VoIP system using open source software component in tertiary institutions: The case of the University of Namibia.

Abstract

Governments and their agencies are often challenged by high cost and flexible telephonic, Web based data services. Emerging technologies, such as those of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that allow convergent systems where voice and Web technologies can utilise the same network to provide both services, can be used to improve such services. The contribution of this paper is the outcome of a study from examining how, Asterisk, an open source VoIP software can be deployed to serve the needs of an educational institution. The educational institution in this case is the University of Namibia which is currently using a conventional PABX system for voice and fax communication services, as well as the local area network connected to Internet for Web and data services. Interesting findings include that the University of Namibia has a potential to implement the project. Since the software recommended for installation is open source, the project could be used as a source of valuable information by students who specialize in real-time multi-media systems in Southern African tertiary institutions at large.