StarPound|PBX (CE)

Overview

StarPound|PBX (CE) ("Community Edition") is a freely available, open-source telecommunications application built entirely with StarPound CORE™. While not technically part of StarPound's CORE™ platform, it is a wonderful example of how voice applications can be created, and even productized, using our platform. The StarPound PBX models are made freely available through our StarForge repository.

It is a full-featured PBX system that is currently being used in a variety of scenarios ranging from small-to-midsize businesses to call centers to large corporations. The StarPound PBX gives you a fully-functional office phone system without investment in expensive proprietary equipment. Sure, you could drop a fortune on a phone system from the big boys. But wouldn't you rather put that money to work in actually growing your business? Our open-source software platform gives you all the same features, for free.

StarPound PBX does not require any expensive hardware or software. All of the communications are handled through the StarPound PBX Server running in your data center, or our cloud.  You can access all PBX functionality directly from your favorite web browser.

• A broadband connection to the internet (DSL recommended)
• A relatively current browser (e.g. IE, Firefox)
• Either a traditional IP/SIP office phone (e.g. Polycom, Grandstream, etc.), or a softphone, such as the free X-Lite softphone from CounterPath
• Optionally, a headset for best results for audio when taking calls with the softphone

Extensibility

StarPound PBX is a wonderful example of the types of applications that can be built on top of the StarPound CORE™ platform.  And because StarPound PBX is a native StarPound application, it is inherently extensible.   As a simple case study, we used StarPound Studio to model and implement our own version of Grand-Central (now Google Voice) style personal ring plans into StarPound PBX in less than 48 hours.  The possibilities are endless.

For example, you can create your own custom StarPound process models to do advanced call handling. Therefore, powerful services such as screen pops, mashups using external data (e.g. CRM, financials, etc.), and complete CTI integration are easily handled. No other PBX vendor in the world can give you such advanced, open functionality, and most certainly not for free.

Affordability

Since StarPound PBX is freely available through our open-source distribution model, there are no license fees or per-seat charges for using it.  Additionally, since it is a software-based solution, no dedicated switching hardware is required.  Together, this results in a tremendous savings opportunity for anyone interested in deploying an advanced IP PBX platform.

Scalability

StarPound PBX can scale horizontally very quickly and easily, as additional StarPound CORE application servers can be added at any time.  Whether you have 5 employees or 500, StarPound PBX can easily provide your organization with advanced telephony integration on the desk, as well as the desktop.

Server Requirements

As StarPound PBX is essentially a collection of StarPound process models, it requires a fully functional StarPound CORE server deployment (JBOSS, MySQL/Oracle/etc), as well as a functioning telephony environment (running Asterisk, FreeSwitch, or any other generic SIP switch).

Availability

StarPound|PBX (CE) is distributed via our StarForge repository.

Licensing

StarPound|PBX (CE) is made available under the StarPound Simple Public License.