Since 2017, work-from-home business models have been on the rise, according to a Gallup survey. Due to more employees working remotely, the use of softphones have been on the rise, too.
In this article, we breakdown what a desktop softphone is, how it works and its business benefits.
What is a Softphone?
Softphones are one of the best business tools for employees to be equipped with.
While a traditional desk phone limits employee mobility, a softphone keeps them connected to work without having to be chained to their desk.
Softphones use an interface that allows users to place and receive calls through them. It functions just the same as a desk phone, but also includes features like hold, mute, call transfer, and conference calling.
They’re available on all different platforms and devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktops.
Is a Softphone the Same as VoIP?
Asking if a softphone is the same as VoIP is similar to the “square is a rectangle” conundrum. Technically, yes, a softphone is the same as VoIP. That’s because a softphone on any device places calls through an internet connection.
However, not all VoIP solutions are softphones. You can choose to have VoIP desk phones for your business.
How Does a Softphone Work on a Desktop?
The “behind-the-scenes capabilities” of a desktop softphone work just as other VoIP solutions.
It usually consists of the phone system transcribing audio into data packets. From there, the data packets are delivered from one computer to another through a stable internet connection.
While desktop softphones do work through web-based software, they can still be assigned real phone numbers. This allows your desktop softphones to make and receive calls from traditional landlines.
What Do You Need to Install a Desktop Softphone?
Installing a desktop softphone is a relatively simple procedure, especially if you opt for a provider who can assist you.
To install a desktop softphone, you’ll need:
- A computer setup that can run the desktop application
- A reliable internet connection with the bandwidth to support VoIP services
- An account with the desktop softphone service provider of your choice
- A headset so you can make and receive calls over your computer
What Features Does a Desktop Softphone App Have?
Many desktop softphones offer different features, so it’s important to understand what your business needs from this VoIP service.
The best way to go about this is to talk to members of your staff who will be using it the most. Ask them what they need to make their daily tasks easier. Then, compare their lists of needs with the features of the top desktop softphone services.
To help you get started, some of the key features of desktop softphones include:
#1. Unified Communications for Your Business
A desktop softphone has the ability to streamline your business communication for your employees. Instead of having to have multiple vendors for different communication needs, you can roll them all into one package with your desktop softphone provider.
#2. Virtual Receptionist Customisation
Through a desktop softphone, you can quickly and easily customise your virtual receptionist to give callers the latest information for your business.
With Blueface’s softphone VoIP service, you can do this through the Blueface UC Portal.
#3. Rest Assured That Your Business Calls Are Safe
VoIP security is a top priority, whether you opt for a desktop softphone or a traditional phone. Many softphone providers offer some form of encryption technology to keep your calls and your data safe.
Blueface is no different. In fact, we offer high security standards for desktop softphones with TLS and SRTP encryption technology.
#4. Allow for Remote Working
Rather than requiring your employees to come into the office each day, your desktop softphone app can allow for work-from-home options.
With a Blueface softphone service, your employees can easily use the desktop app to stay connected from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
#5. Make Call Routing Easier Than Ever Before
With desktop softphones, you don’t have to remember PIN numbers or extensions for other employees.
Instead, many softphone apps offer drag-and-drop call routing and call transfer systems. So, directing calls is as easy as clicking on the call in the desktop softphone application and dragging them to the appropriate colleague.
Bluefaces’s Call Flow Designer does exactly that!
What Are the Benefits of a Desktop Softphone?
A key part of understanding how a softphone works is understanding the benefits of a desktop softphone. After all, does it truly make a difference for your company and employees? More so than a traditional landline?
The truth is a resounding yes. Here are just a few of the benefits of a desktop softphone:
#1. Desktop Softphones Are Cost Effective
Rather than having to purchase desk phones and a traditional landline service, you can cut your costs in half.
Desktop softphones only require a desktop and a headset. Depending on the size of your business, you can reduce your costs by hundreds, if not thousands.
#2. Employees Can Do More with Desktop Softphones
Because desktop softphones are software-based, they have the ability to offer additional functionalities to your employees.
You’ll receive standard phone uses, such as call recordings, receiving phone calls, and call transfers. Plus, you’ll have the added benefits of other methods of business communication. This includes features, such as video conferencing and team messaging.
#3. Offer Employees More Flexibility
With desktop softphone solutions, employees don’t have to be stationed at one location. Rather, they are free to communicate with other team members or clients wherever they have a desktop and a stable internet connection.
This offers your employees the flexibility they’re looking for in our rapidly digitised world.
#4. Call Quality is Higher Than Other Services
As the internet and technology have advanced, so has the quality of using software and tools that utilise the internet.
The same applies to desktop softphones. More and more softphones are using HD voice so you can receive high quality, crystal clear sound, and so can the party on the other end.
#5. Communication Made Efficient
The user interface for a desktop softphone makes office tasks like calling clients much easier. Even the smallest features of softphones can amount to plenty of time saved.
For example, you’ll no longer need to type in phone numbers on a deskphone while staring at the phone number on your computer screen.
With a desktop softphone, simply click the “contact” button on anyone’s website and the desktop softphone app will automatically connect the call for you!
Why Should Businesses Consider Blueface’s Desktop Softphone App?
Finding the right desktop softphone provider can feel overwhelming considering there are so many to choose from. Once you do find the right provider for your business, you can start reaping the benefits of this important business tool.
Now that you know how a softphone works on a desktop, you’re better equipped to find the best fit for your company.
Blueface is an award-winning VoIP and desktop softphone service provider in Ireland. With over 60 unique features, we’re sure to meet the needs of your business and employees.
Check out Blueface’s desktop phone app and get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help your business grow!
