Jan 16, 2012.
ShoreTel – SoftPhone (Professional Communicator)
The ShoreTel Professional Access license allows for enhanced features to the Personal Communicator.
Enhanced Features added:
Call Control
Personalized call handling based on who is calling, when the call arrives or based on the user’s call handling mode Free download mac.
Contact Viewer
Detailed telephony presence (ringing status, connect time)
Instant Messaging presence
Instant Messaging presence change alert
Presence privacy management
Person-to-person and multi-party IM
Client side IM logging
Mobility SoftPhone:
Number pad for DTMF entry, swift change from phone to SoftPhone, G.711/G.722 Codec
Video
High-quality, low latency video: H.264/SVC protocol, 640 x 480 (VGA), up to 30 frames per second
With the above enhanced features, the SoftPhone adds mobility for the user.
The ShoreTel SoftPhone functionality is built-in to the ShoreTel Communicator for Windows client. No additional software or installation is required.
In ShoreTel versions 10, 11, & 12 the SoftPhone is a licensed feature that is enabled via a checkbox within the user’s profile page in ShoreWare Director. Licenses for the SoftPhone are bundled with the ShoreTel “Professional Access License” level (and above). One SoftPhone license is provided with each Professional (or above) Access License purchased.
Note: The SoftPhone licenses that are provided with the Professional (and above) Access Licenses can be used for any user on the system. You are not required to enable SoftPhone for the same users that you assign the Professional Access Licenses.
The SoftPhone is initiated, or launched, by selecting “SoftPhone” from the Extension Assignment drop down menu in the Windows Communicator client.
The ShoreTel SoftPhone is only available on the Windows Communicator client. It is not part of the ShoreTel Communicator for the Web or the Communicator for the Mac clients.
(Note: Testing has concluded that the ShoreTel SoftPhone will run on Windows 7 under VMware Fusion and Parallels 7 Desktop for MAC. See below)
When the SoftPhone is initiated, your ShoreTel extension is unassigned from any previous device or location and is assigned, by the ShoreTel system, to exist solely on your PC-based Communicator client.
Using the ShoreTel Communicator client to operate the ShoreTel SoftPhone is identical to using the Communicator client to control your extension when it is assigned to a standard telephone. All features of the Communicator client function in the same fashion.
SoftPhone – Initial Registration
When the Communicator for Windows client is started for the very first time, it must authenticate to the HQ server to determine which licensed features have been assigned and activated for that user’s extension. If the Communicator client cannot authenticate with the HQ server when first launched, the client will not be able to verify that the user is authorized to use the SoftPhone feature and the SoftPhone option will not be available.
If the user’s voice mail box is on Distributed Voice Mail server (DVS), or the user’s primary IP desk phone’s ShoreGear switch is controlled by a DVS, the Communicator client will be instructed by the HQ server to register to the DVS server. Knowledge of this DVS server re-assignment is cached by the Communicator client and will be used in subsequent launches of the client.
Regardless of whether the Communicator client is being serviced by the HQ server or by a DVS server, once a user selects the SoftPhone option (under the Extension Assignment drop down menu) the SoftPhone component of the Communicator client must communicate to the HQ server. If, when launched, the SoftPhone cannot communicate with the HQ server it will not initiate successfully and the user’s extension will not be reassigned to the SoftPhone.
Support for Windows 7 – Default Communication Device
The Communicator’s SoftPhone leverages the Default Communication Device feature, available in Windows 7.
This feature is enabled in ShoreTel release ST12.1 GA2 (17.21.5240.0).
In Windows 7, there are two default settings for Windows audio devices:
Windows 7 will commonly recognize modern USB headsets as the Default Communication Device, as long as the default system related to sound has not been modified. Starting with ShoreTel 12.1, when you make a SoftPhone call, it will direct the sound to the Default Communications Device, if it exists, instead of the default (audio) device.
VMware Fusion 4 and Parallels 7 Desktop for MAC
I have completed testing with the ShoreTel Communicator SoftPhone running Windows 7 under both VMware Fusion 4.1, and Parallels 7 Desktop for MAC. Mac OS X Version 10.7.3 (Lion)
Find the best softphone app for your business
A softphone is a piece of software that runs on a desktop computer, tablet or smartphone and allows you to make calls over the Internet, using a VoIP provider. A softphone removes the need for a physical phone base unit or handset, and enables you to make and receive calls – as well as manage contacts – all from the same user interface screen. Conversations can be held via a connected headset, or with a microphone and speakers attached to your computer.
Softphones have numerous advantages over traditional business phone setups:
Below, we round up the best softphone apps available in 2020, including their key features and pricing.
To cut to the chase and compare prices and suppliers matched to your specific requirements, use our free quotes tool to find bespoke quotes for your business.
Best Softphone Apps
If you already have a business VoIP provider, it's likely that their own softphone app is bundled with your service package. We’ve included several of the most popular such provider-designed softphone apps below, so if you’re already with RingCentral, for example, it would make sense to stick with their app as this will offer optimal integration with your existing phone system.
Alongside these provider softphone platforms, we’ve also listed several other standalone apps that can be used regardless of which VoIP service you use.
With this selection of softphone apps, we're confident that you’ll find exactly the right solution for your requirements – whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business, or a larger enterprise.
Best Softphone Apps:
RingCentral
The RingCentral softphone application is the best choice for businesses looking for streamlined and long term growth. The app is free if RingCentral is already your VoIP provider. If not, you'll need to sign up to one of four packages– Entry, Standard, Premium or Enterprise – to take advantage of the app's benefits.
Ringcentral's app operates on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, and provides a wide range of industry-leading VoIP communication features which make it worth the investment, including video calling, messaging, screen-sharing and virtual whiteboards.
The high call quality and wide-ranging functionality will significantly improve your communication and collaboration, especially given the app has recently been updated (May 2020) to replace the former “RC phone” and provide even better user experience.
Price: from $19.99/month
RingCentral Softphone App
Best for HD voice quality
Key Features:
8×8
8×8 Virtual Office is another softphone application that comes free when you purchase one of the company’s ongoing VoIP packages. It provides all the VoIP functionality you would expect from an industry-leading provider, and can integrate with Outlook and social media apps.
It works on iOS and Android, as well as Windows and Mac but, again, this is not a standalone softphone and is only available to paid 8×8 X Series subscription or a free 8×8 Express trial customers.
Price: from $25/month
8×8 Softphone App
Best for third-party integrations
Highlights:
Key Features:
Counterpath Bria Teams
Counterpath Bria Teams is a carrier-grade SIP softphone application for Windows, Mac and iOS/Android devices. It includes a range of features specifically designed for business users and can be deployed within an enterprise environment.
If the standard offering doesn't quite live up to your initial expectations, this softphone application can also be customized with a number of add-ons, such as screen share or contact management, to boost its functionality. You can try it free for 30 days before you buy.
Price: from $4.95/mo
Counterpath Bria Softphone App
Best range of enterprise partners
Highlights:
Key Features:
Zoiper 5
The Zoiper 5 softphone application replaces the former Zoiper 3, Zoiper Classic and Zoiper Web apps, which have been discontinued. It comes as a free version for non-commercial calls on iOS or Android, or a fully-fledged VoIP package for businesses, as Zoiper 5 PRO.
Upgrading to Zoiper 5 PRO enables functionality on Windows or Mac as well as iOS/Android devices, provides military grade encryption for added security, and grants access to unified communications functionality.
Upgrading is a one-time purchase, after which you can place free calls between Zoiper users, and benefit from no recurring monthly fees. Zoiper 5 PRO also works with Asterisk, Freeswitch, Cisco CallManager, 3CX, Elastix and most other modern SIP based PBXs,
Price: Free / $49.95 one-time cost
ZoiPer Softphone App
Best security features
Highlights:
Key Features:
iSoftphone
iSoftphone is available in four versions – ClassicOS X, ProOS X, iPhone and iPad. All versions offer a fully featured VoIP service that includes audio and video calling, as well as helpful features like online presence monitoring (Presence), call recording, and integration with CRM data.
iSoftPhone combines a wide range of communication methods into an easy to use application with quick, easy configuration. The intuitive Call Panel provides quick access to functionality, and helps improve personal productivity.
Price: $35 – $55
iSoftphone App
Best easy setup
Highlights:
Key Features:
3CXPhone
3CXPhone can be used on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS operating systems to make and receive phone calls from a PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet.
The best thing about this softphone application is it's completely free, saving licensing costs and reducing licensing administration.
It provides a useful entry-level VoIP phone solution, although functionality may be limited, compared with paid offerings.
A smart move may be to try this free app first, then if it suits your needs you can always upgrade to a full 3CX VoIP package later on.
Price: Free
3CX Softphone App
Best free app
Highlights:
Key Features:
Cisco Jabber
Cisco Jabber is a softphone application for Android, Blackberry, iPhone and iPad, Mac, and Windows platforms. It offers HD video and desktop sharing capabilities, plus other VoIP features that deliver secure, reliable communications on a wide variety of devices.
Cisco Jabber is a business-class softphone application from a leading provider of VoIP solutions. It offers high call quality, and a wide range of communication and collaboration facilities.
Price: By quotation
Cisco Jabber Softphone App
Best for VoIP across many devices
Key Features:
Acrobits Groundwire
This is a business class SIP softphone application designed specifically for mobile users. It combines features business users need with intuitive features created for mobiles.
Groundwire claims to be the first mobile SIP client capable of replacing a desktop phone. It offers good VoIP functionality for mobile users at an affordable price.
Price: $13
Acrobits Groundwire Softphone App
Best mobile SIP app
Highlights:
Key Features:
Line2
This softphone is only available to Line2 Pro subscribers. The Pro Plan provides an affordable, fully-featured solution for VoIP, and offers many great features for mobile workers.
As part of the Line 2 Pro Plan service, the softphone application provides an ideal solution for mobile workers who want to enjoy the full benefits of a VoIP service when they are away from their desks or working in the field.
Price: Free to Line2 Pro subscribers
Line2 Softphone App
Best for existing Line2 subscribers
Highlights:
Key Features:
ShoreTel
ShoreTel Sky was recently acquired by Mitel, but their Softphone app is still available to users through the Mitel brand. It is modeled on traditional deskphones, which gives it a very intuitive interface, compared to other softphones. It incorporates the ShoreTel Communicator interface to provide access to powerful unified communications tools.
As part of the Mitel VoIP service, the softphone application provides access to a wide range of enterprise-grade VoIP services.
Price: Free to ShoreTel Sky VoIP subscribers
ShoreTel Sky Softphone App
Best for ShoreTel subscribers
Highlights:
Key Features:
Best Softphone Apps for iPhone and Android
Many softphone apps have iPhone and Android versions available, but it's worth checking before you take the plunge and sign up. It's a good idea to know what equipment your staff have access to and whether or not the app you choose will be compatible with their platform of choice. Not a problem if you provide equipment through the company, but if you're expecting staff to use their own devices, make sure you know what they're using.
On this page, the best softphone apps that work on both Android and iOS include RingCentral, Counterpath Bria, ZoiPer and 3CXPhone.
Some softphone apps are platform specific. It's not too surprising to learn that one of our recommended apps, iSoftPhone, only works on Apple devices, so it's even more important to make sure you're selecting an app that the majority of your staff can use.
Moving Forward with VoIP Softphone Apps
If you’re really interested in utilizing a VoIP Softphone app, these reviews can only get you so far. While all this research certainly helps, you’re going to need all the information available before making a decision – and that means understanding exactly how much it will cost your business.
Configure Shoretel Softphone
Fortunately, we've provided you with a handy price quote form that can help you get the full picture of what these apps offer and how much you're going to have to pay.
Compare tailored VoIP price quotes today to find the best deal for your business.It only takes a moment to compare
Shoretel Softphone App
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Shoretel Softphone Install
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