[Asterisk-Users] Some questions about a potential usage scenario for asterisk

[Dave Wilson]

Hi all,

I'm new to the list and also new to the field of CTI. I'm looking for a
solution to my problem (detailed in a mo) and after some extensive googling,
came across asterisk but I'm not 100% sure if it will fulfill my needs -
simply as I know nothing about CTI at this point.

Ok my problem and desired solution goes like this.

I have an intranet http-based application (developed in-house) which stores
data in an RDBMS of choice (MS SQL, Oracle, MYSQL, PostGresQL), including
customer data.

My aim is simply to have incoming calls identified (using CID) and logged,
then initiating a request - from the relevant client pc - to the webserver
for a specific page (the customer history/details page).

Now my current line of thinking is this:

Install asterisk;

Connect to telephone line - can I use a simple PCI modem on a standard POTS
line for testing purposes?;

Configure for routing incoming calls to the client machines using VOIP -
this means the client machines (on a lan) need a headset with mic and can be
used instead of a telephone?;

Configure for CID value to cross-reference customer database, then (somehow)
instruct the client machine to request the relevant customer details page.
As I'm unable to implement http-push due to client machines running mainly
MSIE, I was thinking, even a basic messenger pop-up displaying customer name
and number might suffice;

I'd also like the ability to perform http-get and post operations directly
from the asterisk box as the web server is in a remote location (via VPN);

I realise I could simply use a smaller module to pull out the CID but,
frankly I'm interested in the PBX functionality too for future development.

Is asterisk the right tool for me and am I thinking along the right lines
with the above?

TIA,
Dave