Unified communications and collaboration : video softphone
Video softphones are software telephones that are used to send audio and video signals to establish a video call communication over the internet using the operating systems. These applications operate on VoIP which is Voice over Internet Protocol. The communication with the help of such a technology ensures quality, reliability, scalability and flexibility of features. Video softphones can be used in either of the two ways. It can be either used to establish a secured call between a phone and a PC or between two VoIP enabled PC’s.
Appearance and Components of Video Softphones
If we talk about it’s appearance, soft phones resemble the physical handsets that can either work as a standalone program for its own window or can be embedded in some other PC program. These VoIP based phones act as a physical interface of the phone. Unlike the physical handsets, the display of the softphones are projected on the user’s screen. The users can choose to make calls as well as carry out multiple functionalities by using hardware like mouse, keyboard or keypad.
As far as the hardware components of the softphones are considered, the sound card of the operating system is used to provide audio input and output. Users can opt for various built mics, operating system speakers, telephone adapter or a USB phone to send and receive the audio signals. Video softphones come with multiple features that a traditional video calling device has. It includes features like speed dialing, teleconferencing, video conferencing, text IM, audio capabilities, call forwarding and call waiting.
To use a softphone, the users need an application usually known as client, a VoIP service provider and a secured internet connection. The VoIP service providers allot the underlying service which carries the audio and the video packets of these calls. All the softphones are registered and assigned a unique number under their service provider.
Working of Video Softphones
Though the workability of the softphones generally remains the same but the their features and functionalities are variable depending upon the it’s model, provider and price.
The video softphone calls travel the same way VoIP calls do, which means they can move over standard internet connection on users’ local networks, wireless networks (Wi-Fi), and even cellular data networks (3G/4G). Also, users should note that each VoIP service uses different protocols. Therefore, one needs to be certain that their VoIP softphone supports the same protocol as their VoIP service to ensure that the communication is established.
Advantages of Video Softphones
1.Lower Maintenance cost and less disruption
As these softphones are scalable, the software installed on the operating system does not requires rerouting after a company moves offices or even during employee travel. Thus, ensuring zero maintenance and lesser disruptions.
2. Connect Travelling Employees
With the location independent features of these VoIP softphones, connecting employees that are mobile becomes much more easier.
3. Connects your business
With the video softphones, interaction becomes easy. The quality ensured video calls brings the effect of real life communication. Also, your business contacts only need to remember just one number in order to contact you anywhere you are.
4. Additional features
The video softphones comes with the extra features that help keep things running smoothly. These phones have the capabilities that include creating transcripts of voicemails and forwarding those scripts to your email and even sending bandwidth reports to you to track data usage and overall productivity.