Unified communications is often used to describe a change in business communications, where a cloud-based system wholly or partly replaces traditional phone lines. However, the flexibility of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) doesn’t require you to ditch your desk phones altogether.
In this blog, Cloud Edge will look at softphones versus desk phones, and how we can help you incorporate both to create a communications package that you and your employees will love.
What is a softphone and how does it work with VoIP?
A softphone refers to applications that enable users to make voice calls over the Internet. If you’ve ever used Skype before, you’ll be somewhat familiar with a softphone application. Softphones can work over both VoIP or LAN (Local Area Network), however, the choice of connection will impact the quality and reliability of the call.
Softphones allow users to make calls from their computer to a phone line, from a phone to a computer, or between compatible devices. Instead of a physical handset, the display is projected on the user’s screen. Softphones often mirror physical handsets, and can work either as a standalone program within its own window, or can be embedded in another application.
It’s common for softphones to include – and expand upon – the functions and features of traditional desk phones, such as speed-dialing, call waiting, and call forwarding, alongside teleconferencing, text functionality, instant messaging, video calling, and more.
Is a desk phone or softphone better for my business?
Softphone calls work the same way as VoIP calls, which means they send and receive data through the local user’s Internet connection. When making the choice between softphones and desk phones, very rarely do businesses go all in on either – this is due to how flexible VoIP can be as a communications solution.
VoIP enables you to easily use a mix of both types, and most business will often choose this option to receive the benefits of both.
For example, softphones are perfect for employees who are constantly on the road or travelling to meet with clients and partners outside a single office, or for people who are regularly moving between offices and require the same level of communication throughout.
Desk phones are, as the name suggests, useful for employees who spend much of their time at work behind a desk. Assistants, secretaries, customer support staff, and company technicians often prefer desk phones for the extra features they provide.
However, there’s nothing to prevent someone from using both if they need to, and this is what ultimately makes VoIP a truly flexible communications solution for businesses. An employee may have a desk phone in the office where they spend the majority of their time, and a softphone application on their laptop for the infrequent occasions that they travel or meet with clients.
Cloud Edge – experts in NZ business phone solutions
At Cloud Edge, we offer business Internet and phone solutions that are tailored to your business. Our team provides NZ-based support, competitive pricing, and are always happy to speak with you regarding the most suitable communications package we can offer.
Our provided softphone application is available for smartphones, and both Windows and Apple computers, which ensures your team can easily integrate new communications across their devices.
To learn more about our full range of business phone solutions, view our packages online, or contact Cloud Edge today to speak with one of our team about how we can help improve communications for your business.
