Really exciting development happening right now

I am writing this thread to make a compilation of some really exciting development going on right now and to give everyone an idea around how everything combines into a vision.

Right now there is a major effort underway to get a full FreePBX platform running seamlessly and lean on the Pika Appliance. Development work is being funded by Pika and Schmooze Communications, and there are some really exciting implications of what this is going to mean for resellers. The platform is being put together as we speak, and I will be out to Canada at the end of July to finalize things with engineers from Pika. This gives resellers a really inexpensive and viable solution for the KSU market when combined with some of the other projects I'll talk about below.

First, an update on SLA and how it fits into this model and will also plug into Trixbox. I'll begin development on SLA in mid-July and have decided to implement it as a FreePBX module to attempt to work it into as many phone manufacturers as possible. Aastra phones will most likely be the most feature rich for SLA. Paired with the Pika appliance, this gives everyone a really compelling solution when selling in the cut-throat KSU market.

In addition, I and others have been working on other projects that tie into an overall picture of a complete PBX. Your financial contribution to any of these projects will be extremely helpful to getting them complete and integrated into open software. If you are a reseller or otherwise directly benefit from any of these projects, please contribute whatever bounty you can to the efforts.

Voicemail Call Screening:
http://trixbox.org/forums/trixbox-forums/open-discussion/voicemai...

Allows you to listen to voicemail messages as someone is leaving the message and optionally pick up the caller as they are leaving the message.

Call Screening:
http://trixbox.org/forums/trixbox-forums/trixbox-projects/call-sc...

Allows you to set a new Privacy Manager setting for call screening on an extension level. This forces the caller to record their name which is played back to you. You have the options of taking the call, sending them to voicemail, and send them to other holes that tell them you aren't interested in their call. It is done and just needs a few people to contribute to make it an integrated part of FreePBX.

SLA:
http://trixbox.org/forums/trixbox-forums/open-discussion/reserve-...

As discussed previously, SLA development will begin shortly and integrated into FreePBX. This is really exciting. The bounty has already been met on this project, and I was just waiting for the right time (opportunity) to begin development. The Pika appliance is that opportunity to compete directly in the KSU market. If you like SLA and feel the need to contribute to something, consider the Lighted (BLF) Feature Codes (below) or any of these other bounties.

Lighted (BLF) Feature Codes (DND, Findme-follow, CFWD, Day/Night Mode):
http://trixbox.org/forums/trixbox-forums/open-discussion/blf-feat...

Who said you *need* XML to have lighted DND, CFWD, Day/Night and the new find-me follow-me activation/deactivation features? This bounty goes directly into the FreePBX project for this exciting development that is in breadboard stages right now. It works and is extremely cool.

Queue Stats/Login App for Aastra phones:
http://trixbox.org/forums/vendor-forums-certified/aastra-endpoint...

Finally, this may not seem like it really fits in with these other projects, but it's complete and ready for a few resellers who utilize queues to support the bounty and get it released to the general public. Philippe at the FreePBX project is working on some exciting Queue enhancements, as well. Your contribution to the Lighted (BLF) Feature Codes bounty supports important development in the FreePBX project.

See also: Camp On FreePBX integration - http://trixbox.org/forums/trixbox-forums/open-discussion/camp-fre...

Allows callers to receive a callback if your extension is busy. Once you aren't busy anymore, the caller receives a call and gets connected with you.

Last but not least, as many of you know I will be embarking on a person journey of sorts this Saturday as I hop on the Amtrak and go on a 2 week solo backpacking trip in Glacier National Park. As such, I'll be effectively out of communication during this time. I do plan on posting photos and a small journal on our blog when I can find pockets of Verizon service on my EEE PC, so if you are interested in my adventure, consider subscribing to the RSS feed or checking in periodically at http://schmoozecom.blogspot.com