Softphone software is essentially a new way of making phone calls using your computer and/or a device that is connected via the Internet. Some people refer to this service as Voice over Internet Protocol or VOIP. This software is so powerful and flexible that it literally replaces the need for traditional phone service provided by companies like Comcast and AT&T.
The beauty of softphone software is that you can use it for both personal and business purposes. In fact, my company uses this software exclusively to run our business. It basically works by using your existing internet connection as a means of transport for your communications. This is analogous to how the phone company used the phone lines to bring service to your home.
In the old days, the phone company had switches somewhere central. When a call came in for you or your office, the switch would route your call to your home or business. This has now been superseded by software, again, at some central location, which knows that your phone number is linked to some internet address, as opposed to a physical address.
Softphone software is so sophisticated that you can set up things like extensions, voicemail boxes, fax numbers and much, much more… at the flick of a switch. Plus, you don’t need to mess with cable management, etc. Once your Internet provider provides the basic installation, you’re ready to go. There are many softphone software companies today. The key is to determine which one offers the services you want at a price you can afford. Some services charge you for each option; for example, a separate price for sending a fax, voice mail or call forwarding. However, there are some great companies that give you a complete package for as little as $10 per month.
This type of software is great because as new “services” are rolled out, all the company has to do is add it to your account, if you want to use it. And you, the customer, benefit, because the service provider takes all maintenance and support issues off your shoulders. Within the software there are many options. You don’t need to implement all of them if all you want is the basic service. But, the beauty of these solutions is in their ability to grow with you. For example, today you simply want to make and receive calls. No problem. In the future, you may also want to consolidate your fax shipments in one location. This concept is called universal communications. And that, too, is no problem.
As you can see, I’m a huge supporter of softphone software. In future articles, I’ll explain how I use this service to make my business look bigger than it really is. Many, if not all, of my clients believe that we work in an office building. In fact, we are all virtual workers in many locations around the world.