Free PBX Software - open source solutions

For some unfathomable reason, not only is there a wealth of free PBX software, but much of it is also solid and extensively used in live commercial environments.

The most popular of all open source PBX solutions is Asterisk. There are over two million users and a very active community behind its on going development. In addition to the original developer Digium, many PBX vendors have made Asterisk the core of their respective commercial offerings.

Other open source PBX software includes FreeSwitch and CallWeaver.

In combination with the Linux operating system, SIP softphones and a commodity PC server these options come close to delivering a free PBX phone system.

In the case of Asterisk there is also the option of a Skype add-on that enables Skype calls to be made, answered and transferred via the PBX software thus slashing call costs as well.

The party does not end there. A whole range of ad-ons have been developed for Asterisk, that amongst other things address specific contact center requirements including: IVR, ACD and integration with open source predictive dialer software solutions.

Given the quality of these open source VoIP business solutions, it has become impossible for vendors to push the cost of commercial PBX solutions for small business above very low four figure sums.

Despite these developments in the open source PBX software space, it is probable that the small business market will move to adopt virtual or hosted VoIP PBX services as the new default option. The number of small business users seeing a need for a premise based PBX is declining, irrespective of whether it is free or not.

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