Asterisk is an open-source communications framework which forms the basis of numerous Asterisk-based commercial PBX systems and provides the building blocks needed to create custom asterisk solutions and applications. The Asterisk framework is used for various applications including IP PBXs, conference servers, VoIP gateways and more.
Although Asterisk is free and can be used to create entirely custom solutions, it runs on Linux, BSD and OS X and requires significant knowledge of these systems as well as programming, networking and telephony. This drawback means that not only can Asterisk systems be more difficult to implement and maintain, but they can also end up being costly due to the fact that a specialist is needed to deploy the solution as well as maintain and manage it.
What’s more, as Asterisk-based PBX systems can only be run on Linux, BSD and OS X, they are not as flexible as other solutions, and companies are more limited in the deployment options available to them.
3CX
3CX is an open-standards, multi-platform communications solution which can be run on-premise on Windows or Linux, as a virtual machine with VMware, Hyper V or KVM, or on low-cost mini PC devices. Looking to go hosted? 3CX can be run in the cloud in your own cloud account with the likes of Google, Amazon and Microsoft Azure, among others, or hosted by 3CX for zero management.
3CX includes a full suite of communications features including status, chat, video conferencing, smartphone and web apps, website live chat, SMS and WhatsApp integration, call centre features and more. A full 3CX solution can be deployed at a fraction of the cost of similar systems. 3CX StartUP, the ideal solution for small businesses, requiring little or no IT experience or management, is being offered completely free forever for up to 10 users. If you need more users, the 3CX Dedicated subscriptions offer a simultaneous call pricing model, not per user, to keep costs at a minimum. And, as it’s open-standards, businesses can save more by selecting their choice of IP phones and SIP trunks.
Avaya
Avaya is one of the larger communications solutions providers in the market and provides a range of business products. Avaya’s business PBX can be offered on-premise or in the cloud and include voice, video, messaging, conferencing, mobility and more.
Avaya’s cloud solutions include subscriptions for VoIP, Unified Communications and video conferencing and allows businesses to upgrade their communications without the need for infrastructure improvements.
Elastix
Elastix, powered by 3CX, is an open-standards software PBX for Linux, Windows and the Cloud. Based on Debian and 3CX, it’s easy to install and manage with daily task automation as well as instant provisioning of IP phones and gateways. The Elastix system includes unified communications features such as chat, presence, video conferencing, web app and smartphone apps for iOS and Android.
Build the ideal communications solution tailored to your company’s needs with open-standards software. Elastix is compatible with a variety of IP phones, VoIP gateways and SIP trunks, to suit your needs and budget. What’s more, you can host Elastix in your own cloud account with Google, Amazon, Microsoft Azure and more.
FreePBX
FreePBX is a web application built on Asterisk. What differentiates FreePBX is that it simplifies the configuration of Asterisk with pre-programmed functionality. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to modify the system and more or less offers a fully functional PBX out of the box. FreePBX is built on the LAMPA™ stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP and Asterisk). Click-to-install plugins are available to download to expand the system.
Some out of the box features of FreePBX include “Follow Me” functionality, unlimited conferences, paging and intercom, call queues and more.
Phone System 