| Asterisk, complete PBX software, runs on Linux, | | | | The PC clients connect to each other through an |
| Windows, BSD and OS X. Asterisk does VoIP in | | | | Asterisk server which uses a Linux/Unix OS. |
| four different protocols, and is able to | | | | Asterisk calls are passed through different channel |
| interconnect with almost all telephony equipment | | | | protocols. The most popular forms of calls are |
| which is inexpensive. | | | | H323, SIP, IAX or Zap. Depending on the type of |
| Asterisk provides many features like Voicemail | | | | channel you use, the user must have the |
| services with Directory, Call Conferencing, | | | | appropriate software to handle the call type. |
| Interactive Voice Response, and Call Queuing. It | | | | Let's say, if are a registered on an Asterisk PBX |
| includes three-way calling, caller ID services and | | | | (or other PBX) as a SIP user, you are required to |
| Skinny. | | | | use a SIP phone client such as X-Lite or SIPPS. |
| You will not need additional hardware to | | | | Or, if you are registered as an IAX user you |
| implement Asterisk. But it does expect a | | | | must use an IAX phone client such as iaxcomm. |
| non-standard driver that implements dummy | | | | SIP/IAX Client Configuration allows you to register |
| hardware as a non-portable timing mechanism. | | | | SIP and IAX users. This includes the adjustment |
| Single or multiple VoIP Providers can be used for | | | | of all Asterisk and client phone settings. |
| incoming and outgoing calls, though incoming calls | | | | To make calls with Asterisk telephone system |
| can be handled by different VoIP Providers. | | | | you should connectivity to an Asterisk PBX for |
| For use of digital and analog telephony equipment, | | | | call handling and users using PCs with SoftPhones |
| Asterisk supports a number of equipment most | | | | for calling internally and externally. All configuration |
| notably is Asterisk sponsored hardware Digium. | | | | information for the Asterisk PBX knows is written |
| Their FXO and FXS cards are popular for small | | | | to the conf files located in /etc/asterisk. |
| installations. | | | | All information for SIP users is stored in sip.conf |
| Full features of Asterisk Open Source Edition | | | | and for IAX users in iax.conf. Numbers are read |
| include Full PBX Capability, Switched or Packet | | | | from extensions.conf. Voicemails are stored in |
| Data, VoIP Capability, TDM Capability, Converged | | | | voicemail.conf etc. To place a call through |
| Telephony, Voice Mail, Unlimited-Seat Conference | | | | Asterisk, registration to Asterisk is not required. |
| Bridge, SIP and IAX Support and Asterisk-centric | | | | However, you do need a username and password |
| Poundkey Linux. | | | | which will allow you to call someone who is |
| Asterisk also includes the Business Edition, where | | | | registered. To receive a call, you must be a |
| it includes other features like Asterisk Technical | | | | registered user and have an extension. |
| Manual, Quick-start Guide, Commercial License | | | | When any change is made in conf files from /etc |
| with Legal Protection, 240 Simultaneous Calls, | | | | asterisk/ or changes that relate with some of |
| Tech Support for Install and Bug Resolution, Free | | | | these files, you must type 'reload' in the Asterisk |
| Upgrades and Tech Support for One Year, | | | | Command Line Interface (CLI) to make the |
| Access to Business Edition Portal for One Year, | | | | changes effective. |
| Special Offers for Partner Products and many | | | | It is possible to implement only the Open Source |
| others. | | | | Edition for your corporate business. You will only |
| Asterisk allows people to communicate using the | | | | need a Linux OS computer and Asterisk has to |
| internet. It is one of the cheapest ways to talk. | | | | be installed. |