Open source softphones are like regular phones, but use the internet to make calls. They must integrate with telephone networks and support various protocols. They can be free or low-cost, and their source code is open to developers. Softphones must support different communication techniques and have security features. Standard calling features are also important.
An open source softphone is similar to a landline or mobile phone, but with one major difference: the call is conducted over the Internet. To work with other phones, an open source softphone must be able to integrate with telephone networks and support a variety of different protocols. When someone makes a call with a softphone, they use a Universal Serial Bus (USB) headset or a microphone built into the computer; the softphone must be able to integrate with the device for effective communication. Depending on the user’s desire for privacy, a secure softphone will prevent people from hacking into your line and listening to your conversations. Standard calling features will also help separate the best softphones from the best, both open source and closed.
In addition to being free or low-cost, open source softphones have other advantages over closed source versions. The program’s source code is open to the user, allowing developers to alter the coding and sell the modified version. If the user is new to programming languages, he can usually download modules made by developers to add new functions to the softphone.
When someone uses a closed source or open source softphone, it uses certain protocols to transmit the user’s voice over the internet to another phone. For this to be successful, the softphone must be able to understand and work with many different protocols. If the softphone understands only some protocols, phones from some telephone service providers will not be able to hear the softphone user. The more protocols supported, the more versatile the softphone is.
There are two main options for users to talk into the softphone and to hear the other person speak: a USB headset or the computer’s microphone. While a USB headset is generally better, as it is more convenient and provides better sound quality, some users may not have a headset. For this reason, the open source softphone must be able to support the user’s preferred communication technique or support both, so that the user can switch back and forth as desired.
As with any service that works over the internet, security is an issue. It will be easy for hackers to break into an unprotected open source softphone; this means they will be able to listen in on your conversation and may be able to inject viruses into your phone line, targeting both your computer and your phone. This means that the best softphone must have at least standard security features, such as encryption and authentication systems.
An open source softphone is like a regular phone, so it should come with standard calling features that make it useful. Some features include call waiting, a call history, call forwarding, conference calls, and call recording. A user should choose a softphone that has features that support his calling needs.
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