Seeking Recommendations for Replacing Call Manager and Fax Solution

Why are you specifically interested in open-source solutions? Does your team have the expertise to contribute to the project or manage its upkeep? Because if that's not the case, you might want to consider other options that don't require such involvement.

To start off, you should clarify how many handsets you're using and what your specific requirements are. Take a close look at your current setup to identify what's working, what's not, and any integrations you rely on, like emergency alerts or systems tied to your phones. Also, consider whether a cloud solution might be an option, but keep in mind the need for redundancy if you're going that route. After you gather this info, it’ll be much easier to determine your needs and explore potential vendors. And don’t forget about the legalities around 911 access; if you're not experienced in this area, you might want to avoid going the open-source route—consider hiring a professional instead.

If you're leaning towards open-source, Asterisk is one of the top choices out there for VOIP solutions. Just keep in mind that your existing Cisco devices need to support SIP. As for faxing, it's often more hassle than it's worth; we opt for dedicated services that handle faxing natively instead. If you're looking for equipment, you might want to check out Grandstream or Yeastar appliances that run on Asterisk. Be cautious with Yealink phones; we've had some negative experiences with Grandstream phones in the past.

It really depends on your use case and whether you have any compliance requirements to worry about. While there are some open-source PBXs out there, integrating them smoothly with your current Cisco hardware can be quite challenging. For faxing, I suggest separating it from the call manager. Fax over IP can be tricky, and attaching it to the PBX might add unwarranted complexity. We frequently assist teams in transitioning from outdated RightFax systems to simpler setups that function independently from the phone system.