| Digium, the leader in open source
telephony, announces Asterisk Business Edition, a professional-grade version
of its acclaimed open source PBX for the Linux operating system. This
version provides tested reliability of critical functions and features,
tailored for small- and medium-sized business applications. An all-new
Asterisk technical manual and quick-start documentation supplements the
package, making Asterisk even easier to install, configure, and use. Asterisk
Business Edition is backed by Digium's professional support team with
a full one year limited warranty. This provides enterprise environments
with a PBX and telephony platform suitable for critical business applications.
Digium's comprehensive test program ensures
Asterisk Business Edition's reliability, performance, and interoperability
with key hardware, software, and protocols. Digium hardware cards are
tested for full compatibility with Asterisk Business Edition, as are
several select models of servers, VoIP, and TDM devices. All major software
features in Asterisk Business Edition are thoroughly tested for functionality
and reliability. Test bed systems are also subjected to extreme stress
conditions using Empirix™ test equipment to simulate hundreds
of thousands of calls in various real-world combinations and configurations.
As a result, customers can rely on their combination
of proven Asterisk software and Digium hardware to work together to
provide a feature-rich PBX or VoIP system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q—What is included in the Asterisk Business Edition package?
A—Asterisk Business Edition includes:
Asterisk Business Edition binaries, drivers, installer, and scripts
on CD
An all-new Asterisk Technical Manual
Quick start guide, special offers, and discounts from Digium and its
Partner companies
Authentication key for activation and support
Q—How much does it cost?
A—Asterisk Business Edition is available from Digium for a regular
list price of $995. For a limited time, it is available from Digium
Distributors for a special introductory price, and from our website
for $795.
Q—Since Asterisk is freely offered under the open source model,
why should I buy Asterisk Business Edition?
A—In many business environments, the telephony platform is critical
for day-to-day operation of the company, and ultimately for its success.
System administrators, management, and end users expect proven reliability,
robust functionality, and professional support, as well as low system
cost. Asterisk Business Edition offers customers an affordable solution
that meets these needs, saves time and money, and provides confidence
in their chosen solution.
Q—Some customers are concerned about the GPL and related licensing
issues with open source software. Does Asterisk Business Edition address
those concerns?
A—Asterisk Business Edition includes a commercial license that
eliminates any such ambiguities and provides certain legal assurances,
alleviating a concern many corporate customers have with some open source
products.
Q—Does Asterisk Business Edition contain any additional features,
fixes, or enhancements not found in the open source versions of Asterisk?
A—Digium remains committed to the open source model, and has based
Asterisk Business Edition entirely on the open source tree. However,
no single release of the Open Source version corresponds to Asterisk
Business Edition, since its features and bug fixes have been carefully
chosen to increase reliability and decrease risk.
Q—What support is included?
A—Asterisk Business Edition comes with a full year of limited
software support and free upgrades. Support for configuring or debugging
specific end-user applications is not included, but can be purchased
separately at a discounted rate. An optional annual maintenance plan
extends the support period and allows free upgrades upon request.
Q—How often will new revisions of Asterisk Business Edition be
released?
A—Minor updates will generally be offered several times per year
as necessary, based on customer feedback. Major upgrades that include
significant new features or hardware support are planned to be released
approximately once or twice per year, usually tracking major new releases
of the open source version of Asterisk. Each release of the Asterisk
Business Edition will be fully tested before release, including validation
of any new features and bug fixes, regression testing, basic performance
testing, and Beta trials at selected selected customer sites.
Q—Is any source code included in Asterisk Business Edition?
A—Source code for the drivers is included so users can compile
them for their particular operating system version, if desired. The
Asterisk applications are provided in binary form, but are based entirely
on source code from the Asterisk open source tree.
Q—How many calls does Asterisk Business Edition support?
A—Up to 120 simultaneous calls are supported. Upgrades will be
available to allow additional calls, up to a total of 240.
Q—Is an OEM version available for larger customers or resellers?
A—Yes, an OEM "Five Pack" bundle is available that provides
one complete Retail package, 4 additional licenses and CDs, and an "Express
Pack" of up to 5 hours of Digium Technical Support to help customize
your system. An OEM version is also available for resellers who need
larger quantities of licenses, but don't need manuals or support in
each package.
Q—How can I order Asterisk Business Edition?
A—It is available from Digium Distributors, as well as on the
Digium website.
Q—When will Asterisk Business Edition be released?
A—It is now available.

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