asterisk users - Mar 2005 - newbie install options

Hi, I'm now building a * box that integrates voicemail playback on a website
(ISP server with Php/Mysql). I've had no experience with Linux, but
do know some Python, databases & web. It for a EU:UK community youth music
site.

Please advise on the best (ease & appropriate for job) path:
 
-Asterisk@Home / Xorcom Rapid for install?
-Icecast for streaming (not progressive), in CELP codec with client Realaudio
player?
-SMS notification of voicemail (Bayham Systems or BT PSTN?)
-Mysql (on ISP server withy audio voicemail files) with Reeltime (voicemail
& extensions)

ta (happy spring festivities everyone)
--
Rafal Kaniewski
EU:UK

I'm stuck in deciding what to do about the datebase intergration..

do I need realtime? or will friends voicemail be ok? 
And if I do need Realtime how stable is the CVS-Head version?

ta
--
Rafal Kaniewski