Is a Softphone Right for Your Business? Key Scenarios to Consider
When it comes to business phones, there are really two options: softphones or desk phones. While both phones give you the basic functionality you need, the two vary when it comes to a number of other topics. In a lot of cases, our customers find more success using Internet-based phones. To help you make the right decision for your business, we’ll explain some scenarios addressing when to consider a softphone over a desk phone.
Consider your current technology
If you already have employees taking advantage of mobile technology, you may want to consider the switch to a softphone. This technology includes laptops, tablets and even smart phones. In this scenario, it’s apparent that your employees are used to working in a mobile environment. Since softphones are compatible on many devices and allow calls to be sent and received anywhere with that has an Internet connection, it’s a smart move to utilize the technology you’re already using.
You want to cut costs
Your company is looking to cut costs. But where do you start? One option is to evaluate your current technological costs. For those in this predicament, making the switch to softphones could be a huge game-changer. Lets start with installation costs. With a desk phone, the entire office and each phone must be wired together. This requires lots of equipment on top of the cost of labor. With a softphone, you simply download the software to your computer, tablet or softphone.
The cost of the phones themselves are also a factor. An average desk phone costs, on average, around $100 while a softphone averages around $40. Future costs such as new employees and maintenance is another factor to keep in mind. While a desk phone will require frequent maintenance and more installation as your company grows, a softphone is still a breeze to download and stays up-to-date through Internet updates. If your company is looking for a cheaper alternative to a standard business phone system, the switch to office-wide softphones may be the solution.
Your employees need more flexibility
In this day and age, mobility is essential. Now, more than ever, employees work on the road, from their house or simply work away from their desks in another part of the office. If you find that your employees need more flexibility in regards to their business phone calls, softphones are a great option. Because softphones work over the Internet, they can work anywhere that has a connection. This could be at home, at a coffee shop or even across the globe. Softphones are designed with flexibility in mind unlike desk phones that require a hard connection.
The features on your current phone are lacking
Desk phones come with the features you know and love, hold, mute and redial. But, softphones are designed with the modern business in mind. Softphones come with the basic features you need like voicemail and transfer, but come with a number of other useful features such as instant messaging and video calling. Each softphone comes with their own set of features so if you’re looking for something in particular, shop around and find the product that’s the best fit.
As you can see, there are a number of scenarios in which your business could benefit from a softphone. If you're interested in making the switch, talk to your provider for more information.
