http://jira.freeswitch.org/browse/FS-3188 The script basically disables output of color codes / adds more flushing to fs_cli so it can be externally used. While ESL is frequently a better solution there are some cases where external dependencies are not desired. One can also add some more robust features to fs_cli without having to change the sources. It was created over a year ago and has not caused an issue that we have found yet. It was primarily done for fs_logger.pl ( http://jira.freeswitch.org/browse/FS-3945 ) a script meant to allow for much easier one line commands for users looking to submit log files for freeswitch. As this tool is largely useful for new users requiring them to first patch fs_cli prior to using it is a complex step that would be nice to avoid. The changes should have no real effect on fs_cli when the batchmode flag is not passed to it. ~Mitch