Softphones & Softclients
The use of teleworker phones is ideal for semi-permanent working locations. But it's not ideal when on the move or in more temporary locations (hotels, Internet cafes, airports, etc). That's where something called a "softphone" comes into play. A softphone eliminates the need for a deskphone - the phone itself is a software application loaded on the user's laptop. It replicates all the functionality of the deskphone but is inherently more portable.
This capability has been further refined for use on modern mobile phones. A stripped-down version of the softphone is accessed on the mobile phone, allowing users on the move to benefit from all the advanced functionality of their IP telephone system from any location.
Softphone use ensures that wherever the user goes, they can be a part of the company network. Calls are routed over the least expensive route - often a free connection - which is especially beneficial for international roaming staff. Colleagues and customers alike have no idea that the user is, say, in a hotel room in a different timezone - the experience is the same wherever they go, resulting in consistent service.
