Voice Over Internet Protocol OCS vs. Asterisk

Maximillian Bryan & Marcell Technologies Internationale LLC
http://mbmwinstonshines.books.officelive.com
June 2009

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Basics: A communication Revolution

VOIP allows people to make phone calls directly from their computer to other people on the cell phones, land lines, cars and to get both their e-mails & voice mails from their computer or from their phone depending on the software and hardware they are using. We blogged about VOIP in June and November of 2007 but a lot has changed since then. There are two software packages you might want to consider when deciding on upgrading your current phone system to take advantage of VOIP to cut your phone costs.

1. Microsoft Office Communication Server (OCS) – for Windows PCs & servers
2. Asterisk - for Linux/Unix PCs & Servers

The advantages of using Microsoft Office Communication Server are that more than likely you already have Windows PCs/Laptops/Servers in your business or home. Then it would just be matter of buying or downloading the software and determining what type of calling features you want for your phone system, for example call forwarding, & video streaming. For more information feel free to contact us at 313 244-3040, mbmwinstonshines@hotmail.com or go to the Microsoft website www.microsoft.com.

Some businesses & consumers to cut costs or prolong the life of hardware past the time it can be upgraded with Microsoft Windows have decided to move towards Linux or do pilot tests with Linux an open source operating system and applications such as open office. This does not mean you cannot join the VOIP revolution, thanks to Asterisk/Digium. Digium software works basically the same as OCS in that it allows you to make calls from your computer at a lower cost. It does not have all the features of Microsoft’s OCS but if you are a Linux/Open Source software shop and you want to try VOIP Digium is a good software choice. For more information on Asterisk, you can contact us at 313 244-3040, mbmwinstonshines@hotmail.com or go to the Digium website at http://www.digium.com.