Asterisk – The Future Of Telephony
October 26, 2009
Kieron James asked:
What is Asterisk?
Asterisk is an open source PBX, or "Private Branch eXchange", but such a simple description barely does it justice. Asterisk is, in fact, the leading telephony engine and tool kit in the world - released under GPL or "General Public License", and therefore available for download free of charge - allowing flexible communications solutions be created by developers and integrators alike. Not only is the Asterisk software itself, free, but it runs on Linux BSD ("Berkeley Software Distribution", a.k.a. "Berkeley Unix") emulated Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OS X such that it can offer interoperability with almost all standards-based telephony equipment at relatively low cost.
How and Where is Asterisk Deployed?
Asterisk can be deployed as a gateway, as a feature or media server, or in a call centre where it can provide the backbone of a complete ACD or "Automated Call Distribution" system for example. Asterisk can provide a bridge between the existing PSTN ("Public Switched Telephone Network") and IP or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol") telephony which is rapidly becoming a mainstream service. Asterisk supports a wide range of telecommunications standards and protocols - H.323, SIP ("Session Initiation Protocol"), MGCP ("Media Gateway Control Protocol"), etc. - and its modular design means that it can convert from one to another with relative ease. In fact, a total of four APIs ("Applications Programming Interfaces") are defined as loadable modules so the Asterisk core itself, does not deal with call connection, codec translation and other functions that can be performed elsewhere.
In terms of features and functionality, Asterisk is streets ahead of many proprietary systems including those at the high end of the market. Conference bridging, IVR ("Interactive Voice Response"), auto attendant and voicemail capabilities are all included, as is Unified Messaging which allows voice, fax, SMS and email messages to be accessed via a single mailbox.
How is Asterisk Used by Telecoms Service Providers?
Telephone service providers can take advantage of Asterisk for the provision of feature servers, voicemail systems, prepaid calling solutions, etc., all of which are more flexible and less expensive than those provided by alternative means. Asterisk is deployed on millions of servers worldwide to manage VoIP telephony for consumers and businesses, for example and requires no additional hardware. In fact many VoIP service providers nowadays, not only support Asterisk, but are explicitly designing their own services to work with Asterisk. Incoming and outgoing calls can be handled by different VoIP or telecoms service providers if need be, which can be useful if one telephone service provider allows only incoming VoIP calls to avoid the provision of directory services, etc.. It may be of course that a telephone service provider boycotts VoIP altogether, but this need not necessarily preclude the use of VoIP; Asterisk can convert calls between TDM ("Time Division Multiplexing") and VoIP, and back again, as they leave or enter the carrier network. Asterisk also supports a range of hardware for the connection of existing digital and analogue telephony equipment.
VOIP Security made Easy
What is Asterisk?
Asterisk is an open source PBX, or "Private Branch eXchange", but such a simple description barely does it justice. Asterisk is, in fact, the leading telephony engine and tool kit in the world - released under GPL or "General Public License", and therefore available for download free of charge - allowing flexible communications solutions be created by developers and integrators alike. Not only is the Asterisk software itself, free, but it runs on Linux BSD ("Berkeley Software Distribution", a.k.a. "Berkeley Unix") emulated Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OS X such that it can offer interoperability with almost all standards-based telephony equipment at relatively low cost.
How and Where is Asterisk Deployed?
Asterisk can be deployed as a gateway, as a feature or media server, or in a call centre where it can provide the backbone of a complete ACD or "Automated Call Distribution" system for example. Asterisk can provide a bridge between the existing PSTN ("Public Switched Telephone Network") and IP or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol") telephony which is rapidly becoming a mainstream service. Asterisk supports a wide range of telecommunications standards and protocols - H.323, SIP ("Session Initiation Protocol"), MGCP ("Media Gateway Control Protocol"), etc. - and its modular design means that it can convert from one to another with relative ease. In fact, a total of four APIs ("Applications Programming Interfaces") are defined as loadable modules so the Asterisk core itself, does not deal with call connection, codec translation and other functions that can be performed elsewhere.
In terms of features and functionality, Asterisk is streets ahead of many proprietary systems including those at the high end of the market. Conference bridging, IVR ("Interactive Voice Response"), auto attendant and voicemail capabilities are all included, as is Unified Messaging which allows voice, fax, SMS and email messages to be accessed via a single mailbox.
How is Asterisk Used by Telecoms Service Providers?
Telephone service providers can take advantage of Asterisk for the provision of feature servers, voicemail systems, prepaid calling solutions, etc., all of which are more flexible and less expensive than those provided by alternative means. Asterisk is deployed on millions of servers worldwide to manage VoIP telephony for consumers and businesses, for example and requires no additional hardware. In fact many VoIP service providers nowadays, not only support Asterisk, but are explicitly designing their own services to work with Asterisk. Incoming and outgoing calls can be handled by different VoIP or telecoms service providers if need be, which can be useful if one telephone service provider allows only incoming VoIP calls to avoid the provision of directory services, etc.. It may be of course that a telephone service provider boycotts VoIP altogether, but this need not necessarily preclude the use of VoIP; Asterisk can convert calls between TDM ("Time Division Multiplexing") and VoIP, and back again, as they leave or enter the carrier network. Asterisk also supports a range of hardware for the connection of existing digital and analogue telephony equipment.
VOIP Security made Easy
How Can VoIP Support Small Business Growth
October 25, 2009
Michael Lemm asked:
Here's the question .... how can you convince your management that a VoIP solution will support your small business?
The best argument for VOIP is lower communication costs ... but it's not the only reason.
I would suggest using hybrid solutions. Where the bulk of communication, voice, and video are done through VOIP .... and emergency services "fall back" in case of Internet fail is done with minimal classical PSTN solutions.
When I say VOIP from now on I mean 90 % VOIP and some minimal PSTN add-ons.
Why VOIP?
1- Lower communication costs ....
While this is basically clear it still needs to be demonstrated. Assume you have a company that most of its calls are from "overseas" to the USA and vice versa.
You need to get the cost of all such calls currently on one side .... and then compute what would be the cost in case all Intercontinental calls went through a VOIP system.
Now you have the number of calls * local call quantity* local call cost.
You can compare the costs in both situations.
a. I would take the worst case scenario where none of the calls in either side ends in a VOIP end station like Packet8. To make the comparison complete you should add all static costs as well: equipment cost, support cost etc.
b. Simply compare the price of adding a 2MBPS PRI line to increasing your company's Internet connection BW by 2 MBPS. That will show a lot to VOIP's favor.
c. Long distance calls are severely affected by duration of the call. While local calls and VOIP goes into the PSTN, are much less affected by the duration. In some places in state calls are not charged individually but a monthly payment is done.
d. Equipment cost per end station is lower. While this is almost always true you need to prove that too by talking to a VOIP equipment provider, for example AVAYA, Cisco, NORTEL. And comparing the prices in both instances.
2. Adding new features to an existing PBX is messy most of the time .... while adding new features, capabilities and capacity is easy in VOIP.
3. A unified communication that has VOIP and IP running on the same enterprise infrastructure is easier to manage .... but of course needs more expertise.
4. You can have 'local' numbers anywhere a VOIP provider has a presence. Want to establish a presence in another state or country - start with a VOIP number in the new location that is answered by an existing office.
5. It allows you to virtualize your office. For example, a company provides after hours customer support by employing people to work from home in four time zones. VOIP allows the company's PABX to be extended cheaply and easily into their home ... even though they are in different countries and serviced by different telcos/ISPs.
6. Besides lower costs in contrast to PSTN, VoIP services provide better roaming, a possibility to quicker office relocation and total independence from local telephone companies (meaning that in theory you can buy VoIP services from any service provider on the globe). With VoIP services you can build a PBX which serves the same voice services to all employees around the globe thus making it possible to build virtual offices. You can also easily integrate voice, e-mail and presence services with VoIP technologies.
7. More advantages include .... Ubiquity through Unified Messaging, phone mobility, geographic growth through MPLS networks using centralized services, 50% less cabling in LAN, use a portable with VoIP Client plus headsets and digital/voip phones cease to be necessary, corporate voice can go through a data MPLS network, you can receive calls over the internet on your contact center.
Keep in mind that while trying to convince your company to favor a VOIP solution ... it is also important to be open and explain all the pros and cons, everything.
* Quality of voice is similar to regular PSTN solutions but not exactly the same as POTS. It might be undiscernibly but still some difference exists. How close the quality of VOIP depends on how well your company's infrastructure is ready for VOIP, how good an SLA (Service Level Agreement) you have with you Internet Service Provider.
* When the Internet is attacked intentionally or unintentionally all VOIP equipment, end points, VOIP phones will be affected. It is very rare that a PSTN system is brought down except when a catastrophe happens and everyone is trying to call everyone.
* Voip gained such a bad reputation over the last few years, as everyone still keeps talking about low call costs and free calls. VoIP is a reasonable cost installation but not Cheap at least if you use decent kit. If you try and do everything on the cheap then you get bad call quality etc and loads of hate mail from management.
There you go ... most everything you need to develop a strong argument for implementing a VoIP solution in your company. For additional assistance to work through all the specifics .... and find the most cost effective providers (hardware and services) .... I suggest using Business-Voip-Solution.com. Their help is NO COST to you .... another advantage.
Protect your VOIP network
Here's the question .... how can you convince your management that a VoIP solution will support your small business?
The best argument for VOIP is lower communication costs ... but it's not the only reason.
I would suggest using hybrid solutions. Where the bulk of communication, voice, and video are done through VOIP .... and emergency services "fall back" in case of Internet fail is done with minimal classical PSTN solutions.
When I say VOIP from now on I mean 90 % VOIP and some minimal PSTN add-ons.
Why VOIP?
1- Lower communication costs ....
While this is basically clear it still needs to be demonstrated. Assume you have a company that most of its calls are from "overseas" to the USA and vice versa.
You need to get the cost of all such calls currently on one side .... and then compute what would be the cost in case all Intercontinental calls went through a VOIP system.
Now you have the number of calls * local call quantity* local call cost.
You can compare the costs in both situations.
a. I would take the worst case scenario where none of the calls in either side ends in a VOIP end station like Packet8. To make the comparison complete you should add all static costs as well: equipment cost, support cost etc.
b. Simply compare the price of adding a 2MBPS PRI line to increasing your company's Internet connection BW by 2 MBPS. That will show a lot to VOIP's favor.
c. Long distance calls are severely affected by duration of the call. While local calls and VOIP goes into the PSTN, are much less affected by the duration. In some places in state calls are not charged individually but a monthly payment is done.
d. Equipment cost per end station is lower. While this is almost always true you need to prove that too by talking to a VOIP equipment provider, for example AVAYA, Cisco, NORTEL. And comparing the prices in both instances.
2. Adding new features to an existing PBX is messy most of the time .... while adding new features, capabilities and capacity is easy in VOIP.
3. A unified communication that has VOIP and IP running on the same enterprise infrastructure is easier to manage .... but of course needs more expertise.
4. You can have 'local' numbers anywhere a VOIP provider has a presence. Want to establish a presence in another state or country - start with a VOIP number in the new location that is answered by an existing office.
5. It allows you to virtualize your office. For example, a company provides after hours customer support by employing people to work from home in four time zones. VOIP allows the company's PABX to be extended cheaply and easily into their home ... even though they are in different countries and serviced by different telcos/ISPs.
6. Besides lower costs in contrast to PSTN, VoIP services provide better roaming, a possibility to quicker office relocation and total independence from local telephone companies (meaning that in theory you can buy VoIP services from any service provider on the globe). With VoIP services you can build a PBX which serves the same voice services to all employees around the globe thus making it possible to build virtual offices. You can also easily integrate voice, e-mail and presence services with VoIP technologies.
7. More advantages include .... Ubiquity through Unified Messaging, phone mobility, geographic growth through MPLS networks using centralized services, 50% less cabling in LAN, use a portable with VoIP Client plus headsets and digital/voip phones cease to be necessary, corporate voice can go through a data MPLS network, you can receive calls over the internet on your contact center.
Keep in mind that while trying to convince your company to favor a VOIP solution ... it is also important to be open and explain all the pros and cons, everything.
* Quality of voice is similar to regular PSTN solutions but not exactly the same as POTS. It might be undiscernibly but still some difference exists. How close the quality of VOIP depends on how well your company's infrastructure is ready for VOIP, how good an SLA (Service Level Agreement) you have with you Internet Service Provider.
* When the Internet is attacked intentionally or unintentionally all VOIP equipment, end points, VOIP phones will be affected. It is very rare that a PSTN system is brought down except when a catastrophe happens and everyone is trying to call everyone.
* Voip gained such a bad reputation over the last few years, as everyone still keeps talking about low call costs and free calls. VoIP is a reasonable cost installation but not Cheap at least if you use decent kit. If you try and do everything on the cheap then you get bad call quality etc and loads of hate mail from management.
There you go ... most everything you need to develop a strong argument for implementing a VoIP solution in your company. For additional assistance to work through all the specifics .... and find the most cost effective providers (hardware and services) .... I suggest using Business-Voip-Solution.com. Their help is NO COST to you .... another advantage.
Protect your VOIP network
Probe the VoIP News and Check the VoIP Reviews
October 18, 2009
Vikram Kumar asked:
Gone are the regular phone sets! With the busy lifestyle and the need to be always abreast with everything, the consideration of initiating a cheaper but reliable communication access is most possible these days. With the advent of Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP made communication, both long distance and local calls feasible, cheaper and faster. Interested to know more about the details how VoIP works? Then, make sure to read the latest VoIP news over the net including the available VoIP reviews via the sites that offer objectives reviews in the field of technology.
So with the VoIP news that would make you more interested in setting up VoIP services? If you’re hesitant to set up VoIP service, try considering the new VoIP reviews in the All the Talk site. But first, consider how VoIP works and see if this set up is just for you.
You’ll need to have a reliable broadband connection set up before you could take advantage of the VoIP services. Commonly known as the IP Telephony services, VoIP reviews indicate that this service actually carries signals as digital audio via the speech data compression process. And as early as 1973, VoIP news sprung all over the technology field. From then on to date, there were hundreds of VoIP reviews made making VoIP topic as one of the highly regarded topic in the web. So while essential VoIP news spread all over the world, further VoIP reviews made it clear that there are other facets of VoIP services that need to improve in the course of years. Aside from the functionality of service, the quality of voice transmission and VoIP’s capability to handle emergency calls compared to a regular mobile or landline phones are probed.
In addition to such concerns, VoIP news release in March posted at All the Talk site indicate how VoIP is greatly affected with the previous business recession, the reason being is the heightened cancellation of back to back VoIP services subscriptions. Although VoIP news indicate development and earnings in the VoIP world, All the Talk site reports on one VoIP reviews that there are further developments related to VoIP and its services.
For one, All the Talk reports how the recession affects the VoIP business moving forward. According to the VoIP News published on March 26, 2008, the falling revenue in the VoIP industry made it possible for the recession to take place. This is also true for many businesses holding the use of VoIP services. Yet, there’s a growing concern if the VoIP service is here to stay or not. With the recent VoIP news, it shows that recent developments related to VoIP services include the availability of VoIP to the mobile and landline numbers. In fact, VoIP testing capabilities include having the services set up with an iPhone, a powerful Apple device that’s highly sought after by consumers globally. Lastly, some of the recent news posted on the All the Talk indicates how VoIP evolved from being a mere Internet voice service to an innovative service eyeing for a refined and clarified voice sounding performance.
You can Get Cheap VOIP DID's too!
Gone are the regular phone sets! With the busy lifestyle and the need to be always abreast with everything, the consideration of initiating a cheaper but reliable communication access is most possible these days. With the advent of Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP made communication, both long distance and local calls feasible, cheaper and faster. Interested to know more about the details how VoIP works? Then, make sure to read the latest VoIP news over the net including the available VoIP reviews via the sites that offer objectives reviews in the field of technology.
So with the VoIP news that would make you more interested in setting up VoIP services? If you’re hesitant to set up VoIP service, try considering the new VoIP reviews in the All the Talk site. But first, consider how VoIP works and see if this set up is just for you.
You’ll need to have a reliable broadband connection set up before you could take advantage of the VoIP services. Commonly known as the IP Telephony services, VoIP reviews indicate that this service actually carries signals as digital audio via the speech data compression process. And as early as 1973, VoIP news sprung all over the technology field. From then on to date, there were hundreds of VoIP reviews made making VoIP topic as one of the highly regarded topic in the web. So while essential VoIP news spread all over the world, further VoIP reviews made it clear that there are other facets of VoIP services that need to improve in the course of years. Aside from the functionality of service, the quality of voice transmission and VoIP’s capability to handle emergency calls compared to a regular mobile or landline phones are probed.
In addition to such concerns, VoIP news release in March posted at All the Talk site indicate how VoIP is greatly affected with the previous business recession, the reason being is the heightened cancellation of back to back VoIP services subscriptions. Although VoIP news indicate development and earnings in the VoIP world, All the Talk site reports on one VoIP reviews that there are further developments related to VoIP and its services.
For one, All the Talk reports how the recession affects the VoIP business moving forward. According to the VoIP News published on March 26, 2008, the falling revenue in the VoIP industry made it possible for the recession to take place. This is also true for many businesses holding the use of VoIP services. Yet, there’s a growing concern if the VoIP service is here to stay or not. With the recent VoIP news, it shows that recent developments related to VoIP services include the availability of VoIP to the mobile and landline numbers. In fact, VoIP testing capabilities include having the services set up with an iPhone, a powerful Apple device that’s highly sought after by consumers globally. Lastly, some of the recent news posted on the All the Talk indicates how VoIP evolved from being a mere Internet voice service to an innovative service eyeing for a refined and clarified voice sounding performance.
You can Get Cheap VOIP DID's too!
Voice Prompts and Voicemail Greetings by Professional Voice Talent Boosts Image
October 2, 2009
Lecia Macryn Voice Services asked:
More and more businesses who use voicemail and voice prompts for their phone system including pbx, auto attendant and IVR system developers are realizing that their telephone voicemail and voice prompt recordings play a large role in impressing customers and bolstering their image. Those businesses and voice prompt developers who want their company to reflect a professional image are utilizing professional voice talent such as Lecia Macryn Voice Services www.Macryn.com who specialize in recording custom voice prompts and voicemail greetings for all types of phone systems, cell phones, auto attendant, pbx systems, and IVR (Interactive Voice Response).
Professionally recorded voice greetings and prompts help clients feel they are associating with a stable, established company and make a positive impression. Callers are more apt to place more confidence in a company or phone interaction where the phone presence is confident, clear and professional.
Voice greetings and voice prompts can be sent via internet in any format or recorded into any phone, including mobile/cell phones. Lecia Macryn Voice Services, www.Macryn.com works with small and large businesses, ivr developers, customer satisfaction survey companies, auto attendant/pbx systems, and all types of telephony applications and projects. Most recording requests can be delivered same day, if needed and a free sample audition is provided as well to ensure the voice recordings are what the client wants.
Lecia Macryn Voice Services has been providing recordings for clients worldwide since 1993 and can accommodate the small business owner who has just one basic voicemail recording ...to the most extensive voice prompt application entailing thousands of recordings,
Demos and more information is available at: www.Macryn.com or call Lecia Macryn Voice Services at (248) 288-2242.
VOIP Security made Easy
More and more businesses who use voicemail and voice prompts for their phone system including pbx, auto attendant and IVR system developers are realizing that their telephone voicemail and voice prompt recordings play a large role in impressing customers and bolstering their image. Those businesses and voice prompt developers who want their company to reflect a professional image are utilizing professional voice talent such as Lecia Macryn Voice Services www.Macryn.com who specialize in recording custom voice prompts and voicemail greetings for all types of phone systems, cell phones, auto attendant, pbx systems, and IVR (Interactive Voice Response).
Professionally recorded voice greetings and prompts help clients feel they are associating with a stable, established company and make a positive impression. Callers are more apt to place more confidence in a company or phone interaction where the phone presence is confident, clear and professional.
Voice greetings and voice prompts can be sent via internet in any format or recorded into any phone, including mobile/cell phones. Lecia Macryn Voice Services, www.Macryn.com works with small and large businesses, ivr developers, customer satisfaction survey companies, auto attendant/pbx systems, and all types of telephony applications and projects. Most recording requests can be delivered same day, if needed and a free sample audition is provided as well to ensure the voice recordings are what the client wants.
Lecia Macryn Voice Services has been providing recordings for clients worldwide since 1993 and can accommodate the small business owner who has just one basic voicemail recording ...to the most extensive voice prompt application entailing thousands of recordings,
Demos and more information is available at: www.Macryn.com or call Lecia Macryn Voice Services at (248) 288-2242.
VOIP Security made Easy
