Asterisk vs Cloud IVR

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.

Cloud IVR is a cloud interactive voice response service for incoming calls. Callers can respond by voice or keypad; configured departments can receive routed calls, and the system can collect voice messages. Setup takes place in a web interface without hardware devices, with a visual flow builder, multilingual interface, and reports on incoming calls. Voice prompts are generated from text, so advance recording is unnecessary, and message transcripts are sent by email. The Starter plan includes reporting, automatic voice generation, and work schedules for €99.99 a year. Pro costs €499.99 a year and adds API integration, advanced diagrams, and call-out sessions. Enterprise is billed on demand with custom voices and API integration. A free trial permits testing only from the user’s own phone number. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled; contracts can receive refunds within 14 days.