When making the change to VoIP, there are a number of decisions to be made – which phone system to choose, the setup of your virtual receptionist, and what number option to decide on.
On top of all of these – is deciding on which type of phone is going to be best for your business’ VoIP requirements.
How do you select a VoIP Phone?
- Softphone or Desk Phone?
- What phone system are you using?
- What kind of functionality are you looking for? Just a phone or so much more?
- How many calls are coming in? Will you require a phone that allows for a number of different lines?
Softphone vs Desk phone
There are great reasons for both.
Softphones are applications that are able to be installed on your computer or smartphone. They allow you to make calls (and often video calls and chat depending on the phone system used) over the internet.
Softphones are the inexpensive option for a VoIP phone, as they are generally free or cost very little, requiring only a headset. They are also extremely portable, allowing for those who travel often to take and make calls from their smartphone as if they were still in the office.
Desk phones on the other hand, are very similar to the traditional PSTN phones, the difference being that they are connected to the IP network instead of a phone line.
Despite not being portable, desk phones are known for having better voice quality than softphones and people often prefer them as they’re more familiar and easier to use.
How to decide on a desk phone?
VoIP handsets provide the familiarity of a traditional desk phone, while providing the functionality of VoIP. There are many types of desk phones available on the market, all with different features and capabilities to suit different size budgets and business needs.
Some considerations to be made when deciding on a physical VoIP phone include:
Which phone system are you using?
- Due to the large amount of phone systems available, not all will support the same protocols and codecs. Read more on video and audio codecs.
What functionality are you looking for in a VoIP phone?
- Features range from basic IP phones allowing for calls only, all the way up to video conferencing, hotdesking and features such as built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. It’s necessary to assess what it is each person in the company requires, and what may be required in the future.
How many incoming calls will you receive at a time?
- For most positions, this shouldn’t be a concern as most office workers require only 3 – 5 lines. For positions such as receptionists however, more may be necessary.
The decision you make should be dependent on what features you find yourself needing, as well as what may be needed in future.
Aatrox Communications offers a range of Yealink IP Phones, and we are happy to discuss your options and help you decide which is going to benefit your business and your budget in the long run. Get in touch with us here.
