Asterisk vs CallFire API

Asterisk is a free, open-source framework for building communications applications and turning an ordinary computer into a communications server. It powers IP PBX systems, VoIP gateways, conference servers, call centers, voicemail servers, and IVR systems. Listed functions include call routing, recording, queuing, conferencing, voicemail, automated attendants, and call transfers. Computer-telephony interfaces include AGI, AMI, and the Asterisk REST Interface (ARI); listed VoIP protocols include SIP, H.323, IAX, Jingle/XMPP, MGCP, and SCCP. Asterisk can connect communications to applications, including CRM systems through AMI. The source code can be downloaded, and the project points users to installation on a modern cloud Linux instance. Building applications requires working knowledge of Linux, scripting, networking, and telephony. Asterisk is distributed under GPLv2; Sangoma offers commercial licensing for uses incompatible with that license. The Asterisk forum provides community help with installation, upgrades, and operation.

CallFire API v2 is a REST API for connecting applications to CallFire telephony services. It accepts requests from any HTTP client and returns JSON, with support for individual and broadcast text and voice messaging. Developers can use webhooks for notifications such as campaign events and incoming texts. The documentation also covers contacts, phone number and keyword ordering, a sound library, short codes, and action states and results. Listed service features include campaign management, scheduling controls, call recording, and real-time reporting. SDKs are listed for Java,.NET, JavaScript, Python, and PHP; the JavaScript, Python, and PHP SDKs are marked beta. API access uses separately generated HTTP Basic Authentication credentials, so standard CallFire interface credentials do not work for API access. CallFire says API communications use HTTPS with TLS and webhook calls use SSL certificates. The service lists Do Not Call list management, 24/7 support, and advertised 99.95% uptime. Calls and texts stop when an account allowance reaches zero, and additional credits can be purchased at 6¢ per credit. Plans include Pay as you go at free, Lite at $99 a month, Startup at $199 a month, Grow at $299 a month, and Pro at $599 a month.