Skype offers an Alternative for Business Your Communications

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Skype offers an Alternative for Business Your Communications

August 18th, 2009 |

Author: Cliff Maripa

skype_logo I remember the first time I heard about Skype… I was in college and the word “free” always made my mouth water. It sounded almost criminal that anyone could call anywhere in the world for free over the internet. So I set aside the two or three hours it would take to download and install Skype using my dial-up connection. But when I was all set, I realized that I had a few issues to deal with. One, I had to buy a headset, which wasn’t cheap. Two, it was only free if I was calling someone who had also made the commitment to download and use Skype. Lastly, and most importantly, the quality of the call was hardly worth the effort. So I uninstalled Skype to make room for Napster.

Its been several years now, and Skype has matured. The call quality is as good as any landline or cell phone call. A lot more people in my address book use Skype, and the equipment is less expensive and far more advanced. But questions still remain for people who have not used this technology or have not given it another try since those dark days of dial-up.

What is Skype?

Skype is software that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet. This technology is also known as Voice over IP or VoIP. Calls to other Skype users are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones around the world can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, SMS messaging, file transfer and video or teleconferencing.

To get started with Skype you need a fairly decent high-speed Internet connection. You will also need a headset and microphone and, optionally, a webcam. Just go to skype.com; download the free software to your computer and you are ready to go.

What Features does Skype Offer?

SkypeIn allows Skype users to receive calls on their computers dialed by regular phone subscribers to a local Skype phone number; local numbers are available for a number of different countries. A Skype user can have local numbers in any of these countries, without actually having a physical presence there and the process is as simple as signing up with Skype, choosing an area code within the country and paying the fee of $60 for the year or $12 for 3 months. Calls to the number charged at the same rate as calls to fixed lines in the country.

So, for instance, I have clients in the UK who can reach me by simply dialing my local London number. They are charged the rate for a local call, and I am charged my pre-paid Skype minutes. And if I am not available online, their calls can either be forwarded to a number I’ve already designated, i.e. my cell phone, or it will go to my Skype voicemail that is included in the price.

Video Conferencing
Skype for Windows, supports “High Quality Video” with quality and features (e.g. full-screen and screen-in-screen modes) similar to that of mid-range videoconferencing systems. This, combined with the teleconferencing feature, allows you to hold meetings with staff or clients in remotely through an internet connection.

Skype Mobile
Skype is also available for download on some mobile devices and therefore allows you to make calls using Wi-Fi, and thus saving your mobile minutes. Of course most carriers, especially here in the US are not keen on that sort of thing. But if your device has that capability, it is perfectly legal.

Third-Party Plugins are also available, like Pamela allows you to record calls and back them up as mp3s. Or a Firefox browser plugin that turns any phone number on any web page into a number that you can click on and you will be instantly connected via Skype.

Skype offers a business service that offers all these features, but also gives a Control Panel where you can track the number of users and minutes across your whole organization.

How Do I Set it Up

Check out our free PDF tutorial on how to Get Started on Skype.

Pros
Lower telephone and text messaging costs
Ability to see who’s available and who’s not
Convenience of have a local telephone “presence”
Conferencing

Cons
Privacy concerns, like any information that is transmitted through the web, Skype is no less susceptible to breaches in security or surveillance.
Depends on always being connected to the web. This can be a concern if you decide to trade in your landline for Skype.
No local emergency access. The US National Emergency Number Association recommends that all VoIP users have an analog line available as a backup.
Poor customer support. Skype does not provide a way to contact customer support, offering indirect assistance through its web portal only.

What Features Are Useful for My Business?