What is VoIP Software?

VoIP software is commonly used to emulate the functions of a telephone using your desktop, laptop, or Pocket PC. This type of arrangement is known as a softphone. Of course, you will need a headset or speakers and microphone as well. Or you can get a USB phone that plugs into your PC.

Some popular VoIP software available today:

• Skype. Skype is probably the most popular of all, and is available for free. Windows, Mac, Linux and PocketPC versions available.

• Firefly. Firefly from Freshtel is also free and is based on open-source software released under the GPL license.

• eyeBeam. eyeBeam is Xten's new VoIP softphone software that replaces their X-PRO and X-Lite offerings for Windows, Mac and Pocket PC.
• In the business world, Digium's Asterisk software is making inroads in the VoIP PBX market. Asterisk is a full-featured PBX implemented in software based on Linux.