FreePBX vs FusionPBX

July 29, 2023 | Author: Adam Levine
13
FreePBX
FreePBX is a web-based open source GUI (graphical user interface) that controls and manages Asterisk (PBX), an open source communication server. FreePBX is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), an open source license.
9
FusionPBX
FusionPBX can be used as a highly available single or domain based multi-tenant PBX, carrier grade switch, call center server, fax server, voip server, voicemail server, conference server, voice application server, appliance framework and more. FreeSWITCHâ„¢ is a highly scalable, multi-threaded, multi-platform communication platform.
FreePBX and FusionPBX are both popular open-source VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system platforms, but they have significant differences in their design, features, and usage.

1. User Interface and Ease of Use: One of the key differences between FreePBX and FusionPBX lies in their user interfaces and ease of use. FreePBX offers a more user-friendly and intuitive web-based interface, making it easier for users, even those with limited technical knowledge, to set up and manage their phone system. It provides a graphical, point-and-click approach to configure various features, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a simple and straightforward solution. On the other hand, FusionPBX has a more technical interface that may be better suited for experienced administrators or developers who prefer more direct control over the system's configurations. While this provides greater flexibility, it might not be as accessible for non-technical users.

2. Development and Community Support: Another important distinction between FreePBX and FusionPBX is the development and community support behind each project. FreePBX is part of the larger Sangoma family, a well-established company in the telecommunications industry, which contributes significantly to its ongoing development and support. Consequently, FreePBX benefits from a strong community of users and contributors, ensuring regular updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. FusionPBX, although also open-source, relies on a smaller community and may have a different pace of development and support. Depending on the user's needs and expectations, the level of community involvement and support can be a crucial factor in choosing between the two systems.

3. Additional Features and Modules: While both FreePBX and FusionPBX provide essential PBX functionalities like call routing, voicemail, and conference bridging, they differ in the availability of additional features and modules. FreePBX has a wide range of official and third-party modules available, covering various functionalities such as CRM integration, call recording, and advanced reporting. These modules make it easy to extend the capabilities of FreePBX to suit specific business requirements. FusionPBX also offers additional modules and functionalities, but the selection might be more limited compared to FreePBX due to differences in community size and development resources. Therefore, businesses looking for a particular feature set should carefully review the available modules and choose the one that best aligns with their needs.

See also: Top 10 Business Phone systems
Author: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email adam@liventerprise.com