[arm-allstar] HamVoip again needs your support in 2020

[Doug Crompton]

Dear HamVoIP users,

2019 has been an incredible year of growth and improvements for the HamVoIP
software distribution, with a remarkable increase in the number of
international users. This year has seen many major software updates,
primarily focused on improving the stability of asterisk and related
software. We've had success! HamVoip now has the best software reliability
ever!

2019 has also been the year of the Raspberry Pi 4B, which we fully support.
The RPi4B release changed our direction somewhat, including eliminating the
need for a Rock64 software port; the RPi4B having even more performance at
the same price and realistically leaving the stand-alone PC platform all
but obsolete.  Many users are migrating to and looking for cloud-hosted
solutions. To help meet this need, the HamVoIP Pi Farm is being introduced,
using RPi4B hardware.

Along with the increase in numbers of users, we've also found unexpected
infrastructure problems that needed solutions. Some of these issues were
fixed by adding more global service availability. So, in addition to the
six US-based hosting locations, HamVoIP has recently added new hosting
servers in Singapore and Germany. More will be added as we identify
regional problems. HamVoIP is truly becoming global and we are dedicated to
provide the best service possible throughout the world!

Many international and even an increasing number of domestic users are
having DNS problems due to ISP filtering. We've spent months studying these
issues and considering long term solutions. Recently, we found a solution,
based on the ideas behind DNSCrypt. The updated software is nearing the
point of full release, with announcements forthcoming.

By early 2020, we're expecting to have a full roll-out of updated
registration services and other core systems for users. Once these updates
are complete, the development focus will again be on adding features to the
core app_rpt software. There is a LONG wish and TODO list!

In 2019, our out of pocket expenses for our servers and development are
continuing to increase, at more than $500 a month or $6000 a year. In 2018
we asked for donations to help with this cost. Many donors stepped forward,
and this was a GREAT help!

We're again asking for your donations to help with our infrastructure
costs.  Here is a link do the HamVoIP donations page, via Paypal.  We
GREATLY appreciate your continued support!

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin

There is also a link for donations on the hamvoip.org web page.

HAMVOIP is not a 501c3 organization and due to the new tax laws in most
filing cases your donation would not be deductible even if we were a
non-profit.

Thank you for your past and continued support of HAMVOIP. We look forward
to providing you the best service possible in the coming year. Have a great
holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

The HAMVOIP team