Skype recently upgraded it’s software to v2.5 and included Beta software for Video Calling, and I’ve been using it quite frequently recently.
The call quality is better than ever – to the point where I’d happily use it for business conversations and not just calls between friends. Of course, this quality all depends on the connection you are using, but most of the sites I’ve tried using Skype from have had at least 512k broadband or higher.
The video calling feature is really nice, and just seems to "work". I’ve had long conversations with the GG, my brother, and even my Dad (yes, when my 78 year old Dad starts webcamming – you know it’s become mainstream…). I can’t see a great business case for video calling – but the option is there I guess.
Regardless of that issue, I’ve been using VoIP (through Vonage) in the office for around 15 months now – in fact for a long time we didn’t have a landline whatsoever. Results have been mostly positive, and call bills are now lower than ever.
I persuaded the IT department at one of my larger customers to buy some headsets and install Skype recently too. Their IT manager often works from home but needs to keep in constant contact with the office, and the nature of the queries the IT team bring to me means we are often on the telephone for long conversations too. By using Skype, those telephone call costs are reduced to zero. What’s more, they can see when I’m on-line and "available" to help them. Neat.
There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s only a matter of time before everything from telephony to video is delivered over IP. On the basis of what I’ve seen thus far, there are no arguments against that from this corner.
The call quality is better than ever – to the point where I’d happily use it for business conversations and not just calls between friends. Of course, this quality all depends on the connection you are using, but most of the sites I’ve tried using Skype from have had at least 512k broadband or higher.
The video calling feature is really nice, and just seems to "work". I’ve had long conversations with the GG, my brother, and even my Dad (yes, when my 78 year old Dad starts webcamming – you know it’s become mainstream…). I can’t see a great business case for video calling – but the option is there I guess.
I have had a problem with my own aging webcam (a Mercury Pocket Cam 3-in-1 – made by Kobian) in the office. It so rarely gets used that I’m not surprised. Trying to use the Camera within Skype produces a "Video Source fails to deliver stream in the correct format" error. The problem is discussed in the Skype forums here. Skype say they plan to address the problem in a future release. The camera works with Windows Live Messenger though.
Regardless of that issue, I’ve been using VoIP (through Vonage) in the office for around 15 months now – in fact for a long time we didn’t have a landline whatsoever. Results have been mostly positive, and call bills are now lower than ever.
I persuaded the IT department at one of my larger customers to buy some headsets and install Skype recently too. Their IT manager often works from home but needs to keep in constant contact with the office, and the nature of the queries the IT team bring to me means we are often on the telephone for long conversations too. By using Skype, those telephone call costs are reduced to zero. What’s more, they can see when I’m on-line and "available" to help them. Neat.
There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s only a matter of time before everything from telephony to video is delivered over IP. On the basis of what I’ve seen thus far, there are no arguments against that from this corner.
Subscribe by email
