News: California city implements Asterisk; saves $260K

[Christopher Chisholm]

Ben Scott wrote:
>   I just found this story, and thought it might be of interest to group members:
>
> "A California city rebuilds network using all open source software"
> by Tim Greene, Network World, 26 Nov 2007
> http://www.networkworld.com/allstar/2007/112607-madera-open-source-voip.html
>
>   Abstract: Madera, CA implemented a Asterisk-based VoIP phone network
> to replace their aging Mitel PBX.  Proprietary proposals were in the
> $350,000 to $400,000 range.  Instead, by using Free/Open Source
> Software, they spent $140,000, including router and switch upgrades.
>
> -- Ben
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>
>   
That was a very interesting read.  My skill set mostly involves 
programming, desktop hardware and your basic networking (I can use a 
home router and understand most of the concepts in it).  While reading 
this I was wondering how much knowledge you'd need to be able to 
implement something like that.  It seems way out of my skill, and I'm 
betting a pretty huge project for that one guy by himself. 

Would anyone here be confident in your ability to do what he did, under 
similar circumstances?  How well known are those open-source solutions, 
and what kind of schooling would you need to understand how to use them 
all, for that purpose?

-chris