Softphone technology available for USAFE-AFAFRICA users

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Communications specialists assigned to U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa are installing an application on computers across the command that may replace the phones many people have on their desks.

These specialists are installing Cisco IP Communicator on computers of users across USAFE-AFAFRICA. The software is one of the latest developments in telephone service technology. It will enable users to make Defense Switched Network (DSN), commercial and emergency calls from their computers.

The softphone technology could also save millions, said Adam Sowells, the USAFE-AFAFRICA Engineering and Architecture Branch theater engineering lead.

"Softphones are much less expensive than traditional telephones and significantly easier to field and maintain," Sowells said. "The only cost with implementing softphones is the purchase of one headset per user that costs between $30 and $60. The change could potentially save the command millions as each Cisco phone, the phone used in many offices across the command, costs about $700."

USAFE-AFAFRICA could save nearly $20 million if 80 percent of its employees across the command use the communicator rather than traditional hard phones.

"In a future of constrained resources and a cultural change to adopt application-based services, softphones are a necessity," Sowells added.

Along with saving money, softphones enable users to make phone calls that require access to a DSN line from home or while on temporary duty.

When coupled with virtual private network client software, softphones provide users with DSN access anywhere they can connect to the Internet, said Karen A. Howard, USAFE-AFAFRICA Architecture and Engineering Branch voice-over Internet protocol tier three engineer.

With VPN software, Cisco IP Communicator enables people to participate in teleconferences from home, something Sowells said he appreciates.

"We do a lot of teleconferences with people in the (United) States so I can call DSN from home and take part in those conferences," Sowells said. "That's the biggest benefit for me."

Individual units are responsible for requesting installation of Cisco IP Communicator or VPN software on their computers, as well as providing headsets for their users.

Currently, the software can only be installed on government computers.

Softphone installation requires local administrator rights. To have the software installed, call the Enterprise Service Desk at DSN 314-478-4357 and open a trouble ticket. Once the ticket is open, a local client systems team technician will ascertain the technical information needed and install the software.

For more information about Cisco IP Communicator or VPN software installation, contact the local communications squadron.