Asterisk vs FusionPBX

January 06, 2025 | Author: Adam Levine
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Asterisk
An open source telephony switching and private branch exchange service for Linux. Information on downloading, installation of and support for the product. Asterisk is like a box of Legos for people who want to create communications applications. It includes all the building blocks needed to create a PBX, an IVR system, a conference bridge and virtually any other communications app you can imagine.
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FusionPBX
FusionPBX can be used as a highly available single or domain based multi-tenant PBX, carrier grade switch, call center server, fax server, voip server, voicemail server, conference server, voice application server, appliance framework and more. FreeSWITCH™ is a highly scalable, multi-threaded, multi-platform communication platform.
Asterisk and FusionPBX are both what you might call “telephonic wizards” in the world of VoIP and they share a remarkable ability to turn a simple phone call into an adventure of digital delight. They both offer a robust set of features like call routing, voicemail, conferencing and the mysterious art of IVR (Interactive Voice Response, for those who like to feel important when talking to machines). These systems work on SIP, the grand protocol that rules over the universe of communications and they scale remarkably well, from a humble corner shop to a vast intergalactic conglomerate of business empires. However, where they differ is in the nature of their magic—one is an open-ended toolkit, the other is a complete, web-friendly, all-in-one PBX system.

Asterisk, which first appeared in 1999, hails from the good old U.S. of A and if you’re willing to dive into the intricate world of configuration, it will grant you an unparalleled level of flexibility—ideal for those who enjoy a challenge or perhaps a bit of masochism. It’s a system built for developers, system integrators and anyone who doesn’t mind having their brain fried by endless configuration options. FusionPBX, on the other hand, emerged in 2009, also from the land of stars and stripes and is based on FreeSWITCH—a rather more polished offering designed for those who would prefer not to live in the world of configuration nightmares. With its handy web-based interface, it’s the ideal solution for those who want their telephony to work without needing a PhD in telecom engineering. And while both are certainly capable of handling anything from a small business to the galactic council, FusionPBX is perhaps the better choice for those who would rather focus on business than building a whole new telephony universe.

See also: Top 10 Business Phone systems
Author: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email [email protected]