FreePBX

FreePBX services are extremely versatile, and for this reason, are widely popular throughout communities ranging from home-based businesses and small-scale start-ups, up to global businesses that work on an international scale.

Hosted PBX providers offer packages which work with most businesses to provide adequate solutions, but the services high-quality design and sophisticated technology allows businesses with specialist solutions to achieve high quality results from the numerous open-source PBX software solutions available.

What is FreePBX?

Firstly, to properly understand FreePBX, it is first necessary to clarify the definition of ‘free’. The ‘Free’ in the name is not exactly free, as there are additional components that need to be purchased when deploying this system. This ‘Free’ element refers to the basic software required to build a PBX.

For example, you will need to have a server to deploy the FreePBX software on, the user may also need to install telephony cards and other physical components.

What are the best freePBX services available?

Below is the list of widely deployed FreePBXs:

• Asterisk
• FreePBX
• Elastix
• FreeSwitch
• 3CX
• SIP Foundry
• PBXInAFlash

Of all the above, Asterisk is the chief player as the majority of FreePBXs deployed are either Asterisk or based on Asterisk. All of the above seven FreePBXs designs are based on Asterisk, so if you or your business are searching for an ideal FreePBX solution, this is a great option.

What is Asterisk FreePBX?

The Asterisk FreePBX is an open-source framework that any user can download, customise and mould based on their individual requirements. Whether a user requires a PBX solution for a small office or a call centre, Asterisk FreePBX has the capability and flexibility to meet many telephony requirements.

With more than 2,000,000 downloads every year, Aterisk is the industry-leading, most popular software, and is currently sponsored by Sangoma. Here at Minerva Technologies, we are proud to hold status as the authorised distributor of Sangoma products, namely in the below:

• FreePBX
• PBXAct
• Telephony Cards
• Analogue Gateways
• Digital Gateways
• SBC
• IP Phones

The second system listed above is FreePBX, which is an open-source PBX solution based on Asterisk. FreePBX is managed by Sangoma, another valued partner vendor of Minerva Technologies.

What is the difference between Asterisk and FreePBX?

To determine the difference between these software solutions, it is first important to recognise their core functionalities.

Asterisk FreePBX Functionalities

Asterisk is the communication tool-kit that the user would need to modify and configure (this can get quite complicated).

FreePBX Functionalities

FreePBX is a web-based open-source GUI that controls and manages Asterisk. Here, this functionality is already added and implementing them is simply turning the settings on. For example, if users require the use of PBX in a call centre environment, users can simply buy the ‘Call Centre’ bundle from us here at Minerva, along with FreePBX. If users are looking to link their CRM with your PBX, there is a CRM module, ready to use.

FreePBX Solutions at Minerva Technologies

Resultantly, our solutions are all fully customisable to your business needs. To find out more information around FreePBX solutions available at Minerva Technologies, contact us today and see how our communication solutions can benefit you.