asterisk users - Sep 2003 - newbie help.

Hello All,
 
I am a newbie looking to learn about Asterisk. I'm new to IVR and all 
that goes with it. I would like to know if it is possible to grab the 
number of an incoming call, have Asterisk, or third party software 
return the call with an automated voice message allowing the original 
placer of the call to select another person to call (eg "Select 1 for
Bob") then have Asterisk automatically place that call for the person. 
Is this a complex solution?
 
Would anyone mind giving me some direction and possibly filling me in
on if this is possible? Also how customizable is Asterisk and what
language do I use to customize or develop for it?
 
Thanks in advance, and sorry for my ignorance =]
 
Steve.

On Wednesday 10 September 2003 09:47 am, Steve Bradwell
wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> I am a newbie looking to learn about Asterisk. I'm new to IVR and all
> that goes with it. I would like to know if it is possible to grab the
> number of an incoming call, have Asterisk, or third party software
> return the call with an automated voice message allowing the original
> placer of the call to select another person to call (eg "Select 1 for
> Bob") then have Asterisk automatically place that call for the person.
Yes, Asterisk can do this as I understand Asterisk.  I may be worng on that, I 
am still learning about asterisk.
> Is this a complex solution?
That depends largely on your definition of "complex".  By my standard,
this
would not be very complex to do.
> Would anyone mind giving me some direction and possibly filling me in
> on if this is possible?
Sure.  Read this article first:
http://www.onlamp.com/pub/a/onlamp/2003/07/03/asterisk.html

Then read the Asterisk Handbook:
http://www.digium.com/index.php?menu=asterisk_handbook
and everything at:
http://www.digium.com/index.php?menu=documentation

Here is a resource about Asterisk scripting, links, tips, and other help:
http://www.voip-info.org/tiki-index.php?page=Asterisk
>Also how customizable is Asterisk and what
> language do I use to customize or develop for it?
Asterisk is extremely customizable.  You can develop in nearly any language 
you want.  A favorite on this list seems to be Perl.

-- 
Thanks,
Timothy Soos
XQL, LLC