| Softphone software is essentially a new way to make | | | | go. There are many softphone software companies |
| phone calls using your computer and or a device that | | | | today. The key is to determine which one offers the |
| is connected through the Internet. Some people refer | | | | services that you want at the price you can afford. |
| to this service as Voice Over Internet Protocol or | | | | Some services charge you for every option; for |
| VOIP. This software is so powerful and flexible that it | | | | example, a separate price for faxing or voice mail or |
| literally replaces the need for a traditional phone | | | | call forwarding. But, there are some great companies |
| service supplied by companies like Comcast and | | | | that give you a bundled package for as little as $10 per |
| AT&T. | | | | month. |
| The beauty of softphone software is that you can | | | | This type of software is great because as new |
| use it for both personal reasons, as well as for your | | | | "services" get rolled out, all the company needs to do |
| company. In fact my company uses this software | | | | is to add it to your account, if you want to use it. And, |
| exclusively to manage our business. It works by | | | | you, the customer, benefit, because the service |
| basically using the existing Internet connection as the | | | | provider is taking all of the maintenance and support |
| transportation for your communications. This is | | | | issues of your shoulders. Within the software there |
| analogous to the way the phone company used | | | | are plenty of options. You do not need to implement all |
| telephone lines to bring service to your house. | | | | of them if all you want is the basic service. But, the |
| In the old days, the telephone company had switches | | | | beauty of these solutions is in its ability to grow with |
| in some central location. When a call came in for you | | | | you. For example, today you simply want to make and |
| or your office, the switch would route your call to your | | | | receive calls. No problem. In the future, you may want |
| home or business. This has now been replaced with | | | | to consolidate also your faxing into one location. This |
| software, again, at some central location, that knows | | | | concept is called universal communications. And, that |
| your phone number is tied to some Internet address, | | | | also, is no problem. |
| as opposed to a physical address. | | | | As you can see, I'm a huge proponent of softphone |
| Softphone software is so sophisticated that you can | | | | software. In future articles, I'll explain how I use this |
| set up things like extensions, voice mail boxes, fax | | | | service to make my company look bigger than it really |
| numbers and much much, more... at the flick of a | | | | is. Many, if not all, of my clients believe we work out of |
| switch. Additionally, you don't need to mess with | | | | one office building. In fact, we are all virtual workers if |
| dealing with cables, etc. Once the basic installation is | | | | many locations across the globe. |
| provided by your Internet provider, you are all set to | | | | |