Why Business Telephones Are Out & Softphones Are In

The reign of the traditional telephone is coming to an end. Enter softphones.

Over the years, technology has revolutionised the way we work. Today, everything from receipts to databases to how we interact with our colleagues is done digitally, and technology is helping yet again with how we keep in touch with each other, but even this area is still evolving.

So, what latest and greatest tool should you explore to help your team stay in touch? With the reign of the traditional telephone coming to an end, a softphone might just be next on your wish list. Since it’s one of the simplest ways for you to reach out to others, connect with them, and for your employees to work as a team, it’s time to start looking into them!

What exactly is a softphone?

Unlike a traditional phone, you can install a softphone on anything that’s connected to the internet – whether that’s your laptop, or tablet – and, as a result, it doesn’t need a physical handset.

Similar to WhatsApp, you can even use some softphones to make video calls or send instant messages. However, one of the main differences is how it displays the same business number across multiple users. No matter which employee uses it, it will only ever display your business number.

Using multiple different phone numbers can be confusing to clients and customers, so for consistency and the best overall look for your business, softphones are a no brainer.

Why is a softphone better than a traditional phone?

Outdated systems can make your team’s workday harder. So, introducing new, up-to-date technology could make a positive different to your business and to your employees who may feel as though they are fighting a losing battle. To help you decide whether a softphone might be the next software to explore, we’ve listed its three main benefits:

Mobility

Softphone services are cloud-based, meaning that when you’re not in the office and you need to make an important call, all you need is a device connected to the internet. Even if you’re in a coffee shop and there’s no phone around, you can easily stay connected through your laptop. Plus, softphones boast even more features that make it easy to work remotely, including advanced security, shared contact lists and a dashboard for managers to keep a log of all calls being made within the company.

Security

Almost every company has the potential to be exploited by cybercriminals, so it’s important to keep every piece of information secure. You might be wondering whether taking your business online will make you more susceptible to cyberattacks, but softphone data bears this in mind. Most providers will make sure your conversations are encrypted, to help your business stay secure, so you don’t have to sacrifice safety when making the jump from traditional to softphone.

Lower costs

In most cases, the cost of downloading and using a softphone is often lower than a regular phone plan. It also doesn’t need a big investment because it’s all online. You shouldn’t expect to get all softphone features free of charge though. For example, you might need to pay a little extra to access some of its productivity and performance enhancing features like video conferencing – but only if this added feature will be of use to your team.

Are there any disadvantages?

Depending on your needs, softphones might not be the answer for your business. For example, it’s internet based and won’t work without a reliable connection. So, if you’re travelling and don’t have access to a reliable network, there’s every chance you might miss an important call or work meeting.

Softphones can be a perfect addition to companies where employees are spread across different locations and can be used in conjunction with your mobile device.

Want to know more about how to collaborate without barriers? Speak to our expert V-Hub Digital Advisers today to get your people performing at their best.