VoIP PABX

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Ellipsis

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#22584 1-Jun-2008 18:48

Right..
I want to set up a VoIP type PaBX System. I have heard of many different systems like Trixbox and Asterix. I have been looking on trademe and found some systems for sale (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Phone-fax/Other/auction-157697159.htm)
They use another system PBXtra. That also looks good.
So do I need a special kind of phones for the system? (other than your standard VoIP adapter etc)
If someone could just give me a heads up on everything that would be nice.

I am just trialing out all this new stuff with my VoIP line - then implementing in our small business.

sbiddle

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#134804 1-Jun-2008 19:43

First and foremost what exactly are your requirements?

PBXtra and trixbox are both Asterisk distributions. If you know nothing about Asterisk then expect to face a steep learning curve or the help of an expert if you want to install a system for business use - there is certainly a lot to learn, especially if you want a system for business use where uptime and reliability are important.

There are also plenty of other alternatives, rather than going for a PC based solution a PABX like the Epygi Quadro is fantastic, does all the basic things you need in a system and for a basic system you would be looking at less than the system you quoted from Trademe. For many people Asterisk is overkill - it does far more than what you need.

Every man and his dog seems to be trying to get into the VoIP market and sell Asterisk systems these days much like the web design business 10 years ago. It certainly pays to ask around..

cisconz

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#135088 3-Jun-2008 00:36

Hey Simon,

Give me a PM and I can talk to you about different options.

Cheers

Hmmmm

Ellipsis

142 posts

Master Geek

#135726 5-Jun-2008 16:32

Do I need a special kind of phone for Astrix? Or am I all good with my ATA?

KiwiOverseas66

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#135732 5-Jun-2008 17:31

sounds like you may need to decide on whether its IP telephony or VoIP trunking you're looking at.

I'm presuming its IP telephony (i.e IP handsets off a PBX running standard trunks) - in which case hardware costs will be a big factor. There is plenty of choice out there in the market but it will probably come down to what sort of features you want for users - and what sort of operability you want for the office as a whole that you don't get now. In the early days of IP PBXs the cost of handsets was extortionate - and didn't really justify the investment. Much more choice now. If its IP trunking - that's a different kettle of fish all together.

Have to agree with sbiddle - once you've decided on the basic features you want, have a good look around as there are a ton of options available. IMHO, the most important decision is how vital is a working, stable, rock solid reliable voice connection to your business. If its vital - spend the money and don't skimp. If you can get by without it for anything from a few hours to a couple of days - then you've some room to play with. The IP PBXs from the traditional PBX makers tend to be pricer - but if the OS develops a bug then having access to a 24x7 support line staffed by engineers is worth its weight in gold - especially if it means customers are not left hanging (literally).

Ellipsis

142 posts

Master Geek

#135801 5-Jun-2008 22:24

We have around 8 - 10 extensions in the office. Please don't talk me out of using Trixbox, as I have worked out that it is the most cost-effective solution.
Any other questions you wanted answering?

freitasm

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#135829 5-Jun-2008 23:49

Ellipsis: ... Any other questions you wanted answering?

Leaving the "cost effective" argument on the side, the only remaining question really is "Does it offer all the features you need and want"?

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Ellipsis

142 posts

Master Geek

#136070 6-Jun-2008 20:43

Yes. Yes it does.

Just curious - why is everyone trying to deviate me from it? lol

sbiddle

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#136075 6-Jun-2008 20:56

Ellipsis: Yes. Yes it does.

Just curious - why is everyone trying to deviate me from it? lol

To be completely honest it is obvious from your comments that you don't know a lot about VoIP or Asterisk and/or trixbox.

Just because trixbox is free and simple to install doesn't mean it's the perfect solution for you. There *is* a lot to learn, particularly if you want a reliable system. You do need to know the basics of VoIP. You do need to know a bit about Linux. You do need to understand basics of telephony systems to understand what makes the difference between a good and a bad system.

There are plenty of people out there trying to sell Asterisk PBX solutions at present because they worked out they could easily install a PBX for people and make $$. There are also plenty of people pulling their hair out dealing with poorly installed Asterisk systems on a daily basis.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to put you off or discourage you. I'm just pointing out there is a learning curve you will have to follow, particularly if you want a reliable system. Interfacing with the PSTN can be a nightmare and to be honest if you want a quality system then ATA's are not the way to go - IP phones are.

It also pays to remember (speaking from experience having had 2 HDD's fail on my Asterisk box here at home within 7 days) that being a PC based solution backups are important as hardware can and will fail.

cisconz

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#136464 8-Jun-2008 17:15

On a side note,

3Bit used to sell asterisk systems.

We found that the systems we sell now are eaiser to support, Cheaper, More versitile and alot les likely to fail.

Hmmmm