The Asterisk open-source IP PBX is popular for several very good reasons, including its low cost, flexibility and powerful feature set. Another factor that draws many businesses to Asterisk is the ability to enhance the product with an array of add-on features and utilities. Many of these offerings are available at no cost (although some developers request a modest donation). These eight free add-ons will help you monitor, configure and use Asterisk in a variety of different ways.

OutCALL: OutCALL is an open-source product that integrates Asterisk with Microsoft Outlook for easier dialing and telecom support. The add-on’s features include the ability to place calls from within Outlook, a call-history log, real-time call notifications via pop-ups and automatic contacts updating.

Snap: Snap is a dialer and call pop-up application that allows users to dial by simply clicking a contact entry. The program works by sending the phone number that the user wishes to dial to the PBX, which then initiates a call back to the user’s phone. When the user picks up the phone, he or she will be connected to the number dialed. Snap integrates with Microsoft Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as with Mozilla Thunderbird. Snap comes in a free …

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