Author Topic: Need VOIP advice. (Read 170 times)

rabbidrabbit · « **on:** July 09, 2006, 10:21:57 PM »

OK,

I have been asked to look into a VOIP solution for a small office. One thing I have been looking for is an Asterisk server but I'm wondering if the costs , about 2k, is worth the effort. They have 2 lines on POTS now and might wish to handle up to 4 incoming lines in the future. Any pointers?

Scrap · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2006, 10:39:11 PM »

Look into pingtel or Asterisk. Those are the two names I've heard of for SOHO lately. Cisco has some decent stuff out there, but I think most of it is for IPCC (call center) applications. Plus Ci$co is a bit expensive. Heck, if ya go w/ Asterisk you can build the darn thing yourself for next to nothing.

Scrap · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2006, 10:43:01 PM »

4 lines is a bit small for a VoIP server/pbx. Maybe have them try Vonage or a similar service? Asterisk does have a SOHO/Home package out there (I think it's open source, aka 'free,' as well)... I think that would be your best option for an office that will ony take a max of 4 calls at a time.

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2006, 07:25:05 AM »

the problem I'm seeing with asterisk is buying the 4 line Digium card which goes for 1500. I have the option of going pure voip and skipping the card I think but am not sure. IE, we can not use phone lines... I'm still vague on the different ways I can implement this..

Scrap · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2006, 07:33:13 AM »

1) SIP trunking

2) Broadband w/ ATA (Vonage)

3) Some other hosted MPLS solution

I am not too keen on the smaller apps. Just shop around w/ the local telco's for a bit and see what you can find. If you have any questions, post them here.