SKYPOMANIA

Skypomania – a chance to improve your network or just another device?

Skype™ software is a freeware that allows people and businesses to use Skype's voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) network. Using VOIP people can make voice calls over the Internet on their home or office PCs. Skype™ is the most successful VOIP network with more than 400 million users worldwide, boasting crystal-clear calls and free Skype-to-Skype calling anywhere in the world. In 2008 Skype™ software added a video feature, allowing callers with webcams to view each other live while chatting. Skype software doesn’t require any special hardware though a broadband connection is recommended. A contact list keeps other Skype users only a click away. The quality of the call is many times better than a standard phone line, and you can talk as long as you like for free. Calls are also encrypted, making Skype completely secure and private. (skype/wisegeek websites)

This blog post will show different attitudes as well as advantages and disadvantages of Skype.

R. Kayne from Business Networking.com tells us more about the advantages of Skype. If you have family, friends — or in the case of a business — non-local or even internationally, there is no cheaper or better way to communicate than free, using Skype software. No subscription or fees of any kind are required for this basic service of Skype-to-Skype calling. You can use your Skype software 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without limits or caps.

I find this to be very persuasive: The bigger and the more intercultural your network is, the more money skype is able to save for you. Who doesn´t know those expenisive landline calls from one continent to another? Video Calling, Instant Messaging, Phone or Mobile Calls and Skype Manager will enable you to connect the whole world. Even for your business Skype could be a perfect solution, not only to save money, but also to have the opportunity to make video calls and share data in a fast and secure way.

Although most of the users would say that Skype is a perfect way to save money, there are several people who disagree with this, e.g. Matthew Schieltz, e.how contributor. Skype requires your computer or laptop to be turned on and the software up and running in order to make calls. This is a huge disadvantage, as it prevents you from making and receiving calls when your computer is off. Skype officially endorses only two types of traditional land-line telephones that can be used with its service: the cordless RTX Dualphone handset and the Belkin Desktop Internet phone. Phones that use Wi-Fi technology and are specifically made for Skype users are options, but these options are extremely limited as well. No customer service number exists so that users can speak with a representative; there is only an online help form that allows Skype users to submit a support request. The limited customer service options for subscribed users of Skype is a huge disadvantage to individuals and especially business customers who may need help in times of emergency troubleshooting. Call quality from Skype may suffer if you have a slower-than-average Internet connection. Customers may also experience interference during calls if using a Skype WiFi or cordless phone from other devices such as routers, microwave ovens or even Bluetooth-enabled devices that operate at the same frequency.

Both parties are right, there are as usual advantages and disadvantages, but in my opinion it is a great opportunity to save costs and use the chances given by this device, especially for private users and small businesses. More and more devices are able to perform skype-software. Call your friends on all continents, share data immediately, take Skype with you as you have a 3G Phone. Nowadays Skype already commands 13 percent of international phone calls. Don´t think about costs, when you think of your network, friends or business contacts. There´s no excuse for yourself, now you have the technical device, so you should use them. In other words, you should better think of the chances you have within the right network. Your network is more important than you think, stay in contact, no matter where your contact is, might be the most important connector or boundary spanner you know.

Sources:

Business Networking.com

http://www.ehow.com/list_5907068_disadvantages-using-skype.html#ixzz16hI9w3uC

http://www.ehow.com/list_5907068_disadvantages-using-skype.html#ixzz16hHtHOaL

http://www.ehow.com/list_5939079_advantages-skype.html#ixzz16hHApiKv

http://www.ehow.com/list_5939079_advantages-skype.html#ixzz16hH3ZZ7B

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/technology/companies/01ebay.html

http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2008/9/17/harvard-couture-mr-livingston-was-conceived/

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?

http://www.skype.com

http://www.credit-suisse.com/skype-a-baltic-success-story

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