Types of Asterisk-based AGI Scripting Service

AGI, also known as Asterisk Gateway Interface is an Asterisk-based language-independent scripting that can be utilized to develop an API for call processing. It provides a standard interface that enables external programs to control the Asterisk dialplan. It permits programmers to write simple programs to manipulate and route calls on Asterisk servers in a simple and lucid manner.

AGI script communicates with Asterisk with the file handles like STDIN (Standard Input), STDOUT (Standard Output),and STDERR (Standard Error). As per AGI script, any input coming in from Asterisk would be considered STDIN, while output to Asterisk would be considered as STDOUT.

As the AGI scripting service is language independent, it enables programming with any programming language of your choice namely PERL, PHP, Pascal, Bourne Shell or even C/C++ scripting.

Depending upon their usage, AGI has 4 variants that are different from each other. They are listed as:

1. Standard AGI: It is the simplest and widely used form of AGI that runs on local PBX and communicate with Asterisk through socket descriptors. It allows usage of all simplex AGI commands.

2. Enhanced AGI: EAGI is an advanced version of AGI scripting that allows the file descriptors on the local machine using STDIN and STDOUT. However, the function is seldom used but it gives the developer the way to analyze raw data. It enables the developer to access audio channels directly for calls being processed. Substantially, EAGI can be used to create applications that can tap into an inbound audio stream, analyze it, and perform tasks in accordance with that stream of data.

3. Dead AGI: Another simplified version of AGI that enables Asterisk to run after the call is known as the Dead AGI. The invocation is similar to the regular AGI script that works to reduce the hangup error.  

4. Fast AGI: AGI developed over TCP protocol is provided as a solution to developers who need to run resource-intensive AGI programs. Technically, the resources necessary for the AGI script to run are devoured by a completely different process, and not Asterisk. The Asterisk server itself can process calls deploying the TCP socket, which were previously based on standard input/ output communications.

Once an AGI script has been invoked, a preset information flow is swiftly performed between the AGI script and Asterisk. AGI scripting is one of the most compelling reasons to choose Asterisk over a closed, proprietary PBX. You can get the premium AGI scripting services at AsteriskService to meet your business communication requirements.

Source: https://ivrsystemdesign.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/types-of-asterisk-based-agi-scripting-service/

Six Ways Hotels can get the most from Asterisk-based IVR Solutions

As the tourism industry is strengthening its presence globally, it has opened a new gateway for the hospitality sector. People not only travel for visiting new places but also for business purposes or meeting their families. The technology is paving its way into the hospitality industry so it can be easy and fast to attend and answer the queries of many people at once.


Hotel IVR solutions are like your auto-attendant who resolve customer queries of hotel visitors without the need of a physical attendant. Customized IVR solutions enable hotels to book rooms for the customers from a remote location without using the Internet. This technological adaptation reduces the call cost of common sales, service, collections, inquiry, and support to and from the hotels.

 

The hotel IVR system is a normal Interactive Voice Response System, which is particularly designed and developed for hotels. The customer only has to call on the predefined number. Then, IVR system will guide the customers as per the fed instructions.

Here are the six noteworthy ways on how you can use IVR solutions at their best to improve your hospitality services:

1. Seamless data integration: It makes hotel billing easier as the guest information will show all the value-added services guests availed during their stay. Entire data of guests is easily available for hotel reference as well as for guest’s information in hotel’s CRM.
2. Efficient resource utilization: If you a running a small size hotel or if you are having numerous guests on a single day, your services should never be affected by any means. IVR eliminates the need for dedicated hotel attendants and allows them to work where their services are required at the particular time.
3. Round-the-clock availability: Hotel IVR system eliminates the need for an individual to take care of services at night hours. Voicemail prompts enable you to stay connected with your clients from across the globe at any time.
4. Automated operations: Now, customers don’t wait in a queue for booking hotel rooms or to get their food served. IVR automates every operation, even check-in, and check-out processes.
5. Reduces customer’s wait time: Hotel IVR solution automates every service like laundry, food, etc. This reduces the waiting time for the customer, which ultimately results in customer satisfaction.
6. Improved ROI: Hotel IVR system improves customer services and enables even the small hotels to excel. It includes automated welcome messages, allowing guests to order services using phone keypad and front desk phones with guest information display.

At AsteriskService, you will get the best-in-market IVR solutions for the hospitality industry. We offer custom IVR solution and software development services to the global clientele.  

Source: https://ivrsystemdesign.wordpress.com/2017/12/07/six-ways-hotels-can-get-the-most-from-asterisk-based-ivr-solutions/