Softphone is an application that allows the University of Maryland faculty and staff to make and receive calls. This article describes many of the settings that can be configured for the softphone desktop client only. If you need help setting up emergency calling with softphone, read Installing MyE911.
Request softphone service
Softphone Service must be configured for you by the Division of Information Technology; otherwise your assigned telephone extension will not work with the softphone client.
- Please request your softphone service using this link.
- Choose VOIP services on left.
- Choose Softphone Service
- You must be Department Representative or Business Manager to see the request.
Softphone overview
Introduction to softphone
Softphone is an application for Windows and Mac that allows you to make and receive calls remotely as if you are on campus. Softphone functions as a virtual phone whether you are connected to the public Internet or to the University of Maryland through a virtual private network (VPN).
Logging in
After installing and launching the softphone client, you will be prompted to log in. The initial prompts vary based on your operating system and computer domain. Use your full Directory ID if asked (DirID@umd.edu) and your passphrase. You maybe prompted for multi-factor authentication.
Softphone interface
The user interface of the softphone desktop client has the following elements.
- Contacts: Save frequently used contacts.
- Chat menu.
- Rooms.
- Recent Calls.
- Calendar.
- Voicemail: Visual Display of voicemail messages with the option to forward messages to other users.
- Settings Menu.
- Search Bar: Search directory by name or dial numbers.
- Device for Calls: Select audio devices
- Select Use my computer to use the microphone and speaker installed on your computer.
- Select Cisco 88XX/78XX to use your desk phone for audio.
- Forward Calls: Forward all incoming calls to another number or directly to voicemail.
- Call Settings: Configure phone and forwarding options.
- Single Number Reach and Call Forwarding can be toggled.
- You can get to the Cisco self-care portal from softphone settings.
Softphone settings
Audio
To open your audio settings, click the in the upper right corner to open the menu, then select Audio from the bar on the left. Here, you can choose which speaker and microphone you wish to use for calls.
To set preferred audio devices, scroll to the bottom of your audio settings and select . Select your preferred devices in the Speaker and Microphone sections, then use the
to make it the preferred device. Click Apply when finished.
NOTE: If you do not set preferred audio devices, softphone may default to other options when devices are disconnected or when you reboot your computer.
Calendar
To integrate the softphone Calendar with your UMD Google Calendar:
- Click the
in the upper right corner of the softphone home screen to open the Settings Menu.
- Select Calendar from the menu bar on the left.
- Select Google Calendar from the list of options under Calendar Integration.
Calls
To change whether or not calls start with video:
- Click the
- Select Calls from the menu bar on the left.
- Select Never start calls with video from the list of options.
To change other call preferences, click the in the lower right corner of the softphone client home screen. The following settings should appear: