10 Ways to Support FreePBX

The FreePBX project flourishes with the help of its community. Whether you’re a developer, writer, tester, or enthusiastic user, your contributions matter. By participating, you not only enhance the project, but also become part of a dynamic community committed to advancing open-source telephony solutions. With the launch of FreePBX 17, there’s no better time to get involved. Here are ten crucial ways to support FreePBX.

1. Using FreePBX and Providing Feedback

One of the simplest ways to contribute is by using FreePBX and providing feedback. As you use FreePBX, you may encounter bugs or have ideas for new features. Reporting these issues and suggestions can greatly help developers improve the software. How to Get Started:

• Join the FreePBX Community Forum and share your experiences.
• Submit bug reports and feature requests through the FreePBX Issue Tracker.

2. Documentation and Tutorials

Good documentation is crucial for the success of any Open Source project. If you enjoy writing or have a knack for explaining things clearly, you can help by improving the existing documentation or creating new tutorials. How to Get Started:

• Review the FreePBX Documentation and look for areas that need improvement.
• Write blog posts or create video tutorials on how to install, configure, and use FreePBX. You can even submit a guest post for the official FreePBX blog.
• Share your content on the FreePBX Community Forum and other platforms to help new users.

3. Answering Questions and Helping Others

The FreePBX community is active and always looking for volunteers to help answer questions and guide new users. If you have experience with FreePBX, consider spending some time on the forums to help others. How to Get Started:

• Visit the FreePBX Community Forum regularly and look for unanswered questions.
• Review the FreePBX Community Code of Conduct
• Provide detailed and helpful answers to questions based on your experience.
• Be patient and supportive, especially with newcomers.

4. Contributing Code

If you have programming skills, contributing code is one of the most direct ways to help improve FreePBX. Whether it’s fixing bugs, adding new features, or improving existing functionality, your contributions can have a significant impact. How to Get Started:

• Familiarize yourself with the FreePBX GitHub repository.
• Consider adding pull requests for updated comments to functions in the code. This is a great place to start if you already have some PHP skills!

5. Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing is a critical part of the development process. By helping to test new releases and updates, you can ensure that FreePBX remains stable and reliable for everyone. How to Get Started:

• Join FreePBX Beta Programs to test pre-release versions of the software.
• Provide detailed feedback on any bugs or issues you encounter during testing.
• Share your test cases and results with the community to help improve the testing process.

6. Spreading the Word

Another valuable way to contribute is by spreading the word about FreePBX. This can help attract new users and contributors to the project. How to Get Started:

• Share your positive experiences with FreePBX on social media, blogs, and forums.
• Give presentations or workshops on FreePBX at local meetups or conferences. Come to AstriCon in Florida in February!
  
• Recommend FreePBX to colleagues, friends, and businesses looking for a robust telephony solution.

7. Sponsoring Development

If you’re not able to contribute time or code, consider sponsoring the development of FreePBX. Financial contributions can help fund development, infrastructure, and other essential aspects of the project. How to Get Started:

• Consider sponsoring specific features or improvements that are important to you or your organization.
• Post your freelance positions in the Jobs section of the FreePBX Community Forums.
• Review the bug bounty program for Asterisk.

8. Security Reporting

Ensuring the security of FreePBX is paramount. If you discover any security vulnerabilities, it’s crucial to report them quickly to help maintain the integrity and safety of the project. How to Get Started:

• Familiarize yourself with the FreePBX Security Reporting Guidelines.
• Submit security reports through the secure channels provided in the guidelines.
• Follow responsible disclosure practices to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed without exposing users to unnecessary risk.

9. Create Complimentary Products

If you’re a developer or entrepreneur, consider creating products or modules that complement FreePBX.  These can add value to the FreePBX ecosystem and address the specific needs of the user base.

• Identify gaps or opportunities within the FreePBX ecosystem where a new product or module could add value.
• Develop your product, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with FreePBX.
• Partner with Sangoma to expose your module to a broader audience. This can help you reach more users and benefit from FreePBX’s extensive network and resources.

10. Buy Sangoma Products

Supporting FreePBX financially by purchasing Sangoma products and services is another impactful way to contribute.  When you buy FreePBX-related products like merch, phones, SIPStation, or PBXact you directly support the ongoing development and maintenance of the project.

• Visit the Sangoma Portal or the module admin section of your FreePBX to explore and purchase FreePBX products and services.
• Become a Sangoma Open Source reseller and introduce others to FreePBX and Sangoma products to help grow your wallet and the project.