Softphone or Physical Handset for a new VoIP telephone system?

Should you get a Softphone or Physical Handset for a new VoIP telephone system?

If you are looking into IP telephony, you will come across the terms “hard phones and softphones”. A hard phone is a physical IP phone that’s plugged into a network. They are more than the traditional telephone and they function virtually. Yealink VoIP handsets are a fine example of physical VoIP telephones for any UK business.

A Softphone on the other hand is software application that can be installed and used on a desk computer, laptop or smartphone with full VolP functionality. Though most businesses use hard phones, Softphones are cost-effective alternative and they give UK business’s all the functionality of the VolP telephone system. Before deciding on either a Softphone or Physical Handset for a new VoIP telephone system, let’s look at their difference and benefits to your business.

HARDPHONES

As previously mentioned, hard phones resemble a traditional telephone that functions in a virtually identical way, unlike the traditional telephones, calls are made over the internet and the VolP hard phone is plugged directly into the internet.

Hard phones work with power supplies and most will work POE (Power over ethernet). With this, just one cable is needed to power and connect the phone to the network. Hard phones are advanced and offer greater functionality than your average phone. They are designed with a VolP (voice over internet protocol) telephone system which enables you to make the most of the system.

BENEFITS OF HARDPHONES

They do not rely on a computer to function

A hard phone is a separate device, that is not integrated into the computer. So regardless of how your computer is functioning, it can be used.

Easy to use

A hard phone is an easy-to-use device, regardless of your age and experience, hard phones make it easy to move over to a VolP telephone system. Also because of its similarities with the traditional telephone, it is very easy for anyone who has used the traditional telephone to operate.

Reliability

Hardphone are particularly reliable with advanced technology, softphones rely on a computer or App software to function properly although their operating configuration is housed on a remote server and kept safe, so there needn’t be concerns over loosing call records or any telephone system settings

SOFTPHONES

A softphone is software on a computer device that offers full VolP telephone system functionality without the need for a desk phone. A softphone can be used anywhere as long as you have your internet connection. This is why a softphone is perfect for business that have employees that work remotely.

BENEFITS OF SOFTPHONE

It is perfect for working remotely, anywhere

Softphone can be installed on a computer, laptop or Smartphone or any internet-enabled device with a speaker and a microphone. This makes it easy for remote workers to carry their office telephone system with them and as a result, they have full functionalities compared to those with hard phones.

Easy flow of Communication

With a softphone, getting your team setup is quick compared to hard phone. As long as they have a suitable internet connection, you don’t need to install physical hard phones in your office or remote location. Unlike hard phones that takes days and even weeks, depending on the location and size of your team, a softphone can be ready to use in hours.

Softphone or Physical Handset, which should you get for a new VoIP telephone system?

From their difference and benefits stated above, you can see that they both have a place in business communications. Your choice of which to get depends on your business needs. If your business has a team that moves in different locations, a softphone will be a perfect choice but if they are always in the office, hard phones will be a better option. Any business can combine hard phone and softphones in the same telephone system. The type of phone to get for your business depends on the circumstances. For more information on, Yealink VoIP handsets, VoIP softphones and VoIP telephone systems for any UK business contact Lascom Solutions on 0800 816 1183