Switchvox Chat Transitions from Switchboard to the Desktop Softphone

Features for Chat and SMS messaging were added to the Switchvox Desktop Softphone in version 7.4. During that release, we indicated that the Switchboard Chat Widget would be removed in a future version.

In Switchvox version 7.6.1, the Chat Widget and Video Chat are now removed from the Switchboard. If you used those features in the Switchboard, we invite you to transition to the Switchvox Desktop Softphone app to discover how these features are improved in the app.

See How do I Use Chat in the Desktop Softphone App? to find out how to use the Desktop Softphone for chat and SMS.

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The Desktop Softphone is an app for Windows or macOS that offers calling, plus chat, video, and screen sharing for collaboration with a Switchvox coworker. Chat in the Switchboard didn’t include features that are offered in the Desktop Softphone: group chat, Chat Rooms, SMS-capable messaging, text formatting, hypertext links.

For video conferencing with your Switchvox coworkers, Sangoma Meet is integrated with the desktop softphone. You can start a video conference from your active call, or from a chat. Sangoma Meet can also be used for video conferencing with anyone. For details, please visit sangoma.com/video-conferencing/.

The Desktop Softphone can be used at the same time as the Switchboard, so that you can enjoy features like the Switchboard Queue Widgets at the same time you’re chatting with coworkers in the app.

The app is a phone much like the D-Series phone that would sit on your desk, and includes call handling features like hold, transfer, and merge (for Meetme audio conferences on-the-fly), plus tools such as Favorites (for quick dialing or to check the status of coworkers), Voicemail, Call Log, and a Contacts search tool (for finding internal and external contacts who aren’t in your Favorites).

The other Switchboard features, such as the Queue widgets, Parking, etc., all remain in the Switchboard unchanged. Switchboard Layouts are not affected.

Desktop Softphone Just for Chat

If you prefer, you can use the app just for the Chat feature; you don’t have to use the app as your phone.

In this scenario, the Switchvox administrator does not have to assign the Desktop Softphone to the user. The user can log into the app to use the chat and video conferencing features, see their Call Log and Voicemail, and click-to-dial their contacts. The user will need a desk phone for making and taking calls. 

Feedback

If you have an idea that you would like to see implemented in Switchvox, please send us a feature request to SwitchvoxFeatures@sangoma.com.