A softphone is a program that allows you to use your computer as a telephone. A softphone on your computer works just like a regular phone – you can dial phone numbers, make outgoing calls, receive calls and make calls just like you would normally (but directly through your computer).
A softphone has the same functions as a normal telephone (usually more!) and facilitates both internal communication and customer service. It is a smart solution for those who work at a computer and talk on the phone a lot.
Most businesses today have made the move from landlines to IP telephony. But many businesses still use physical phones for calls from the office. Breaking old habits can be difficult, but the habit of answering an old phone instead of your computer is one that should change.
There are several advantages to abandoning outdated physical phones and opting for a softphone instead. With one, you can take advantage of features that drastically improve your company’s customer service and communication.
What is a softphone?
A softphone is a piece of software, i.e. a program you install on your computer or tablet that allows you to use the device in the same way as any other phone.
When you log in to your softphone via Telavox, you are greeted by a simple user interface where you can see the status of all your colleagues, enter phone numbers, make calls, transfer calls and answer incoming calls from outside. The only difference is that the calls go over the internet instead of the regular telephone network.
How to use a softphone?
With a softphone, you use your computer to do everything you would normally do with your smartphone. A softphone is most often used in conjunction with VoIP/IP telephony – a way of making calls over the internet.
So to have a softphone, the company needs a VoIP provider, a service that can carry the calls themselves over the network. But all the softphone user needs is the internet – and a headset!
Read more: VoIP and SIP – what’s the difference?
What are the benefits of a softphone?
There are many advantages to using a softphone for business:
1. it’s cheap
A softphone doesn’t require a lot of expensive hardware like a hard switchboard does, or even that every employee has their own smartphone. Physical phones are costly to buy, install and maintain. There’s simply no reason to have a physical phone when you have IP telephony.
Softphones are based on software and run on your computer. This means they are much more powerful than a physical phone. With a softphone, you get continuous updates and a host of features at no extra cost. It’s a simple, cost-effective and reliable solution.
2. You gather your communication
Using a softphone means that your business contacts only need to remember and dial one number. This makes it easier to reach you wherever you are and reduces communication barriers.
A softphone is as much a tool for your customers as it is for you. Your customers deserve fast and reliable answers, and you deserve an easy-to-use solution. IP telephony saves time and increases customer satisfaction.
3. it’s quick to get started
Just install the program, log in and plug in your headset – and you can start using your computer as a phone straight away.
4. it’s easy to upgrade
Because a softphone is a piece of software, it is easy to update, so you always have the latest version of your phone on your computer.
5. it works seamlessly with other systems
With a softphone, you can easily integrate your switchboard with, for example, a CRM tool and quickly see information about the caller.
6. it connects your employees, wherever they are
Softphones make it much easier for your colleagues on the move to stay connected. They can communicate with their colleagues and customers using the same phone number as if they were in the office. This contributes to seamless communication and a better customer experience.
A softphone has a wealth of features all in one place. You get an unprecedented overview of your colleagues, can contact them with ease, and find out when your employees are available (or not). This enables you to guide your customers and answer their questions faster.
With a softphone, you get this and much more without having to drop your computer or chase people around the office.
7. the softphone in Telavox has lots of great features
Chat, SMS, conference calls, call forwarding, call recording, contact lists and video calls – these are just some of the smart features of Telavox.
A tool like the statistical reports allows you to plan your switchboard staffing. With smart switchboard staffing, your agents will have a better working situation – they won’t be stressed by having hundreds of calls waiting. This way, you can ensure that your customers receive fast and professional answers.
8. it is environmentally friendly
There are also environmental benefits to choosing softphones over physical phones. Electronic waste is a growing problem: toxic materials, damage to the atmosphere and water pollution are just some of the effects. Over 150 million phones are thrown away every year, but only 12.5% of that e-waste is recycled.
Therefore, there is no need to contribute to the littering of our planet by acquiring unnecessary plastic gadgets. Your computer does the job and does it better in every way. That’s why softphones are the smart choice – for your business and for the planet!
A softphone is an all-in-one solution for business communication, plain and simple!
