The Asterisk PABX represents a new generation of PABXs (or phone systems).  This new generation of PABX are often referred to as IP based PABXs.  The 'IP' refers to the fact that they use the same Internet Protocol (IP) that you use when surfing the internet or sending an email. The most obvious indication of this new generation is that using an IP based PABX allows you to make phone calls over the Internet as well as over the traditional Public Switched Telecommunications Network PSTN (i.e. Telstra, Optus etc).  Making a phone call over the Internet is referred to as Voice Over IP or more commonly by the acronym VoIP.

There are two types of VoIP calls that you can make.  (1) You can use VoIP to call someone else who has a VoIP Connection (these types of calls are generally free).  (2) The other type of VoIP call is where you make a call to a normal telephone number.  These calls are normally charged for, but at a significant discounted rate as the long distance component of the call, travels over the internet with only the final local leg being carried out over the PSTN.

The Asterisk PABX can work with any analog handset, but we generally recommend upgrading to digital handsets. When upgrading to an Asterisk PABX, you will find that it supports ALL of your existing phone system requirements, plus a host of new features. Low cost calls are only the beginning of the benefits of an Asterisk PABX.  The key benefits of the Asterisk PABX are outlined below, where the system is highly flexible.

When purchasing an Asterisk PABX, all of the features that Asterisk provide are shipped in the box and the set of features that you have available is the same set of features that any large Corporation or Call Centre have. The key choices that you need to worry about when purchasing an Asterisk PABX are:

- The number of simultaneous calls you want to make.

- The number of PSTN lines that you need.

- Do you want to connect to the PSTN network using digital or analog lines. (We recommend digital)

- Do you want a battery backup and surge protector for your PABX and or phones

- If you use digital phones, do you want a power pack on each desk or would you rather that the handset takes its power from the telephone line.

Features

With an Asterisk PABX, the core feature set is extensive. View the entire set of features here - Asterisk PABX Features.  There are some optional features, but these tend to be features that require specialised hardware (such as mobile phone gateway) or specialised functions (such as the predictive diallers used by Call Centres).

With an Asterisk PABX, you no longer have to compromise.  Features such as voicemail and a digital receptionist, which previously were only available to large corporations, are now available to every business.

Benefits

The real strength of an Asterisk PABX is in the benefits it delivers to your business. One of the major problems we see business' face is that their phone system leaves their clients with a negative view or impression of their company. The right telephone system will leave your clients with the impression that they are dealing with a sophisticated organisation that is going to service their needs. The advantage of an Asterisk PABX is that it immediately makes your company stand out and look professional all the time. With the features of digital receptionist, voicemail, business messages on hold and roaming extensions, your clients will feel like they are important and can be assured that they will always receive quality service. 

View the full benefits of an Asterisk PABX here - Asterisk Business Benefits.