The Avaya Softphone is simply a telephone created in software, in a computer program, rather than in hardware. It’s not a real device that you can touch, but it’s a fully functional VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone none the less. Just consider it to be a different model of phone than the one you’re currently using. Buttons and functions are in different places, but they’re generally still there including appearances of multiple numbers, placing calls from work numbers, answering multiple lines, hold, transfer, redial, speed dials, call history, and more.

Because it’s software, if you meet all the requirements, you can run it on your home computer and connect back to the University’s phone system with the VPN. Then all work telephone functions are available in your home. You can answer your normal extension(s), transfer calls, conference call with others, place a call on hold and answer another, switch between active calls, check voice mail, forward your phone, and more.