Asterisk

Frequently Asked Questions about Asterisk

Who are Asterisk?

Asterisk is an open-source framework for building communications applications. It is widely used to create voice-over-IP (VoIP) systems, enabling users to set up their own telephony systems and applications. Founded in 1999 by Mark Spencer, Asterisk has become a leading platform in the telecom industry, used by businesses and developers globally.

What are Asterisks products?

Asterisk offers a range of products centred around its open-source telephony software, including Asterisk itself, which can be customised to suit various communication needs. Key products include AsteriskNOW, a complete telephony solution, and various modules for enhancing functionality.

What services do Asterisk offer?

Asterisk primarily provides an open-source telephony platform, along with support services, documentation, and community forums. These services help users implement and maintain their Asterisk systems effectively.

What type of companies do Asterisks products suit?

Asterisks products are suitable for a wide range of companies, including small businesses, large enterprises, and telecommunications providers. Its flexibility makes it ideal for any organisation looking to implement a customised VoIP solution.

How much does Asterisks product cost?

Asterisk itself is available as open-source software, meaning there are no direct costs associated with downloading and using the software. However, costs may arise from hardware, hosting, and optional support services.

Does Asterisk offer a free trial?

As an open-source platform, Asterisk does not require a subscription or trial period. Users can download and use the software freely, allowing them to evaluate its capabilities without financial commitment.

What discounts does Asterisk offer on their products?

Since Asterisk is open-source software, there are no traditional discounts to offer. Users can benefit from the free nature of the software, and any costs will depend on additional services or hardware they choose to utilise.

Are there any hidden fees or additional costs with Asterisk?

While Asterisk itself is free, users may incur costs for hardware, third-party add-ons, or support services. It is important to consider these factors when budgeting for an Asterisk deployment.

Who uses Asterisks products?

Asterisk is utilised by a diverse range of users, including IT professionals, developers, telecommunications companies, and businesses seeking customised VoIP solutions. Its open-source nature attracts a community of contributors and users.

What are the main features of Asterisks products/services?

Key features of Asterisk include call routing, voicemail, conferencing, interactive voice response (IVR), call recording, and support for various telephony protocols. Its modular architecture allows for extensive customisation.

How does Asterisk compare to its competitors?

Asterisk stands out due to its open-source nature, which allows for extensive customisation and flexibility. While other solutions may offer proprietary software with limited options, Asterisk provides a robust platform that can adapt to various needs.

Is Asterisks platform easy to use?

The ease of use for Asterisk can vary depending on the users technical background. While it offers powerful features, some users may find the initial setup complex without prior experience in telephony systems.

How easy is it to set up Asterisks product or service?

Setting up Asterisk requires technical knowledge, particularly in network configuration and telephony systems. However, extensive documentation and community support are available to assist users through the installation process.

Is Asterisk reliable?

Asterisk is known for its reliability and is used by many organisations for critical communications. Its performance largely depends on the underlying infrastructure and how well it is configured and maintained.

Does Asterisk offer customer support?

Asterisk provides community support through forums and documentation. For professional support, users may need to rely on third-party service providers that specialise in Asterisk implementations.

How secure is Asterisk’s platform?

Asterisk includes various security features, such as encryption and authentication mechanisms. However, users are responsible for securing their installations and implementing best practices to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Does Asterisk integrate with other tools or platforms?

Yes, Asterisk supports integration with numerous third-party applications and services. Its flexibility allows it to work with various CRM systems, databases, and other telephony tools, enhancing its functionality.

Can I use Asterisk on mobile devices?

Asterisk can be used on mobile devices through compatible softphone applications. Users can configure their mobile devices to connect to an Asterisk server for making and receiving calls.

What do users say about Asterisk?

Users generally appreciate Asterisk for its flexibility and customisability. However, some may find the learning curve steep, particularly those without prior experience in VoIP systems.

What are the pros and cons of Asterisk?

Pros include its open-source nature, extensive customisability, and strong community support. Cons may involve the complexity of setup and the need for technical expertise to fully leverage its capabilities.

How can I purchase Asterisk’s services?

Asterisk is free to download and use. Users may choose to purchase support services or hardware from third-party vendors who specialise in Asterisk solutions.

What is the cancellation or refund policy for Asterisk?

As Asterisk is open-source software, there is no cancellation or refund policy applicable. Users can freely choose to discontinue use at any time without financial repercussions.

What are the common use cases for Asterisk?

Common use cases for Asterisk include setting up PBX systems, creating call centres, implementing IVR systems, and developing custom telephony applications tailored to specific business needs.

Why choose Asterisk over other options?

Asterisk offers unparalleled customisability and flexibility compared to many proprietary solutions. Users can tailor the platform to their specific requirements, making it a preferred choice for organisations with unique telephony needs.

How easy is it to set up Asterisk?

The setup of Asterisk can be challenging for those without technical knowledge. However, with the appropriate resources and support, users can successfully configure their systems.

Does Asterisk offer training or tutorials?

Asterisk provides extensive documentation and community-contributed tutorials to assist users in learning how to use and configure the platform effectively.

What languages does Asterisk support?

Asterisk supports multiple languages, both in terms of its user interface and voice prompts, allowing users to customise their systems for various linguistic needs.

What problems does Asterisk solve?

Asterisk addresses various communication challenges, including the need for cost-effective telephony solutions, custom call handling, and the ability to integrate with existing systems and workflows.

Is Asterisk worth the investment?

For organisations seeking a flexible and powerful communication solution, Asterisk can be a worthwhile investment, particularly given its cost-effectiveness as an open-source platform. However, the value depends on the specific needs and capabilities of the user.