FreePBX services are extremely versatile which is why they are so popular across everything from small home start up business all the way to large enterprises. Usually hosted PBX providers offer packages which work with most businesses but even with ones which need more specialist solutions, there are numerous open source PBX software solutions to choose from.
What does FreePBX mean?
When discussing FreePBX we need to clarify the word “Free”. The“Free” in the name is not exactly free, as there are additional components that need to be purchased when deploying this system.
For example, you will need to have a server to deploy the FreePBX software on, you may also need to install telephony cards and other physical components.
The “Free” bit of FreePBX refers to the basic software to build a PBX.
The best freePBX services
Below are the list of widely deployed FreePBXs, in no particular order:
- 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, in-fact all of the above 7 ones are based on Asterisk. It is an open-source framework and anyone can download it and customize it based on their requirement. Whether you want a PBX solution for a small office or a call centre, it has the capability and flexibility to meet many telephony requirements. With more than 2,000,000 downloads every year, it is the most popular one used. The Asterisk project is currently sponsored by Sangoma, and we, Minerva Technologies are the authorized distributor of Sangoma products, be in FreePBX, PBXAct, telephony cards, analogue & digital gateways, SBC, IP phones and many more.
The second system listed above is FreePBX, which is an open-source PBX solution based on Asterisk. It is also managed by Sangoma. You may ask if both are based on Asterisk and managed by Sangoma.
So what’s the difference?
To answer this, we need to recognize that Asterisk is the communication tool-kit that the user would need to modify and configure (this can get quite complicated). 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 you want to use your PBX in a call centre environment, simply buy call centre bundle from us, along with FreePBX. If you want to link CRM with your PBX, there is a CRM module, ready to use.
Our solutions are all fully customizable to your business needs so contact us today and see how our communication solutions can benefit you.