Search for the ideal phone system to run your business communications effectively and efficiently can prove to be overwhelming. In this article, we will look at both the hardware and software phones that can be tagged with the VoIP system.
Both the options have their own advantages and downsides, you will have to first understand your communication needs and preferences before finalizing the purchase.
The VoIP System
VoIP is one telephone system that can both work with hardware as well as software phones; however, you will have to base your decision on your requirements and preferences. Recent research reveals that desk phones are still the most widely used telephone systems in the world. VoIP is fast penetrating the market that was recently ruled by traditional landline phones.
Apart from these, apps and softphones are also trying to make a mark by capturing a substantial part of the existing market. Deskphones are still preferred by many who like to carry out their business communications without increasing complexity. Irrespective of whether your desk phone is connected to the internet or a wired connection, it is still the most preferred phone system in an office.
Deskphones or Softphones?
You will need to find out whether your employees are comfortable with using desk phones or softphones. A recent study has shown that employees at various organizations are comfortable with both phones; however, a remarkable 30% of people preferred desk phones while making or receiving calls.
Thus, the research reveals that even if the employees are not singing softphones, they can adapt quickly. None of the users surveyed showed that they are not open to using the latest softphones.
There are definitely some obvious advantages of Softphones like software integrations and remote work. Softphones are priced lower than the hardware phone, and they come with numerous operational advantages. If you or your employees are comfortable using the softphones, then you really have an opportunity to reap the benefits of this inexpensive as well as efficient telephone system.
Surveys have revealed that softphones are often preferred because of the remote working advantage it offers to the users. Users can work from anywhere without worrying about accessing their official phones. The easy-use graphical interface of these phones makes it extremely easy for the users to avail of features like click-to-dial etc.
On the other hand, several users believe that no softphones can beat the hardware IP phones when it comes to reliability and audio quality. Softphones are prone to software or hardware crashes because it is installed on PCs and Laptops. However, hardware IP phones can work independently even when the PC or Laptop crashes. Thus users find the hardware IP phone to be extremely reliable.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is another factor where hardware IP phones score higher than softphones. The audio quality of the softphones often fails to match the user’s expectations. Recent surveys have revealed a few interesting facts about phone usage by employees of several organizations.
- Employees find it equally comfortable while working with hardware IP phones as well as softphones.
- Remote employees prefer to use softphones more than their desk phones.
- Smartphones can be easily integrated with other applications, and this is why employees value them so much.
- Deskphones are obviously preferred over softphones when it comes to reliable phones.
Thus, we get to see that there is equal space available in the market for both softphones and desk phones. If you are finalizing the phone system for your office, then it is best to consider the views of your employees as well.
Image Source: Phone And Voice Over IP
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