Finding the Best VoIP Solution
When it comes to finding the best VoIP provider, there are many different factors and options to consider, depending on what you're looking for. For example, if you want a VoIP phone for your residence, then a soft phone might be the best for you. In simple terms, a VoIP soft phone is a software program that lets you make calls over the Internet with any specialized hardware (other than your PC). This type of phone is generally used with a headset and microphone that hooks up to your PC.
How Does a Soft Phone Work?
Using the features of a regular telephone, a VoIP soft phone sends/receives voice and video calls over the network. It can also be integrated with other types of Internet phones as well. Most soft phones operate using a microphone and headset on your computer. VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) allows you to make phone calls using the Internet with the proper VoIP software. One of the biggest advantages of a soft phone is that the phone service is a lot less expensive than a regular Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) system.
Other Soft Phone Features
You can use a VoIP soft phone to make calls over the Internet to other soft phones or to normal telephones through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The main advantage of a soft phone is that calls from PC to PC are free. You also pay a small charge for calls to regular phones.
Another type of VoIP soft phone works through your existing phone and Local Area Network (or LAN). In this case, calls are made from a customer directory, and details about the caller can be seen on the screen by the operator.
In order for a soft phone to work effectively, you need a fast and reliable Internet connection with DSL, WiFi, cable, or LAN. You also need an account with an Internet Service Provider (or ISP).
Advantages
One of the biggest and most obvious advantages of the VoIP soft phone is the cost factor. With a soft phone, calls are usually free and you don't need any hardware other than your PC or PDA. The soft phone also offers features that are useful for business users as well.