“Your balance is insufficient to complete this call. Please try again later.”
Many times, when we try to contact an employee, employer, or possible lead, phone credits are not enough. As such, your saving grace in this situation would have to be a softphone.
But what is a softphone?
It is a technological advancement that utilizes the internet for your calling needs. It has become an especially handy tool considering how face-to-face contacts are still limited by the ongoing pandemic. Most people have to stay within their homes and rely on virtual communication channels to keep in touch.
There is much to be known about this wonderful communication tool. For instance, did you know that softphones have a cousin, the webphone? Their difference lies in the channel of communication they can be used on. The webphone is accessible as long as you have a browser. In contrast, a softphone can be used on any device as long as it can connect to the internet.
The Features: Are You Ready For A Better Deskphone?
When it was first introduced in 1989, it was not yet called a ‘softphone’. It was only when Brian C. Wiles created the concept of a voice-over through Ethernet that the term came to light and people began using it. His creation is cemented in history because his framework is the backbone of Skype and many of our ongoing calls are done over the internet today. In turn, softphones became more and more familiar to various businesses until such time that it proved to be a vital component in maintaining communication with customers.
What makes this revolutionary piece of software the best fit for your business?
Here are some of its impressive features that are sure to convince you to get one ASAP:
1. Conference Call Hosting
Compared to applications such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet that function solely as a video conference host, a softphone allows you to use it as a regular phone. Its functionalities also cover more aspects of sustaining B2C and B2B relations. In a sense, you can host your own video calls which are quite handy especially with lockdown restrictions and the need to observe social distancing. Your staff can install the software in their laptops or computers, so despite having to enforce work-from-home setups, you are assured that your team has an all-in-one software. Your business continuously handles SMS, voice calls, and video calls for both team meetings and customer concerns.
2. All for One Management
A softphone lets you manage client information easier. How? Once the phone is successfully connected by operators, your staff can connect it to other applications. Most softphones come with a Cloud Provisioning Module. All you have to do is to press one application and it will handle the bulk of legwork needed to contact every clientele.
3. High-Class Video and Voice Calls
Poor internet connection or faulty WiFi signal tend to reduce the quality of online video calls. It is also to blame for choppy phone conversations. Blurry video resolution and incoherent responses from the other line can become a means for miscommunication. Softphones have your back as long as there is a strong WiFi connection in the building. A stable internet connection is more reliable and does not fluctuate as much as regular phone or cell reception does.
4. Real-Time Messaging and Sharing
Another cool feature of a softphone is that you can talk to your clients in real-time. You can also use it as a means of communication with co-workers and employees from other departments. Supervisors no longer have to worry about initiating livelier discussions among subordinates since the latest versions of softphone software now come with screen sharing features. For instance, in a video call, you can share presentations easier and have people join you in your discussions. Wherever you are and whatever time you send your messages, the person you sent your message to will receive and view it instantly as long as they are connected to the phone itself.
5. Read Your Users More Clearly
You receive real-time analytics thanks to the user information you collect through the softphone. From their name, contact info, to their concerns to the efficiency of the assistance given to them by your representative, the data gathered is instrumental in harnessing customer experience and satisfaction with your brand.
How Much Does it Cost to Use a Softphone?
Now that we’ve delved into the features, the price is also something that you have to take into consideration. On average, softphones will cost you at least $50 dollars or more, depending on your customization. When compared with the costs of using SMS or a regular phone call, softphones are relatively cheaper.
If you multiply 10 cents for each SMS you send per client, it won’t be worth it. You are only paying for the SMS itself. In contrast, a softphone charges not just for the virtual phone, but also for the full features that can accommodate your conference and voice calls and even SMS. The charges in every phone call will also be more expensive, especially if you are also accommodating international calls and need to pay for every minute of an ongoing call.
It’s Never Too Late to Get One for Your Business
Think hard about what your business needs. Use this blog as an additional guide. Softphones are cheaper alternatives especially if your business is currently on a budget. It has a centralized characteristic that enables you to connect easier to other distributed apps. After all, a seamless working environment, communication tool, and transaction process are collectively better than a chaotic and expensive contact channel that requires purchasing separate apps.
Screen your software options for softphones and get started with creating a more elaborate plan for leveraging your business operations!
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