Softphones Offer Advantages to Businesses of all Sizes

One of the most important benefits of using VoIP instead of a traditional phone system is that it’s not tied to a single device. Users can make and receive calls in a variety of ways, from wherever they happen to be located with an Internet connection. A softphone is one of those ways, and requires no handset or special device, with users simply installing an application on an internet-connected device.

That application offers a variety of features and functionality, which go well beyond the typical traditional handset. These include an intuitive interface with built-in settings, as well as the ability to customize the interface to highlight the features most important to a specific business use case. Of course a softphone offers standard phone functionality like mute, hold and transfer, while also supporting web-based functionality like instant messaging.

Nextiva is one of the companies offering a softphone as part of its business VoIP offerings. The Nextiva App provides an abundance of value-added features, including three-way calling, caller ID, call waiting, hold and forwarding, voicemail and multiple call appearance lines. Because softphones are dependent on users having a computer or hardware device and generally a headset for handling audio, the Nextiva App also enables mute and volume controls so users can customize their preferences.

The benefits of using a softphone go well beyond its myriad features and functionality. Softphones typically enable major cost savings, since businesses don’t need to pay for expensive handsets and traditional phone service plans. Softphone apps are generally bundled with a comprehensive VoIP plan that includes services, possibly VoIP handsets and quality control and management, all at an affordable price point.

Additional benefits of this type of solution include doing away with outdated legacy equipment, and maintaining and managing much less hardware overall. Businesses can eliminate dedicated phone lines and service as well, using their existing internet connections for voice and video communications. Speaking of video, VoIP solutions can often handle video calling and conferencing seamlessly, with no extra costs required.

When it comes to the numerous advantages of the softphone, a hard sell is not required. Facilitating mobility, flexibility and cost savings, softphones are a great component of any VoIP service package and offer major benefits to businesses of all sizes.