(HUNTSVILLE, AL) Asterisk creator Digium today announced what it calls its "first software appliance", aimed at getting an Asterisk-based VoIP PBX up and running within 30 minutes.

AsteriskNOW is an open source distribution based on the recently released Asterisk 1.4, featuring a Digium-designed GUI. It includes a new setup wizard that guides users through the installation process "regardless of any previous Linux experience" and includes all the Linux components necessary to run, debug and build Asterisk.

Users can navigate through a simple setup wizard, including the ability to use default dial plans and easy configurations. The AsteriskNOW GUI also gives users the ability to add, modify and delete users.

AsteriskNOW is available now for download on the official AsteriskNOW website. Download options include ISO/CD Image, VM Player image, Xen universal guest image and LiveCD (burn and boot). The AsteriskNOW.org website also includes a forum for community support and feedback as well as a developer blog.

Tags: Asterisk, Digium, VoIP,