What are the pros and cons of using freeware platforms such as Asterisk to deploy speech applications? What challenges and hidden expenses are associated with deploying and maintaining a speech-enabled IVR solution? Other issues include using a freeware toolset to develop, test, deploy, and monitor an application; scalability issues; poor documentation; and the availability of competent resources to create a world-class solution. Learn the total cost of using a freeware speech platform compared to commercial platforms.