softphone

Computer calling program

A softphone is software that enables voice calls over the internet, replacing or supplementing a traditional telephone handset.

The application runs on a computer or smartphone, using the device's microphone and speakers: The company issued laptops with a softphone for remote workers.

Softphones typically connect through VoIP services and may include video calling, messaging, and call management features.

voip

VoIP

Calls over broadband

  • SIPVoice call initiation protocol
  • codecData compression algorithm
  • latencyDelay in system response

packet · bandwidth · jitter · PBX · trunk · gateway · protocol · compression · UDP · voice quality

features

voicemail

Recorded caller messages

conference · call forwarding · call recording · caller ID · redial · speed dial · do not disturb · call waiting · three-way calling · presence

application

app

Mobile device software

contacts · call log · favorites · settings · notifications · ringtone · themes · widget · installer · update

hardware

headset

Wearable audio device

  • webcamComputer-mounted video capture device
  • speakersAudio output devices
  • USBDevice connection standard

Bluetooth · noise cancellation · soundcard · audio jack · dongle · desktop · laptop · tablet · touchscreen · monitor

integration

CRM

Customer interaction tracking system

  • APISoftware communication standard
  • SalesforceLeading CRM platform provider
  • HubSpotMarketing automation CRM software

Microsoft Teams · Slack · Outlook · plugin · extension · webhook · SSO · directory · LDAP · Active Directory

Opposites
hardware vs. software implementation

softphonedesk phone

Fixed-position telephone

corded phone · wall phone · handset · payphone

infrastructure dependency

softphonelandline

Stationary wired telephone

Family

soft, phone, telephone, software, microphone, megaphone, smartphone, headphones, phonetics

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Concrete · Rated G