System information

Many possibilities exist for the CALENDAR_WRITE() function; this is just one that we’ve
implemented and enjoy.
Conclusion
In this section we’ve learned how to integrate Asterisk with an external calendar server
such as that provided by Google, but the concepts for attaching to other calendaring
servers remain the same. We explored how to set up a meeting between two partici-
pants, and how to set up a multiparty conference using information obtained from the
description field in the calendar. We also looked at how to control calls using the
CALENDAR_BUSY() function, to redirect calls to voicemail when our current event de-
scribes us as busy. By implementing this type of functionality in Asterisk, you can see
the power we have to control call flow using external services such as those supplied
by a calendar server.
And we didn’t even get to dive into every use of the calendar implementation—there
exist other calendar functions, such as CALENDAR_QUERY(), which allows you to pull back
a list of events within a given time period for a particular calendar, and CALEN
DAR_QUERY_RESULT(), which allows you to access the specifics of those calendar events.
Additionally, you could create functionality that writes events into your calendar with
the CALENDAR_WRITE() function: for example, you may wish to develop some dialplan
that allows you to set aside blocks of times in your calendar from your phone when
you’re on the road without access to your laptop. Many possibilities exist, and all it
takes is a little creativity.
VoiceMail IMAP Integration
“Unified messaging” has been a buzzword in the telecommunications industry for ages.
It’s all about integrating services together so users can access the same types of data in
multiple locations, using different methods. One of the most touted applications is the
integration of email and voicemail. Asterisk has been doing this for years, but many of
the larger companies are still trying to get this right. Asterisk has had the ability to send
users voicemails via email, using the Mail Transport Agent (MTA) in your Linux distro
(this always used to be sendmail, but Postfix has become increasingly popular as an
MTA). Voicemail to email is one of the oldest features in Asterisk, and it normally works
without any configuration at all.
§
Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) integration has existed in Asterisk (and been
steadily evolving) since version 1.4. IMAP voicemail integration means your users can
access their voicemails via a folder within their email accounts, which gives them the
§ When we say “it works,” what we mean is that Asterisk will compose the email and submit it to the MTA,
and the email will successfully be passed out of the system. What happens to it after it leaves the system is a
bit more complicated, and will often involve spam filters treating the mail as suspect and not actually
delivering it. This is not really Asterisk’s fault, but it’s something you’ll have to deal with.
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