For those not well versed in all things telecommunications, the Asterisk is an open source PBX, anyone can freely download it from the Internet. It runs on standard PC hardware, the more extensions you have the more processing power you will need in your hardware. It is as simple as that. Or is it? The telecoms industry is filled with abbreviations, anachronisms and jargon. This is not a friendly place for the amateur. Anyone venturing down this road will quickly discover that there is dearth of telephone management products designed to interconnect with Asterisk and its derivatives. they are few and far between, a major drawback for those who like to manage their environment.
The Asterisk PBX, first introduced in 1999, and now with a world wide dedicated bunch of followers and contributors, has at last reached critical mass. The opinion that it may fail as a product is held only by those who are so entrenched in the traditional way of doing things they can't get their heads out of the sand to watch this new dawn rising and the sun setting on their old business models.
Many of the traditional PBX companies are taking the Asterisk code, changing the user interface a little so it is not immediately recognizable, putting it into a server box and adding their own label. They then tell their sales force, they have developed a new server based product, that is far better than the competitors. The branding badge and the reassurance from the sales person are all that is required to justify the premium price. But lets not forget the security layer they place on the box, effectively barring any competitor from gaining access, locking out all competition and locking in their ability to charge wild prices for a service visit. A practice we could politely describe as disingenuous.
Regardless of the supplier of the Asterisk Software, once installed it must be managed on a daily basis. Call costs must be accounted for and the PBX must route calls optimally to take advantage of package deals and special offers offered by the telephone company. This type of management and configuration is not generic, it is a site by site exercise and outside of the scope of any PBX regardless of make or model. This is where the Asterisk supplier would do well to bring in a telephone management service who is well versed in Asterisk.
Hosted telephone management services fit well with the Asterisk philosophy. Once installed on site, configuration is achieved remotely and both the Asterisk supplier and the customer have access to reports and information that can serve as support for decision making, cost allocations and general control of the environment. The value of the information a telephone management system can provide should not be underestimated, it will prove its value time and time again in a broad variety of situations.
The continued impetus of the Asterisk program can only be enhanced by peripheral services and equipment manufacturers and supplier wiling to make an effort in cross-connecting interfacing with the Asterisk. Web based telephone management has contributed greatly in this respect and will continue to do so for many years into the future.
Mike Guile has more than 30 years in the telecommunications industry, the last 15 in senior management positions, Today he seeks to assist those with telecoms careers to fulfill their ambitions and reach their potential. If you are part of this target audience you'll find more information at Telecom United, a full support structure for experienced telecommunications professionals.
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