Softphone
A softphone is a software application that makes and receives phone calls over the internet on a computer, tablet or mobile phone, replacing a physical desk phone.
How a softphone works
A softphone signs in to a phone system with the user's account and uses the device's microphone and speaker or a headset. Calls travel over the internet using VoIP. Because the phone is an app, the same user can answer calls on a laptop in the office and on a mobile at home.
What to look for
- Apps for the devices your team uses, including mobile push notifications so calls ring when the app is closed.
- Company features: shared directory, colleague presence, transfer and choice of caller ID.
- Encryption of calls.
Softphones in phone.systems™
The phone.systems™ app is a business softphone for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. A user can sign in on any number of devices. It includes the company directory, colleague presence, a choice of caller IDs, call history, "View in CRM" and encrypted calls.
Each seat also includes a SIP account, so you can use a third-party SIP softphone such as Zoiper instead, connecting to sip.phone.systems. See the business phone app.