The Trixbox CE software is free but you still need a server to run it on. I am not a huge fan of getting software for free but then spending my whole budget buying a box to run it on. I am pretty computer savvy, I can install my own memory without frying the motherboard (which is more than I can say for my husband who claims to be a tech geek) but I am no Cisco Certified Engineer. Still, as someone who can do basic to moderate computer tasks, I don't want to pay through the nose to have someone else configure my IP PBX hardware when I can just as easily do it myself. This is why I usually recommend the PhoneBoch Value IP PBX TrixBox Servers.
Form Factors
The PhoneBochs Trixbox Appliances come in 2 form factors: 3U rackmountable or a desktop mini chassis. The mini chassis features an Intel Atom 1.6Ghz single core processor, single power supply, 1 PCI slot for expansion, and a 10/100 nic for connecting to the network.
The PhoneBochs 3U Trixbox Server features an Intel Dual Core 2.6Ghz processor, single power supply (except Premium build), 2 PCI slots, 2 PCI Express slot, and a 10/100 nic. This form factor is so nice for locations with a specified server closet because it can be rackmounted.
Builds
PhoneBochs offers 3 builds to help the Trixbox Appliance scale to your needs. The Basic build offers an 80GB hard drive and 1GB Ram. The Standard build offers 160GB SATA hard drive and 2GB of Ram. The Premium build, which is only offered in a 3U form factor, has an 80GB SATA hard drive, 1GB of Ram, and a redundant 350w power supply. All three of the 3U builds (Basic, Standard, and Premium, ship with their hard drives in Raid-1.
Expansion
The great thing about the PhoneBochs Value line of IP PBX's for Trixbox is that they offer everything you need, including Trixbox CE already loaded on the box, for your IP PBX system to work. Because the box comes in 3 basic configurations with just about everything you need, you can buy it relatively cheaply. If you need some additional connectivity ports, such as an analog in line (FXS) or an analog out line (FXO), or T1/E1 connectivity, there are PCI and PCI-e ports available in the 3U form factor, and a PCI slot available in the mini form factor chassis. Even someone like me can configure in a Sangoma telephony card pretty easily and make it work professionally. Even if you were a little nervous about installing your own PCI expansion cards, a good value added reseller can usually install it for you as a value added service for a fair cost.
