Blog Post

Abrar Jussab • 12 January 2023

Softphones - Things You Need to know!

Introduction:

We have traditional desk phones and cutting-edge smartphones, so why do we need to pay attention to another member of the family? Well, a softphone provides the benefits of a business phone without the need to physically own an exclusive mobile device or phone system! Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Let's take a closer look at the softphone technology.

what is a softphone

What is a Softphone?

The softphone is a software-based telephone application that allows users to make and receive phone calls using a computer, tablet, or mobile device. It uses a microphone and speakers or a headset to emulate the functions of a traditional telephone and typically requires an internet connection. Some softphone applications also include additional features such as call recording, call conferencing, and voicemail.

Insights on VoIP Softphone System:

Softphones allow you to make and receive calls over the internet! The softphones provide best-in-class business communications by tapping into the VoIP system. The VoIP system is similar to a cloud phone system. Want to know what a softphone system is?

Then you need to know what a VoIP service does. In layman's terms, it transfers your voice over the internet. A VoIP service takes your voice to the clients over the internet to provide crystal clear communications even in remote locations. This service is flexible enough to be integrated with MS Windows or Mac & even with iOS or Android.

How Softphone Works?

Softphone works by using an internet connection and a computer, tablet, or mobile device to emulate the functions of a traditional telephone. It uses a microphone and speakers or a headset to make and receive calls, and it can also include additional features such as call recording, call conferencing, and voicemail. It allows users to make calls without the need for physical telephone lines and can be integrated with other software, such as CRM or business phone systems.

how softphone works

All of us would have experience in installing at least one software application on our desktop or smartphone. The entire process won't take much time & the installed application will be ready for use within a matter of minutes. That's exactly how softphones work too!


However, ensuring a robust internet connection is a must to make the best out of softphones. This requirement comes in line with the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology that allows users to access softphones. After picking the VoIP provider that best serves your interest, the next step is much easier. You'll need to install the VoIP provider's desktop app on your desktop. Be it a computer or mobile device, there's a softphone application for all.


Once the softphone software is installed, it is time to put aside your hard phone and make phone calls through the voice-over IP technology of your softphone. Unlike a phone line which stays standard for your work phone, the internet comes in a variety of offerings. Softphone, which underneath is a VoIP phone, relies on the strength of the internet connectivity! So, it is high time to use a great internet for the best call quality.

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How Do You Use a Softphone Service?

The desktop and mobile apps of the softphones come with a softphone interface. This interface is your work phone now. It enables you to attend incoming calls. You can also record important calls. Call forwarding options used in telephone calls are also available in softphones. You can speak either on your PC or also using your headset through the desktop or mobile application. The preference usually depends on the noise levels of your surroundings.

Know Your Softphone Provider!

Want to know of the leading softphone providers in the UK? Here's a list having some of them in no particular order,



  • The VoIP Shop
  • BT
  • Ring Central
  • Vonage
  • GoTo Connect
  • Nextiva

VOIP Softphone - The desk phone killer!

Why Still Have a Traditional Phone?

Don't let your desk phone limit the productivity of your workforce. Softphones help your workforce stay connected on the go. The best part is their personal phone numbers are out of the picture! So, it is high time that we realize to isolate the personal & professional space of our workforce. Introduce softphones to your workforce & help them focus better.

What is Difference Between Hard Phone and Softphone?

The difference between a hard phone and a softphone is that a hard phone is a physical telephone device that connects to a telephone network through a wired or wireless connection, while a softphone is a software-based application that allows users to make and receive phone calls using a computer, tablet, or mobile device. Hard phones typically have more advanced features, and call quality is generally better, while softphones are more flexible and can be used on any device with an internet connection.

Desk phone Vs VOIP Softphones

Key Features of Softphone App

What is that softphones offer that makes it a new phone? This business phone system is a child of the VoIP solution. It is an IP phone packed with more features than an average desk phone. The VoIP technology mimics the functionality of a desk phone but adds more features to the traditional phone system. Some of those features a softphone provider offers include,


  • Video call
  • Instant messages
  • Call routing
  • Call between your computer and cell phone
  • Make phone calls via web browser


Do you need help sending a fax online? Check out the guide on how to send fax online?

Use Softphones to Your Advantage!

The Must-Know Softphone Features:

To make the best out of something, one ought to be abreast of all the offerings that it provides. We wanted to take the difficult task of putting up a search & consolidating the findings so as to relieve you of the burden of repeating the same. So, we have come up with some of the best features of a softphone.

 

  • Ring group feature, which calls everyone in the group at the same time.
  • Putting multiple clients or personnel through a conference call - both voice and video!
  • Managing business communications through the same dashboard.
  • Routing calls from clients based on the availability of the working personnel. (We can't expect someone sick to return the call, can we?)
  • A repository of information on calls placed, call duration & much more that can be quantified.
  • The ability to follow up a voicemail with an email can be such a blessing for a CRM.
  • The means to send across a visual voicemail.

A List of Softphone Benefits:

Since the softphone supports running across different platforms, the benefits that this phone service provides can be accessed across all the devices on which it is installed. Following is a list of major benefits that a softphone brings to its users,

 

  • Flexible installation -Softphone can be installed on any/multiple devices making work calls accessible wherever one goes.
  • Light on equipment -Flexible installation prevents the need to have the mandatory hardware needed for the conventional alternative.
  • No phone line limitations -Softphone technology is purely internet based. So, dedicated phone lines are no longer needed.
  • Lower costs -When the hardware required decreases, the impact reflects on the cost. Softphone declutters things of the past! Thereby, it brings great value to each quid spent. In addition, the maintenance costs too become substantially lower.
  • Go global -Softphones help employees to be in touch anywhere, anytime! Be it working from home or working in different time zones; it doesn't matter. It gives you a platform that unifies all call scheduling & instant messaging, making work routine easier.

Easy to Use Softphones - Solution and Service Providers:

Mobile phones have increased our productivity multi-fold in recent years. But when it comes to the business world, it is not the same. It instigated a conflict between the professional & personal space of the employees. This is where a softphone comes in as a savior! It provides a single platform that focuses & channelizes their efforts towards work in an efficient way. Though it is easy to use, we need to ensure certain prerequisites are met.


  • Firstly, the internet security features of the VoIP provider. There are cybersecurity threats increasing across the globe. This makes it imperative to ensure that your business remains confidential at all costs! So read all the internet security features provided by your softphone provider before onboarding one.
  • Secondly, there is client support. Since the entire functioning relies upon the software, you need to know about the technical support provided. Is it 24x7? What do the reviews say about them? Knowing well about your VoIP provider support, by all means, is crucial.


The list may go on, but these two are the most important of them all. You may have a smart workforce getting the job done. But communication with the client is the key to business. Get that done efficiently through a softphone. Catch up with the rapid pace of technological advancements since those who don't upgrade themselves seem to be downgraded by the markets.


Leverage the flexibility that a softphone can provide to your workforce. Choose among the customized features from the VoIP services if you want to & help your workforce become the best version of themselves in communicating. The softphone is yours to use on whatever device you want to, whenever you want to, wherever you want to. It unifies your communication systems and promotes a butter smooth functioning.

Conclusion

 It cuts the slack on the upfront investment costs, making it cheaper to operate. So, why do everything by yourself installing dedicated devices, when a softphone can get things done all in one? Get the edge over your competition & deliver a delightful experience to your clients by bringing a softphone into your work routine!

Are you looking to reduce telecommunication costs and improve call quality? But before you want to check UK-based VoIP providers and the performance of VoIP phones? Get a free consultation with our VoIP expert.

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