ITA Premium: Get the 411 on Softphones Before Ditching Your Desk Sets

Software-based IP phones, or “softphones,” have matured considerably in terms of functionality and performance, and are increasingly found within enterprise IP Telephony (IPT) deployments today. In many cases, they can serve as an inexpensive and versatile end user alternative to regular IP desk phones. However, enterprises that are planning a transition from traditional physical handsets to PC-based softphones must understand the full scope of technical considerations and end user challenges this entails.

This research note discusses:

• An introduction to IP softphones.
• Key benefits that softphones offer enterprises and employees.
• Potential technical challenges associated with softphone adoption.
• Recommendations for early planning.

Enterprise IT leaders should understand the key benefits and potential issues relating to IP softphones when building the enterprise voice strategy.