Digium announces new IP phones designed for Asterisk

By Neil Zawacki
Updated: February 14, 2012

On February 1, 2012, Digium(R), Inc. introduced a new series of high-definition IP phones that utilize the power of Asterisk, a popular implementation of open source communications software, and Switchvox, an award-winning unified communications system.

The compatibility with Asterisk allows software developers to create highly customized applications, while the Switchvox functionality grants access to a web interface that people can use to control their personal communications environment. The Digium phones also have an app engine with a powerful Javascript API that can be used to develop applications that interface directly with phone features.

Mark Spencer, the founder and chief technology officer for Digium, commented on this and said, "The app engine is a game-changing feature that will allow developers to writer their own apps that run on the phones. We have a community of more than 80,000 users and developers who create amazing things with Asterisk. I look forward to seeing the cool apps they will create with these innovative phones."

The new family of Digium phones include the D40, a HD IP phone with 2-line keys, and the D50, a HD IP phone with 4-line keys and 10 BLF keys. It also includes the D70, an executive-level phone that has 6-line keys and 10 BLF keys, along with an extra LCD screen that lets phone users quickly navigate through a large list of contacts. All of these phones will be made available in April 2012.