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Asterisk PABX for Small and Medium sized Businesses
The Asterisk PABX represents a new generation of PABXs (or phone systems). This new generation of PABXs 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. Of course an Asterisk PABX works equally well with traditional telephone lines (know as the PSTN). Making a phone call over the Internet is referred to as Voice Over IP or more commonly by the acronym VoIP.
In simple terms an Asterisk PABX can make three types of calls.
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Calls over the traditional telephone system (e.g. Telstra, Optus etc)
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Calls over the Internet to other Internet telephone users (VoIP)
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Calls over the Internet to traditional telephone users.
Type 1. calls need a standard telephone line plugged into your Asterisk PABX.
Type 2. calls need an Internet connection plugged into your Asterisk PABX.
Type 3. calls need an Internet connection and a VoIP service provider (a bit like an Internet Service Provider but for telephone calls).
The beauty of the Asterisk PABX is that you can make all three types of calls from a standard telephone handset connected to the PABX and the PABX will decide which method to use based on the lowest cost option.
The Asterisk PABX can work with any analog handset, but we generally recommend upgrading to IP 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.
When purchasing an Asterisk PABX, all of the features that Asterisk provide are shipped in the box. The set of features that you have available as a small business are the same set of features that a large Corporation or Call Centre demands. 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.
- Do you want a VoIP connection to make calls over the Internet.
Features
With an Asterisk PABX, the core feature set is extensive. You can 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 a 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, digital receptionist, call queues and on hold business messages 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.
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