rPath, provider of the platform for creating and maintaining Linux software appliances, announced that Digium, original creator of Asterisk and pioneer of open source telephony is an rBuilder and rPath Linux partner. Digium is the original creator and primary developer of Asterisk, the industry's first open source PBX and Asterisk Business Edition, the professional-grade version of Asterisk.

Powered by the rPath platform, the Asterisk Business Edition, the professional grade version of Asterisk, now has built-in Linux distribution features Digium's customers are now able to immediately install the necessary operating system components within the Digium Business Edition platform.

"When we first began speaking with rPath, Asterisk Business Edition customers were required to install specific Linux packages," said Jim Webster, director of software technologies for Digium. "Using rBuilder Online, Digium was able to incorporate customized Linux distribution capabilities in less than a week, automating customer installation. We would not have been able to do this without the support of the rPath team."

"rPath is excited to be working with Digium to bring added features to the Asterisk Business Edition said Keith Boswell, rPath VP of Marketing "Ultimately, customers want an industry leading PBX solution without having to deal with an operating system that is complex to install and maintain. The Asterisk Business Edition delivers that simplicity with the benefits of open source."