Asterisk is an open-source framework for building communication applications. Asterisk transforms an ordinary computer into a communications host. Asterisk powers IPPBX systems, VoIP gateways and conference servers, as well as other custom solutions. It can be used by small and large businesses, call centres, carriers, government agencies, and other agencies worldwide. Asterisk is open-source and free. Sangoma sponsors Asterisk. Today, more than 1 million Asterisk-based communication systems are in use in more than 170 nations. Nearly all Fortune 1000 customers use Asterisk. Asterisk is most commonly used by system integrators or developers. It can be used to create a complete business telephone system, enhance an existing system, or bridge between systems.