VoIP phone systems have opened many doors to business owners. No longer wanting to rely on outdated PSTN lines connected through a PBX system for communication needs, fast-moving businesses have switched to VoIP. The use of software called a softphone in combination with VoIP has obtained great benefits from a relatively small investment in replacement PBX telephone systems.
Businesses have relied on the PBX system for almost half a century. However, with the advent of VoIP there has been an advance in business communication and many benefits for those who use the technology.
Firm believers in PBX systems for business communication will remain convinced that their device has better call quality and allows greater control over your communication. However, with the right VoIP phone systems, business users have more control than any PBX can provide and sound quality equal to that of PSTN lines.
Affordable replacements for traditional PBX systems
A softphone is software that allows a VoIP user to make calls through a system connected to the Internet, such as a computer. The softphone uses a button icon for various necessary functions and appears on a computer screen. The user clicks the virtual buttons to make VoIP calls or can use hardware such as an IP phone or headset. An IP phone looks almost identical to a normal telephone headset, but it uses a USB accessory to a computer to allow callers to communicate over a VoIP connection.
Using VoIP phone systems as a PBX phone replacement system offers considerable benefits to users.
A softphone allows free calls between branches, multiple calls and the user’s discretion on who can contact them, at what time and where. The costs incurred through a VoIP phone system amount to much less than traditional PBXs.
Softphones are also fully programmable so that VoIP phone systems can be used at any time. Voicemail and fax are sent to a personalized inbox and converted to digital files. The online tools allow personal customization in real time and are very easy to use, they do not require any training.
What VoIP and VoIP softphones can do for businesses
Most companies using PBX replacement systems list their most notable benefits as reduced costs, time-saving features, and greater usability and control through a more user-friendly interface.
Calling costs are drastically reduced because line rental costs and PSTN calls do not add up with VoIP. PBX phone replacement systems use high-speed broadband internet to carry voice signals as data, so they do not require phone lines. Previously, VoIP offered lower sound quality than PSTN lines, but with the advancement of Internet speed, this is no longer a commitment from VoIP users.
The interface is incredibly easy to use, allowing people with softphones to change their settings and controls to their liking without training and saving valuable time. Many VoIP phone systems have system administration tools that allow IT managers or an administrator to control user features and functions if necessary.
For those companies still reluctant to use a replacement PBX system, the option of a SIP trunking solution is available. A SIP trunking solution involves a PBX system running on a hosted VoIP platform. The system is basically hosted VoIP connected to a PBX.
PBX replacement systems and softphones are a welcome technology for businesses due to the many features and benefits of using hosted VoIP technology. The use of softphones and VoIP is a necessary requirement for any company competing at world-class levels that needs to stay ahead of its game.