Visual Dialplan, the graphical dial plan editor for Asterisk 
Configuring an Asterisk server can be cumbersome for some administrators not used to unix and text file format. There are some solutions to ease this configuration process, mainly on integrated solution where a web interface is proposed. Apstel is currently proposing another solution which is interesting: « Visual Dialplan » since it is mainly based on a graphical view of the call plan.
The current release is still a beta version but is fully functional and proposes a very good view of all capacities. During our test we have seen some very good points and let us think this product could be a good integration vector for new users to the Asterisk solution.
Each configuration is split into various contexts which are presented in the main window where we can also specify variables and macros (similar to context but with parameters).
The graphical context editor is composed of a tool set (representing all the application commands of Asterisk) grouped by category. Each application is a symbol that requires some time to be familiar with, but the description located at the bottom of the screen gives enough information to get back on track. Once selected, the tool can be placed on the diagram and connected to the others through links. Each application with multiple exit points is presented with multiple anchors that can be used to link to other application or dial plan steps. For example, the Dial() application is represented by a phone with at its bottom various anchors for each exit status: ‘No Answer’, ‘Congestion’ or ‘Busy’.
In the tool set we will find everything from entry points, dialing features, variable manipulation in the internal database, calls to AGI scripts, phone call monitoring or ticket creation.
Once the diagrams are ready, the call plan can be validated in order to check consistency and the extensions.conf file generated. You will need to move this file to the Asterisk server, no automated feature is available in the product.
We have tested the release 1.0.0b which presents still some imperfection, but the product is usable and the trial is only limited at the extensions.conf generation. Written in Java, we imagine the next release will be usable on Linux and Mac OS X in addition to the Microsoft Windows one.
In a nutshell, this product is a really good way to configure the Asterisk dial plan with a disruptive approach using diagrams. This is an excellent way to increase adherence to Asterisk solution and enhance the ecosystem. The level is now higher on Asterisk with regards to configuration than on other proprietary solutions available on the market, this is an excellent point. Give it a try, it is a good tool.
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Posted by: Alexandre Chauvin-Hameau, on 07/25/2007 Trackback | Popularity: 53% tagged asterisk, configuration, GUI and product |  |
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11/23/2007
Visual Dialplan for Asterisk v1.2 is released,
now with improved performance and Asterisk dialplan code preview capability
We are pleased to introduce to you new Visual Dialplan v1.2 with significant performance improvements and even better visual modeling environment, now with traditional Asterisk dialplan code preview and even better building block tooltips.
You can now simple open Build window while you visually develop Asterisk dialplan and check the traditional Asterisk dialplan code that will be generated based on the selected component and its settings, or simply position cursor over the building block to get more info about the component properties.
We also fixed several issues and improved behavior of several components:
* Memory leak issue that forced Visual Dialplan to freeze after some time is now fixed
* Festival (Text to Speech) components
* LumenVox (Speech recognitions) components
* Say component
* MeetMe component
* Dial component
* BackgroundDetect component
* VoiceMailMain component
* AgentCallabckLogin component
* Page component
* GotoIfTime component
* Math function
* Rand function
We strongly suggest and invite all Visual Dialplan v1.0.x and v1.1.x users to take advantage of free upgrade to Visual Dialplan v1.2.x and to downlaod the latest Visual Dialplan.
on 12/02/2007 at 00:0303/10/2008
Beta release of Asterisk® Visual Dialplan for Linux
We are excited to offer first public beta release of Visual Dialplan for Linux and that way respond to a tremendous demand for Linux version of popular rapid application development environment for Asterisk dialplan development.
Visual Dialplan for Asterisk is innovative visual modeling platform that enables Asterisk users to create, maintain and validate Asterisk dialplans in an easy, convenient and natural way. Simply drag, drop and connect dialplan blocks to make company IVR, Call Center queues, inbound or outbound call flows and much more.
We are looking for Asterisk users, professionals and enthusiasts who would like to test and provide the feedback on their experience with the Visual Dialplan for Linux.
Join the program, help us to improve Visual Dialplan for Linux, become a part of the revolution and qualify for the complimentary final product package - five most productive feedbacks will be awarded with free of charge final product license.
Click here (http://www.apstel.com) to download the Linux version of Visual Dialplan for Asterisk and send us your feedback at betaprogram@apstel.com no later than March 31st, to qualify for the complimentary final product package.
on 03/16/2008 at 12:36