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 will include:
  
  • 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—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—Will any source code be included in Asterisk Business Edition?
  A—Source code for the drivers will be included so users can compile them for their particular operating system version, if desired. The Asterisk applications will be provided in binary form, but will be based entirely on source code from the Asterisk open source tree.
• Q—How many calls will Asterisk Business Edition support?
  A—Up to 120 simultaneous calls will be supported. Upgrades will be available to allow additional calls, up to a total of 240.
• Q—Will an OEM version will be available for larger customers or resellers?
  A—Yes, an OEM "Five Pack" bundle will be 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 will also be available for resellers who need larger quantities of licenses, but don't need manuals or support in each package.