Asterisk is an open source private branch exchange (PBX) originally created by Mark Spencer of Digium. A PBX, is a type of phone switch, that allows multiple attached telephones to make calls to one another, and to connect to other telephone services including the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Asterisk, the open source IP PBX, is turning 10 years old. And Digium, the fast-growing provider of commercial Asterisk solutions, is hosting the Astricon conference this week. All sounds well. But The VAR Guy will raise seven key questions when he speaks with Digium officials later today. Here they are.

Mark Spencer never expected to be where he is today, but the Auburn, Ala., native is making a name for himself in the world of technology.

Imagine an IP voice and unified communications system that can be integrated into any application and customised to meet business needs. Sounds great, right? Well that project is the Asterisk IP-PBX and it's free to use and you get the source code.

Digium and Asterisk, the open source IP PBX platform, just received a major vote of confidence from a key partner in the unified communications market. Synnex Corp., a distributor that supplies more than 15,000 resellers in North America, has agreed to promote Digium’s Switchvox to its partner base. Here are the implications for Digium.

Digium this week is officially launching Asterisk Exchange — an online marketplace that allows customers and partners to piece together solutions involving Asterisk (the open source IP PBX). If successful, Asterisk Exchange could expand the ecosystem for alternative VoIP and unified communication solutions. Here’s the scoop, including an interview with Digium CEO Danny Windham.

Due to trademark issues with the name Zaptel digium has announced change in the name,DHADI (Digium Asterisk Hardware Device Interface). Asterisk 1.6.0 and later version will use DAHDI, while Asterisk 1.4 will support both Zaptel and DAHDI. Asterisk 1.2 will be unaffected by these changes.

Skype, Polycom and a range of other partners are gearing up for Digium's Asterisk World conference (Jan. 20-22). But the big focus for Digium at the open source IP PBX event will likely involve updates to several new Digium initiatives. Here's an update.

Digium, Inc., the Asterisk Company, today announced it has acquired Switchvox, a leading provider of IP PBX phone systems for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The acquisition bolsters Digium's presence in the SMB market and provides a strong platform on which to advance its Asterisk-based unified communications solution.