A softphone, despite its name, is not a phone. A softphone is software that allows you to make internet-based calls from your computer, phone, or tablet. Softphone software is often offered by your VoIP provider and works like a familiar, user-friendly interface that performs similarly to a regular phone – users can dial numbers and access their VoIP services. Mute, hold, and transfer functions are also available on softphones.
When it comes to business, an unanswered phone call is a missed opportunity. If you are not able to answer your phone for whatever reason, the person calling will most likely move on to another option. That means that they will have no interest in learning about what you have to offer or purchasing anything from your company. In order to avoid this situation and keep business rolling through, having a softphone app on your smartphone can be very beneficial.
How does a softphone app work?
By using a softphone, you’ll need a computer, smartphone, or tablet with internet connectivity, as well as either a VoIP headset or access to a microphone and speaker on your device. While an internal speaker and microphone would suffice, a professional VoIP headset offers the greatest possible sound quality by reducing surrounding noise.
Softphones offer many benefits, especially as business owners have increasingly high expectations for phone systems and require flexible, reliable solutions that allow their workers to be available by phone at all times, no matter where they are.
Advantages of Softphone Apps:
If you are interested in learning more about the pros, they are as follows.
Cost-effective:
Because upgrading your system is as simple as updating your software, softphones help you save money on hardware, phone service, and maintenance. Additionally, softphones allow you to make international calls for a fraction of the cost of making an international call the traditional method.
Scalability:
Having a software-based business phone system also provides your company with scalability — your softphone system can readily modify as your company grows.
Flexibility:
Another significant advantage of softphones is their adaptability. Because your softphone can be accessed from any internet-enabled device, you can make and receive calls from anywhere in the world using your phone, tablet, or computer. Softphones are thus suitable for multi-location organizations, telecommuters, and frequent travelers. Softphones also protect one’s privacy because you no longer need to utilize or give out your personal phone number.
Easy integrations:
Integrations are also becoming highly relevant. Many softphones, for example, can link with customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, ensuring that every call is routed to the relevant contact in your system.
Easy upgrades:
In contrast to hardware, which must be completely replaced when it becomes obsolete, the software can be simply upgraded. Furthermore, because the software is licensed, upgrades occur automatically, eliminating the need to acquire new software.
Employee presence:
The significant advantage of the softphone app is staff presence. One of the most important aspects of good call management is real-time presence. You will be able to view the availability of business associates in your network using a desktop softphone. They may also check if they are available and how to contact them.
Video call hosting:
The ability to host video calls is a significant advantage of softphones. Unlike a traditional desk phone, you can call someone and communicate with them via video call. In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is an exceptionally useful function. Although many clients and businesses prefer in-person meetings, this face-to-face option is frequently regarded as an acceptable substitute.
Easy access to recorded calls
One significant advantage of softphones is that they make it easier to access recorded phone calls. Recorded calls, in example, are frequently accessed by simply clicking on a link to an internet file that is created automatically after each call. With the touch of a button, these links can be saved and shared.
Disadvantages of Softphone App
Have a reliable internet connection.
Yet, softphones may not be the best answer for every organization. They are not a viable alternative for businesses without a reliable internet connection. Softphones are fully internet-based; without a good internet connection, they don’t work well (or at all). Check that your connection is stable and secure, and that it does not drop out.
Up to Date device
Ensure that your employees’ gadgets are up to date and working properly, as softphone access is significantly dependent on the device used for the call.
Quality can be inconsistent
You’ll have to decide how you and your staff will make and receive calls, such as whether you’ll utilize the speaker and microphone built into your smartphone or whether you’ll invest in headphones. When using your device’s internal microphone and speakers, softphones may not always provide the same call quality as traditional phones.
Wrap Up:
While deciding on the best softphone software for your company, consider both functionality and price. While softphones are often thought to be a low-cost alternative when compared to other phone systems, monthly subscription fees and features vary by provider. You should also make certain that your softphone supports the same protocol as your VoIP service.
