The VoIP Softphone
One of the Perks of a VoIP Phone Service

What is a VoIP Softphone?

A VoIP softphone is a business phone tool that can be downloaded and used on a desktop computer, laptop, handheld PC, PDA or smartphone. It's a tool that provides the ability to make and receive phone calls over a VoIP phone service.

Nearly all softphones employ an open communication protocol, either SIP or IAX. As a consequence there are no proprietary constraints on calls between networks or brands of softphone.

Who Needs a VoIP Softphone?

The arguments for using a softphone boil down to cost and convenience. VoIP business phones are expensive and typically represent a large percentage of the total cost required to implement a VoIP business solution. At a cost of less than $50 per copy, a softphone is a practical alternative in situations where phone use is light to moderate.

They are also a practical option for teleworkers and executives who need to travel regularly or work from home. A softphone can be used from a desktop, laptop or handheld PC with access to a broadband or wireless Internet connection.

They are popular with the technically inclined and also in call centers, where support for click to dial and IM make them highly practical productivity aids.

It is unlikely that softphones, even SIP softphones will replace desktop handsets in the foreseeable future, but we are confident that the softphone is about to become a lot more popular. The softphone is not a replacement for a desktop handset, but in combination with a handheld device it could become a mobile phone replacement and in some situations it will replace the desktop handset.

See also: What are SIP Trunks?

Softphone Features

1. Presence - the ability to see whether another softphone user is on-line before making a call.

2. Address books - access to Outlook and Exchange.

3. Click to dial.

4. Downloadable upgrades.

5. Travel light - a laptop or handheld PC together with a blue tooth ear piece are all the road warrior requires to eliminate the cost of mobile phone calls.

6. Unified communications - the softphone client is an ideal dashboard from which a wide range of services can be accessed including IM and video conferencing.

Many softphones now also include VoIP recording features. They enable phone conversations to be recorded, stored and retrieved from just about anywhere.

It's early days for the softphone. In due course it could well become the killer application that popularizes the VoIP business phone system.

Skype Phone Number - it's your local phone number

From VoIP Softphone to VoIP Phone Systems

From VoIP Softphone to Business Phone Tools