A softphone is one of the main features of a VoIP communications system if your business recently switched to one. It might seem strange to use a softphone. There is a difference between a “soft” and a “hard” phone that you may even wonder about. Most businesses are using softphones to improve the way they communicate, especially when working remotely.
The following article covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about softphones, from what they are to what they do to why every business should be using them to increase productivity and lower costs. Generally, softphones are popular when a channel can make them appealing to the customers.
VoIP Softphones: What Are They?
The VoIP system is a way of making calls over the Internet instead of using a traditional landline. Softphones are a crucial element of such a system.
The VoIP softphone is a software application that uses a pre-existing device to make phone calls over the Internet. Softphone devices usually include computers, smartphones, or tablets. In most situations, a VoIP or communication service provider provides the software needed.
Softphone applications almost always have an integrated messaging system that allows the employees to easily navigate an accessible and user-friendly interface. Using this technology, your entire workforce can make calls with ease.
Modern workers need the flexibility and accessibility of softphone systems, which have become immensely popular in the past decade. No longer tied to their desks, employees don’t need to use a traditional, landline work phone. Rather than having to change numbers or carry hardware around, they can work remotely.
According to a study by Credence Research in April 2016, businesses all over the world are moving toward Unified Communications. By 2022, packaged mobile solutions will be demanded more and more by workers. Therefore, disregarding the opportunities offered by this market is no longer an option for the channel.
Your Colleagues Are Your Friends:
An increasingly popular choice for workers is the softphone, a desktop or smartphone app that makes it easy to make calls directly from the computer. Soft-phone-like applications that can be used on by far the most preferred device for most users, the smartphone, are the fastest-growing segment of that demand. Generally, mobile apps and softphones provide greatly more functionality than traditional smartphones, according to a survey conducted by the Business VoIP reviews company Software Advice at the end of 2015. Using smartphones as PBX extensions have replaced the telephone for most business communications.” In Software Advice’s survey, most respondents (54%) consider softphones to be a normal part of their business, and they use them daily.
This channel is pointing the way forward by focusing on end-users. With unified communications becoming more popular, customers are going to demand flexible tools such as softphones; and the channel can help by providing the highest quality products and services to business users.
How do IT Departments want to be Managed?
In addition, IT departments like softphones cost far less to maintain and purchase than IP hardware phones. A big advantage of softphones is their low cost and ability to be integrated with workers’ existing devices, as we have seen. Furthermore, they are used worldwide as long as you have a decent internet connection. It does not require any routine maintenance and only goes down in case of a device failure or computer crash, whereupon it can be switched to another device. The channel can benefit from the decreased costs and the peace of mind it offers by investing in this method.
Nevertheless, a sensible reseller will cite other advantages of softphone use, including ease of integration with other applications, click-to-dial functionality, ease of using voice mail, and ease of upgrading. In most softphones, virtual numbers can be used, calls can be parked, and transfers can be made easily. As well as adding more value-added services to the softphone itself, these are also ways to attract customers.
Switching to the New System
Softphones are popular with end-users. Departments of information technology use them like softphones. When a customer refuses to switch, the channel’s main challenge is convincing them to do so.
Any technology transition faces the challenge of adapting to the new environment, and of affording the training costs and disruptions that can occur. Although the findings so far suggest that even employees who haven’t dealt with smartphones before can adapt fairly quickly, according to Software Advice analyst Daniel Harris. It is also likely that workers will benefit more than any disruption. Additionally, employees enjoy the flexibility of using their own devices and the ease with which softphones can be integrated with other software, which can enhance business processes. Integrated CRM software like Microsoft Dynamics, or Act is needed if your processes require it. Softphones can be a better option than desk phones when used with business process management solutions like Exact or Office 365.
Additionally, there are other ease-of-life benefits to consider. Survey results show many workers especially appreciate softphones’ click-to-dial feature because it allows them to call with just a click, e.g., via an integrated email client. In this case, the channel can also sell the benefits of an integrated email client in addition to softphones. In addition to softphones, the channel can provide other revenue streams and value-added services, such as installation and management. Despite not replacing desk phones anytime soon, softphones are gaining ground fast. With more opportunities to sell softphones today, the channel will be better positioned to benefit from their rise.
What are the Advantages of Softphones over Hardphones?
In reality, softphones aren’t in direct competition with hard phones. It is important to use both when placing calls, sending messages, or managing business communications. There is a difference between a hard phone and a softphone in that a hard phone uses physical components, while a soft phone merely emulates the functions of a phone. The choice of one or the other may be based on reasons that make sense to the employees. The best telecommunications provider understands the importance of combining both in one solution.
