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Call System?
Looking for a nice call system for my company. Something cheap that works. Maybe something similar to http://www.qualityansweringservice.com , but cheaper? I just need automated responses. I don't even need a voicemail feature. Only the automated responses are essential. Like, what days we are open, and where clients can go to get support. Anyone know any good sites for this?
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I've used voip.ms for a 1-800 number but you can get local numbers, too. Been very happy with their service.
Interesting. I wonder if there are any free solutions similar to that. Doubt it though.
I wonder how I could set up an automatic call responder on a number I already have.
Is the # you already have a VOIP #? or is it a "POTS" line?
If your number is a VOIP number, boot up a VPS and install Asterisk; contract a SIP provider (or find a really really inexpensive/almost free one/something included with your number) and voila.
Asterisk can do it
it's very nice and easy
http://lowendtalk.com/discussion/14766/install-asterisk11-5-asteriskgui-on-ubuntu#latest
OK I see people mentioned Asterisk. Here's my PBX in a Flash (PIAF) install guide for any KVM-based VPS. This software bundles Asterisk, FreePBX along with other nice features.
https://blog.ls20.com/install-pbx-in-a-flash-piaf-on-digitalocean/
There are often times VOIP provider advertisements in the "other" section of WHT. http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=132 You can always look there.
The number I planned to use was one from a free text app on the Iphone. Can I use that number with this program?
What do you guys think of http://www.nch.com.au/ivm/ ? Would I be able to use that with a free number I have from a free text/ calling app on my phone?
Great guide. So if I follow your guide, it installs a program that I can then link with something free such as Google voice. Seems easy enough.
@hwdsl2 Fan of your blog here
@serverwholesale Thank you! Glad you like it.
@Cltcam Yes, you can link it with any VoIP provider supporting SIP registration. Here's a list of the lowest-cost ones so far for U.S. 48 states and Canada:
http://pbxinaflash.com/community/index.php?threads/lowest-cost-sip-terminations-us48-and-canada-so-far.13382/
Instructions on how to set up Asterisk extensions (e.g. Google Voice) can be found on Nerd Vittles, starting from the section "Configuring PBX in a Flash":
http://nerdvittles.com/?p=8405
I just want to note in my experience, PBX in a flash is your best option if you want to do anything low cost. It has a really great IVR feature, you just make the recording and set it where you want it to go, or to just play the recording and end the call.
As for numbers, stay away from Google Voice, support is ending very soon for that to work with PIAF(May 15, 2014). I've been with Anveo, and have never had an issue, outgoing is a decent price, and $4 for "unlimited" incoming isn't bad.
I also believe they have an IVR you can use as well, even on the free account. As for keeping the number, if your current provider allows porting then you'd need to fill out the form.
Also, if you do go the VOiP route, you can usually pick up cheap older sip phones on eBay that work great. Especially if you have PIAF in-house and the phone is supported in the end-point module.
We have elastix templates if you still need a voip server
If you can program or can hire someone to program, I would recommend using something like http://plivo.com/ and use their api's to make your own call handling system. I have a developer working on this right now for my company and so far the tests are looking great. This gives you full control over every aspect of the call.
plivo is nice, so is also twilio if these kind of vendors can be used