Asterisk phone systems is a software that uses a computer and turns it into a server for communications. A lot of multinational companies as well as small business utilize Asterisk such as call centers, government agencies, telecommunications carriers and even small businesses.

The program is for free and open-sourced, which is capable for lots of uses and makes older telephone systems obsolete. Since it is in fact a type of software, it can be manipulated and customized, thus adding to its versatility and function.

This telephony system is used for a lot of functions such as conference calls, voice mails, phone menus and call distributions that are done automatically. The old way was to use a PBX or Private Branch Exchange, which most companies and large businesses have as a medium for their telephone system. However, using a PBX system can be quite expensive and can sum up to millions to support a large company\’s needs. Most of the time, add-ons such as queuing and voice mails add up to costs and provide problems when they need to be integrated to the current system.

This telecommunications software routes calls through VoIP (Voice-Over Internet Protocol) and relies on the Ethernet. In that manner, all telephone lines are connected to the Ethernet which becomes the spine of the network.

The difference with using this software as opposed to a standard PBX is that you are able to do the same things with the former without the monumental costs of the latter. It also has other features in the system which provides detailed call logs, SQL database configuration and online administration.

Other features of using this telephony program are also quite effective and efficient, such as being able to provide teleconferencing options and calling other kinds of telecommunications system using other programs. This software also provides queuing services for call center companies, which then interprets the expected waiting time for the caller.

It is important to note that by just utilizing only a Linux personal computer, one can have a complete Asterisk system without having to spend any amount of money for it. The PC becomes the server, where all calls pass through it and the system creates a way to route the calls.

Most of the companies that utilize phone systems for their services mostly use this new technology. For example, if you have called to order an item from one company, you might hear some music in the background while your call is being transferred. This feature is powered by the Asterisk system as well as your queue when waiting to be attended with during a phone conversation.

There are basically two types of telephones used for the Asterisk system: the hard telephone and soft phone. Hard phones look like classic office phones, using an Ethernet cable instead of a standard phone jack. Soft phones, on the other hand, are entirely used by software. You will need a microphone and an earpiece connected to a computer. Many have switched to using soft phones as it minimizes the cost and has more features over hard phones.

Author Bio: Industry leader providing support on open source call center Vancouver and open source call center Toronto.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: communication, technology, computers, business, phones, telecommunications, support,customer service