Skype vs Broadsoft - whats the difference.. ?
Jun
17
Written by:
6/17/2009 10:23 AM
A lot of our customers ask what the big defferences are between Skype and Broadsoft.
Skype is normally people's first experience with a VoIP phone system. It's kind of unfortunate, as it really gives VoIP a bad rap. Skype isn't a very good phone system. Yes, it works.. Yes, it has some cool features like presence, IM (chat functionality), file transfers and more, but it's really just a glorified Instant Messaging app. Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger both have the ability to place calls build into thier interfaces as well. So what makes Skype special? Nothing really.. just the fact that they market it more as a phone system than an IM client. Skype has a "Skype for Business" version, which really does nothing more that provide an .msi installer so IT depts can roll out the installs in an automated way. There isn't anything more "Business" about it. You can't run your business with Skype.
Enter Broadsoft.. While a Broadsoft phone system is more expensive than Skype, it's much cheaper than a Switch based phone system. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on phone switches, wiring and hardware. A broadsoft system works just like your computer, over a CAT 5 ethernet cable. Now look at it's advantages over Skype, Broadsoft adds:
- HD Voice
- Easy access on smartphone
- Easy transfer to/from mobile/desktop
- Presence
- Video capability
- IM/Chat
- Email-Voicemail Integrated mailbox
- Voicemail text
- UM (unified messaging)
- User portal
- Click to call
And this is just a shortlist. I could go on... Take a look at a full feature list here: Broadsoft Phone Features
Broadsoft is the king of VoIP services. Skype is like Broadsoft's little sister, fun to play with, but you wouldn't want to take her to the prom. Broadsoft enables carriers like Telesphere to provide it's customers with a superior product and service which will keep business owners coming back for more.