People who went to 3CX from Asterisk - Why?

[far182]

Hello,

I am pretty new to the VOIP world but I have almost 20 years in the networking business. We are exploring adding VOIP services to our service delivery and we are looking the the different options out there.

We have been very interested in Asterisk and TrixBox. Recently we stumbled on 3CX and decided to setup a test server to check it out. So far we really like it.

Comparing features, Asterisk seems to be more proven and also has a lot more features. I think the main thing 3CX has going for it is that it is Windows based (which we like a lot).

I have noticed that there are several people here who moved from Asterisk systems to 3CX. Can you tell me why? We are at a crossroads and really would appreciate any detail.

Thank You

 

[Mirzab]

For me the deal breaker was I did NOT have 20 years in the networking business, I am not actually involved in networking or VoIP full time in any way. I simply started looking into setting up a PBX of any type to expand the capabilities of our small business phone system, and we are actually in Auto Service - the rest is mainly on a part time basis.

I researched everything from hardware solutions to virtual PBXs hosted offsite. I have tried a hardware PBX aimed at small businesses, and an Asterisk Server on site, before stumbling across 3CX. I found the hardware PBX too restrictive and limited. The Asterisk Server was great, with many features that 3CX probably haven't even thought of offering anytime soon. It was solid and dependable. The issues though:
1) I use vBuzzer as a VoIP provider and they function on port 80, was a major issue editing strange files to make them work on Asterisk.
2) Quite simply the learning curve for someone like me, never before exposed to Linux, was murder.
3) Having 3CX run on an existing W2K Server that I keep as a backup for my Web Server saved the necessity for another machine on Linux.
4) And this setup allows me to do reverse file backups to my main server of the 3CX system, just in the 3CX machine dies.

3CX offers most of the features used daily. There are some areas in need of improvement but they have been very good reviewing feedback and implementing said improvements. Overall just based on usability, reduced learning curve for Windows familiar folks, small footprint on server, ability to coexist with other applications eliminating the need for another machine in many small business environments, while providing most of the features of the high priced competitors, 3CX WINS! And its fun finding ways around the deficiencies .

For example I am not pleased with the very limited notification of voicemail on the free version, or even on the paid versions if you are not using a MWI equipped IP hard phone - essentially you have to keep checking the Call Assistant on your PC if you use ATAs like I do. So small budgets kinda suffer. I instead enabled email notification (only, no attachment) and gave the address of my cell phone (for text - SMS). So everytime a voicemail is left, I get a text message. Most people involved in using something like 3CX is in an environment requiring pagers and / or cell phones, so works fine for me.

Anyway, enough typing for a two fingered typist. Hope this helps. :lol:

 

[5qg4]

Hi All,

2) Quite simply the learning curve for someone like me, never before exposed to Linux, was murder.

Totally agree. Even Asterisk also had windows version. However, it's not easy to configure (Maybe just for me). If you already try both of them, I think maybe most of users preferred 3CX.

http://www.asteriskwin32.com/

 

[Mirzab]

Actually one look at their support forum (Asterisk for Windows), dedicated to Porn and Viagra, effectively eliminated any interest I had in that product.

 

[AMC]

Try having a look at the new Asterisk Pro. It seems easy to configure and has loads of functions. The only thing that puts me off is the pricing scheme which charges monthly per extension.

I still prefer 3CX, It has easier management and runs on Windows. Once it matures a little and has more of the standard functions expected in an enterprise PBX it will wipe the floor with Asterisk Pro.

Much better pricing structure too.

 

[Mirzab]

If you mean Tribox Pro, the pricing is steep, and the free version is very limited for any testing, plus I really hate the thought of learning Linux

I agree 3CX needs to mature some more but I do like it very much at this stage. I have 3 free installations running in different environments with very little complaints. I am fairly sure we will upgrade at least one in the near future. They are doing excellent work with this product.

 

[Anonymous]

Even Asterisk also had windows version

It is actually not windows, it runs an emulation application that makes it look like windows (well it runs on a windows platform).

For me Asterisk is just a royal pain in the.... You need a seperate box, you need resources that can handle Unix/Linux, you need someone who likes a text editor (VI, Notepad you take your pick) to configure the config files.

If you got time on your hands and like to fiddle, go for Asterisk if you just want something that works, can run on windows in combination with other applications (as it is a very social app), low learning curve and good support than you cannot go arround 3CX.

I tried a few others, but did not like them. One other strong point (often over looked) is that it is web based front end, so the application is easy to manage from remote sites no dedicated consoles etc.

Asterisk......... hmm I formated that drive a long time ago. I like simplicity and green lights :lol:

 

[Mirzab]

I like simplicity and green lights

Now that I like, right to the point, a man of few words :wink:

 

[5qg4]

It is actually not windows, it runs an emulation application that makes it look like windows (well it runs on a windows platform).

That why it had been removed from my machine for release more space :lol: