Digium (News - Alert), creator and owner of the popular Asterisk open source telephony software, announced that it has made some changes which will make it easier for Asterisk integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and developers to join its channel partner program. These changes include an expanded product portfolio — which now includes IP phones, gateways, redundancy appliances and telephony cards — and a streamlining of the certification program itself.

Specifically, the award-winning channel partner program now offers online training options, allowing the certification process to happen much more quickly.

"With a community of more than 80,000 members worldwide, Asterisk (News - Alert) has been used to create VoIP communications solutions in more than 170 countries," said Jim Butler, director of global channel sales for Digium.

"However, there are hundreds of developers who have built successful businesses by creating custom communications solutions with Asterisk who have not yet taken advantage of joining our partner program. We would like to see those developers explore the certification and program benefits we offer as part of our revised Asterisk Integrator program so that we can continue to serve the market areas where skilled Asterisk partners are in demand."

The requirements to become a Certified Asterisk Integration Partner are simple. First, a company must complete a "Select" or "Registered" channel partner agreement and select one person to complete the certification curriculum. Second, this individual must complete the online Asterisk Technical Product Training exam. Lastly, that individual must then complete the online Digium Certified Asterisk Administrator (dCAA) exam or the instructor-led Digium Certified Asterisk Professional (dCAP) exam.

Digium is a Platinum Sponsor of TMC's ITEXPO West 2012, which takes place this week in Austin, Texas. Other Platinum Sponsors include AudioCodes and Sonus Networks (News - Alert).

Recently, Digium's IP phones received certification for use with SimmLine's contact management software, SimmBook. Digium's phones are specifically engineered to fully leverage both Asterisk and Switchvox (News - Alert), the company's award-winning unified communications system.

Digium is a Platinum sponsor of ITEXPO Austin 2012. Be sure to attend ITEXPO Austin 2012, happening now in Austin, TX. Steve Sokol, Marketing Director, will be a speaker at the event. Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.