Telephony software covers the programs and licences that run business phone systems, from call handling and voicemail to softphone apps on a PC. It suits small offices, support teams and IT managers adding voice to existing servers. Our range is small and focused, with all seven products coming from Lenovo.
How to choose telephony software
Deployment type. Decide first whether the phone system will run on your own server, on a virtual machine or in the cloud. On-premise software gives you control over call data and extensions but needs a server that you maintain, while hosted services move that work to a provider.
Licensing model. Check whether you pay per user, per extension or per simultaneous call, and whether the licence is perpetual or time-limited. A per-user licence suits an office where everyone has a desk phone, while concurrent-call licences can cost less for a team that rarely talks all at once.
Compatibility. Confirm the supported operating system, virtualisation platform and phone protocols before buying. Most business systems use SIP, so your handsets, headsets and internet telephony provider should support it, and the server needs enough processor power and memory for the number of calls you expect.
Features you will use. List what you actually need, such as an auto attendant, call queues, voicemail to email, call recording or CRM integration. Some functions are sold as separate add-ons, so a basic licence may not include them.
Growth and support. Look at how easily you can add extensions later and how long updates and technical support are included. A system sized for ten people can become awkward to expand if the licence has a fixed cap.
Brands we carry
- Lenovo: best known in business IT for ThinkPad laptops and ThinkSystem servers. Every telephony software product in our range carries the Lenovo name, so it is worth checking the requirements against any Lenovo server you already run or plan to buy.
Telephony software FAQ
What is telephony software used for?
Telephony software lets a computer or server place, receive and manage phone calls over a network. Businesses use it for extensions, call routing, voicemail, call queues and recording. It replaces or extends a traditional phone exchange.
Do I need a server to run a business phone system?
Not always. Software installed on your own premises needs a physical or virtual server, but hosted systems run at a provider and only need handsets or softphones on your side. The choice depends on how much control over data and maintenance you want.
What is the difference between a softphone and a PBX?
A softphone is an application that turns a PC or mobile device into a phone, while a PBX is the system that connects extensions and routes calls between them and the outside line. Many companies use both: the PBX handles the calls and softphones act as the extensions. Some products combine the two functions.
Can I use my existing phones and headsets?
Often yes, provided they support the protocol the software uses, which is usually SIP for IP phones. Analogue phones typically need an adapter or gateway. Check the supported devices in the product specification before you buy.
