As the creator of Asterisk, the first open source telephony system, Mark Spencer can address a number of topics surrounding open source telephony -- specifically how MySQL VoIP users can benefit from Asterisk-based solutions. Open source not only saves in cost, but also provides a level of flexibility in creating IP-based solutions that proprietary systems can not.

This topic applies to VoIP solutions at all levels, especially those developing IP-based solutions. Recently, Jon Maddog Hall, executive director of Linux International, said, "I predict that over the next three years, VoIP, using an open source solution, such as Asterisk, will generate more business than the entire Linux marketplace today." As the creator of open source telephony, Spencer can provide insight into why this is happening and how attendees to the conference can benefit.