Affordable Small Business IP Telephony

[LostStudent]

I'm new to IP telephony and would like to setup a basic system for my small business on my own.

I'm thinking its easy as this:

Server ---> IP software ---> Switch ---> 15 Cisco IP Phones

What type of software would I need, where can I get it and how much does it cost, what about licensing, is it cheaper to go with the Cisco Call Manager Express?

Please include all the details to help me get up and running.

 

[VanZenden]

check this link, for Digium Asterix IP PBX:

http://www.digium.com/index.php?menu=product_category&category=software

Regards

 

[pansophic]

Fortunately, you have lots of options, but it depends on a lot of things. Asterisk is a phenomenal VoIP PBX and it will support your Cisco VoIP phones. I have one with 3 of the 7960s at my home. But it is clumbsy to administrate, especially if you aren't all that familiar with telephony and VoIP to start with.

You can use a small Cisco router to provide your VoIP access as well, but I think that you lose voice mail as an option. And again, it is non-trivial to administer.

The Cisco Call Manager is an easy to administer system, but it is much more expensive than the previous options.

For that matter, 3Com makes a VoIP PBX for the small office. I believe that it is more cost effective than the Call Manager, but still expensive (initial cost) compared with Asterisk.


pansophic