Asterisk Vendor astTECS Launches Channel Program for EPABX Resellers

India-based astTECS, a provider of Asterisk (News - Alert)-based PBX systems and other next-generation IP telephony solutions, recently launched a channel program that targets traditional resellers of electronic private automatic branch exchanges, or EPABXs.

The launch of the channel program coincides with a new astTECS seminar series meant to educate EPABX resellers about the opportunities and cost savings associated with Asterisk-based VoIP solutions, according to Computer Reseller News.

astTECS's Devasia Kurian said that the program is aimed at helping resellers respond to the ever-increasing competition coming from service providers, which have recently begun bundling and leasing EPABXs for no money down if business customers enter into a contract.

"We are trying to offer partners an alternative at an attractive price-point which would help them up-sell to their customer base," Kurian told the news source.

astTECS says that it is able to provide cost-effective solutions because its products are based on Asterisk, a feature-rich open source platform that is highly flexible and scalable. The telephony provider's solutions include support for automatic call distribution, VoIP, voicemail, interactive voice response, conferencing and video calls, among other next-generation features.

"With a platform like Asterisk you can set several rules in your PBX (News - Alert) system so that, depending on the plan you subscribe to, you can see a reduction in your bill by up to 40 percent if you’re an average customer," Kurian told Computer Reseller News.

astTECS said that it is looking to add as many as 100 domestic resellers to its new channel program. Kurian believes that the price point of the company's PBX systems will allow partners to achieve double digit margins, as well as supplementary income from services. astTECS will provide channel partners with free training in sales and basic PBX support.

In related news, Asterisk Company Digium (News - Alert) recently announced that AstriCon 2011, the world's preeminent Asterisk user conference, will take place from October 26-28 at the Westin Westminster in Denver, Colorado. The three-day event will bring together Digium's channel and technology partners, Asterisk software developers and business users from companies large and small. Click here to learn more about the expo.

Erik Linask (News - Alert) is Group Editorial Director of TMC, which brings news and compelling feature articles, podcasts, and videos to 2,000,000 visitors each month. To see more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Jamie Epstein