One of the primary concerns for organizations that have remote workers is the need to control and centralize communication solutions. While this isn’t a problem for a worker that’s in the office and hooked up to the company phone system, the remote worker doesn’t have this luxury. So, how can employees who work out of the office some or all of the time keep up with the rest of your workforce?
One of the easiest solutions to this dilemma is a VoIP system that uses softphones installed onto a device in the form of an application or software solution. This lets them stay in contact with the rest of your employees, without having to be on-site and connected to your in-house phone system. Therefore, a remote worker equipped with this VoIP solution can remain productive and collaborative even while out of the office.
In simpler terms, a softphone is a phone that works as software on your computer or mobile device. It works through either the traditional telephone line or via a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connection, which transmits your voice across an Internet to the desired party. Unlike some exclusive VoIP-based phones, the softphone works without the physical device, which makes it more of a computing solution rather than a hardware solution. Softphones come with a digital number pad which looks like the dialer on a smartphone, and softphones allow for various features such as conference calling, call transfer, voicemail, and more.
Long story short: It makes more sense to use softphones for your remote workers, as it allows them to communicate with a headset or a mobile device, rather than a full-fledged handset.
As the business owner, it’s up to you to make smart choices about your IT budget before implementing any major change to your current setup. This includes your phone system. With a reliable VoIP solution, you can take advantage of all the benefits of a traditional phone system, without the need for all of the time-consuming and expensive infrastructure overhauls. By going with VoIP, you effectively avoid running new phone lines and revamping your office space to accommodate new onboards, and with a softphone, all you have to do is set up an account and configure a worker’s device. A good VoIP solution allows you to take advantage of traditional handsets that you’re used to, while allowing you to make or receive calls on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.
Softphones have a definitive edge in mobility, one which traditional phone systems can’t come close to replicating. A worker can install a softphone client on their mobile device and use an Internet connection to make or receive calls. It really is that simple.
As a bonus, VoIP systems also tend to be more affordable for businesses, as they don’t require an immense setup process and hardware purchases. Without the need for specialized equipment, a softphone can effectively use your employees’ preferred device to achieve similar results. Of course, the price will still vary by the plan, the number of users, and the number of devices, but you will gain greater flexibility in the long run.
Due to the remote worker needing a quick and easy way to stay in touch with your office, a softphone mobile client may be the best fit. Of course, every employee works differently and may prefer a different type of solution. Perhaps they would prefer a laptop with a headset, or maybe they have a desktop set up in their home office. Either way, a softphone offers a quick and easy solution.
If you’re considering VoIP, then you’ll want a trusted IT advisor to lay out your options before going all-in on an investment. To get started with a softphone solution that fits your needs, reach out to Bardissi Enterprises at (215) 853-2266.
