[Asterisk-Users] sharing a line w/multiple extensions

[Robert La Ferla]

Rich Adamson wrote:
> The traditional pbx vendors (back then) would "always" use the same words
> that Kevin used, emphasizing the differences between key systems and
> pbx's. However, many of the pbx manufacturers finally realized they
> were loosing revenue due to those limitations, and began implementing
> key-system-type functions in their pbx's. They were not trying to address
> the key system market, but rather make their pbx products more valuable
> from a user's perspective. Those that are influencing or controlling the 
> direction of asterisk haven't learned that lesson as yet, partially because 
> of the lack of functionality in the sip phones themselves and partially 
> because asterisk is being developed through the open source community 
> (limited development resources and no published long term plan).
>
> Those individuals that have worked towards developing the sip rfc standards
> have recognized some of the key system vs pbx needs, and have added to
> the sip standards. However, it takes a while for the sip phone manufacturers
> (and voip pbx manufacturers) to implement those standards, and in some 
> cases, the manufacturers purposefully leave out certain functions in their 
> sip products to protect their investments in proprietary products.
>
> It certainly is not difficult to visualize how voip switching products
> (such as asterisk or any of the commercial products) could be oriented
> towards being a "switch" and address the needs of key systems, pbx's,
> and central office switching in the same basic product. All of the same 
> functions are required in each case. Asterisk will get there, it will just
> take a little longer since there isn't any published long term plan to
> influence the short term development. (No offense intended to any asterisk
> individual or group; just the nature of most open source development.)
>
> I can also assure you that several large companies (most of those company
> names likely wouldn't be recognized by many of the readers here) are 
> watching the asterisk development closely, and likely are in fear of various 
> open source products negatively impacting their core business. They will
> adjust their product development (and plans) in an effort to remain one
> (or more) steps ahead from a "marketing & sales" perspective.
>   
Thanks for the history on PBX and key systems.  History has a way of 
repeating itself.  I think Asterisk will have to implement features of a 
"key system" in the near future.  Just judging from the reaction from 
friends and family who are fascinated by my Asterisk installation, there 
is huge demand for this kind of system.  Digium is just losing out on sales.

Is there an open source key system?  What other alternative systems are 
there?   How about OpenPBX?  Are they integrating any key system support?