SIP vs VoIP, dialers VS softphones: differences and similarities
SIP and VoIP are often understood in the same way and synonymously though there is a difference. Their roles are different, their significance is different, and their applicability is different too.
Here's the thing.
VoIP vs SIP
VoIP is more fundamental, we'd say it provides a technological base for call over broadband Internet connection. Voice is transmitted digitally and usually in reasonably good quality. Besides voice, VoIP gives us video conferencing and other things like call recording.
SIP, shall we say, is a practical implementation of opportunities given by VoIP. It's also fair to say that it sets rules for devices and platforms in terms of communication: how to start (initiate) a session, stop (terminate) it and so on. In other words, gadgets may vary though interact seamlessly.
To make the long story short, VoIP is a basis and SIP is a superstructure. VoIP can do without SIP; SIP cannot function without VoIP but reveals it in all its glory via maximizing devices/platforms compatibility and delivering great communication experience. Though as noted earlier in a practical sense these terms are quite interchangeable.
So should you wonder if Softphone.Pro is a VoIP softphone or a SIP softphone, we say — in both instances you'll be right. Besides, it’s fair to say it's a dialer and a client too, not a program telephone only. That's another pun and this is what the second part is about.
What is the difference between a client, a dialer and a softphone?
Clients VS dialers VS softphones
First of all — what is a client? The “client” word came from the network architecture glossary: it implies that there is another party which the program communicates with — a server. The client–server model is a structure that distributes tasks between the resource providers (servers) and service requesters (clients). With regard to calls over the Internet, Softphone.Pro is a client, and PBX is a server. Technically, for a normal user a server looks like an unseen, underwater part of an iceberg which needs to be configured just once in the settings (or even never if it's remote provisioning and admin's job).
The second question — what is a dialer?
A dialer (also a dialler) requires a SIP server too, otherwise it cannot work as designed (looking ahead, we can say the same with regard to any softphone). Basically, it's an application that dials phone numbers and makes calls like a regular phone. Call centers use this term for emphasizing the role: the program is to automate dialing, and an agent doesn't spend time for this. More time to talk, higher efficiency. And the last nuance, the "dialer" term is more widespread in the US instead of "client" and "softphone" which are used a bit less.
Finally, let's see — what is a softphone?
Likewise, a softphone is an application that functions like a hard phone or a desk phone but does not have a physical embodiment. Softphones are popular among sales teams, helpdesks, call centers, and all who are to make dozens and hundreds of calls every day as they are easy to use, don't require space on the desks, and good for remote work. As for Softphone.Pro, it's compatible with Windows and macOS, excellently suited for a business of any size, and provides easy integration with CRM, instant click-to-call, enhanced BLF, event handlers, online reporting, and many others tasty features, no wonder it's being sold in 70 countries worldwide.
Let's summarize: by the letter of the terminology, there might be a slight difference (very slightly); in terms of spirit — no, in practical sense it's all the same. Client is a more technical word, dialer is more American, and softphone is more common.
The main and most important thing is to remember to keep it up-to-date — get the latest release here :)
#glossary #vocabulary #faq #voip #sip
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