The phone that sits on your desk is a piece of hardware – something that you can physically touch and feel. A softphone is the software version of a phone. It's an app that you can install on your computer, tablet or smartphone. It features a graphical interface that mimics that of a physical phone, with a dial pad, call button, and other function keys that all appear on the screen.
Once you've understood what a softphone is, the next thing to ask yourself is: “Why do I need one?” You should consider introducing softphones to your company if one or more of the following rings a bell.
You Want To Cut Down Costs
Softphones are powered with VoIP technology, which is the technology that uses the Internet to affordably place and receive voice and video calls. VoIP also allows you to make calls for free in many cases. Depending on the international destinations you call, you can cut down your communications costs considerably. Some companies have been able to trim their budgets down to as much as 10 percent of what they used to spend, simply by using VoIP technology. For most SIP providers, calling a number within the US and Canada is free.
Your Phone System Needs More Features
In recent years, hard phones have become more sophisticated, but the features and capabilities that come with softphones are unparalleled.
Here are some productivity-enhancing features you can find in industry-leading softphones:
- Instant messaging
- Group conferencing,
- Presence management,
- Collaboration tools e.g. screen sharing, seamless call recording, video conferencing, which all facilitate mobility
You Want Everyone to Be Reachable No Matter Where They Are
Another reason to invest in a softphone for business is if you want yourself and your employees to be reachable and operable in and out of the office. Softphones offer mobility and ubiquity – your calls can ring on your PC, tablet, or smartphone. You’ll have the same functionality on all devices and be as productive as ever on-the-go. This mobility is crucial to facilitating good internal communication within your teams.
Your Company Suffers From Communications Latency
Communications latency is described as what occurs when messages take too long to be sent and don’t resonate with the intended audience. To avoid this, you’ll want to boost communication within your company. A Gallup study showed that as many as 70% of workers in the US are not engaged at work. This is largely due to poor internal communications. According to McKinsey Global Institute, you could increase your productivity by 25 to 35 percent through better internal collaboration. A softphone client enabled with collaboration tools, such as CounterPath’s Bria, will allow you to achieve that.
You Want an Uncluttered Office
You may be particular about tidiness at the office, but sometimes there is little you can do about invasive hardware and cables. What wasn’t invasive a decade ago is often considered invasive today. Think of the hard phone that sits beside your computer, with all its trailing wires. You can replace it with something that fits on your computer screen, and in your pocket; something even more powerful. Invest in a softphone and see for yourself.
You Want Your Company to Be Successful
For your company to grow efficiently, it needs structure. Your phone system should be as scalable, manageable and configurable as possible. You may already have a PBX, or you may just be considering getting one. Deploying softphones company-wide is the way to go for your growing organization.
Considering getting a softphone? CounterPath’s industry-leading Bria 5 is a great tool for both individuals and enterprises.
For more information on our solutions, visit our website.