[Asterisk-Users] Few questions from new user...

[Julien Levi]

Hi there,

I've just recently discovered Asterisk via the website and it looks 
perfect for what I want to do. I've read the handbook draft but still 
have some questions:

I work for a very small company and have almost no budget for hardware. 
Ideally we'd like to have 3-4 analogue FXO lines coming into the server 
(a p3 600, 512mb ram which we already own) via 4 pci voice modems. From 
there we'd use Asterisk to provide automatic call distribution to up to 
3 operators (most of time there will only be 1 to 2 operators) using 
software ip phones on their pc's (preferably with on hold music and a 
message saying what position in the queue people are while they wait).

Is such a setup possible, and can anybody recommend the model of 
hardware voice modem which I should use? I've found these intel modems 
which look like they may fit the bill but I don't know if they have 
linux drivers:

http://www.upgradecenterinc.com/inclipin56kv.html

Also I can see in the handbook how to script different routings during 
open and closed hours (where a "we are closed" message is played out of 
hours) but I was wondering if it is possible to have a manual switch 
between open and closed - sometimes we stay open for 30 minutes extra if 
we're very busy and having the phone system just shut down at 3am would 
be too inflexible.

Sorry for the long post I've more questions but I'll save them for 
another time.

I realise all this has probably been covered in the past but I've found 
navigating the list archives pretty difficult with no search option 
available.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Regards,
-- 
Julien