a powerful, flexible and highly-customizable PBX software that provides businesses with an affordable solution for their telephony needs. It’s used by millions of people around the world and has proven itself to be reliable and robust enough to handle even the most complex VoIP deployments. If you are looking for a platform that can help your business scale up as it grows, Asterisk is definitely worth considering.
