[Asterisk-Users] On-Hook ADSI

[Wade Weppler]

Hi Jayson,

> I have reason to believe that ADSI can be spoken to phones even when
> they're onhook.  Is this true?  Does anyone know?

This is definitely true.  VMWI is one example (which you mention) but I've
seen other examples:

Paging/Intercom:
Artisoft Televantage uses ADSI-capable phones to send pages/intercom by
remotely putting the phone into speakerphone mode (offhook) and then putting
it back onhook when done.  This feature alone makes convincing users to
replace outdated digital systems almost a no-brainer.

Information Displays:
Bell Canada sends updated scripts during off hours for advertising.  I've
proven this by putting a "clean" Vista 350 on my phone line and within a day
or two the display is churning out new advertising.  This would be perfect
for displaying the number of missed calls, number of voicemail messages,
number of e-mail messages, or even a simple messaging client.

Resident scripts are another story.  With a simple yet complete script on
the phone, all of Asterisk's features could be exploited by a user without
picking up a manual.  Demonstrations would be really powerful, and once
again, convincing users to replace outdated digital solutions would be a
no-brainer.

-wade