Everyone who has dealt with a business phone service has probably heard of a softphone. And perhaps you too have wondered what a softphone really is. And in fact, a softphone is not really a phone. Confused? Let’s clear things up!

• What is a softphone?
• Types of softphones
• Advantages and disadvantages of softphones

What is a softphone?

A softphone is software that simulates the function of a telephone and allows you to make, receive and manage voice calls over the Internet. Softphones can run on computers, tablets, PCs, and smartphones and are required for VoIP and video calls. They often take the form of dedicated voice calling or chat apps, or apps embedded in other websites and services (eg, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts).

Note : VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol or Voice over IP and generally refers to the technology used to make voice calls over the Internet.

A softphone is made up of the following parts:

• an interface that serves as a platform for communication between the user and the computer or device. It usually consists of a graphical numeric keypad that resembles a telephone and, in some cases, a keyboard for entering the names of new contacts and searches. The user interface also contains control keys to handle calls.
• A call processing engine with modules in a communications API that allow calls to be made and received in a specific protocol.
• A set of codecs that allow voice data to be encoded between analog and digital formats. Codecs also compress data so that it can be easily transmitted over the Internet.
• A contact list that allows you to keep track of numbers and names and easily manage correspondents.

Types of softphones

Softphones have evolved over the years as the VoIP industry has grown. In the early days of VoIP, softphones were replicas of the traditional phone via a computer, but have since expanded their repertoire to include video and other features not available on traditional phones.

Softphones differ from each other in their features, intended use, complexity, protocol, as well as the functions they offer. For example, a softphone designed for business purposes is likely to have a rich and feature-rich user interface with extensive menus and options, while chat applications on smartphones may have very simple user interfaces, requiring only one or more options. two touches to start communication.

There are many applications and services for softphones. Skype is a well-known example of communication software whose user interface includes softphone features. However, since Skype users are identified by their usernames and not by numbers, the dial pad is not often used. SkypeOut calls allow users to dial the numbers of landlines and mobile devices they are in contact with through a very simple user interface. Discord is also a softphone in a way. Although it does not communicate with fixed or mobile devices, voice calls can be made as easily as with a telephone, and from practically anywhere. Users are identified with a username and ID, and the software user interface,

The most sophisticated softphones do not imitate conventional phones. Instead, they use other methods to select contacts and dial numbers. For example, some softphones use speech recognition to initiate the call.

A good example of a business softphone is Counterpath’s free but feature-rich X-Lite. A more advanced version is the Bria Solo, for a fee.

Advantages and disadvantages of softphones

Advantage

• Save money on calls
• Easy call forwarding
• Real-time call monitoring
• Call recording and transcripts

Another advantage of the softphone is that it is not tied to location. When a softphone is connected to an employee’s laptop, the employee can take calls in the office, while traveling or working from home. Similarly, softphones give users a single phone number to answer calls, regardless of the device they use. This eliminates the need to distribute personal mobile phone numbers to customers, for example.

Disadvantages

While you don’t need traditional phone hardware to use a softphone, you may need a headset and earphones. Most softphones offer speakerphone functionality, but not everyone wants to talk hands-free with their computer every time they answer a call.

Because softphones rely on an existing device and Internet connection, users have no way to make calls if one of them goes down. If your laptop crashes or you lose your Internet connection, you have to resort to a traditional phone. There are softphone apps that use a smart device like a phone, but constant use (as with any app) can quickly drain a device’s battery.