Skype

Skype is an instant message, phone and video communication software platform that I've used almost daily for several years. It's been critical for allowing instant communication with a global team and clients. It's very simple to use and free which is outstanding. Skype has had several updates since I began using it over several years. The updates themselves are not too frequent. It seems to be only a small few per year. But it's good to know it's constantly attended to and kept up to date with current computers and mobile devices and the audio and video equipment that can work with it. I love being able to chat with my grandparents on Skype even though we live a few thousand kilometers apart. I've used Skype much more for business than personal uses, but it's always an option. In fact, I prefer video chatting with my family and friends rather than texting or by phone. I can imagine the video component will become more and more valuable in society and families as learn how to easily connect with Skype. Skype is an effective way to make online communication seamless whether it's for personal or business use and works great on mobile devices. You can have group calls and chats which is an especially great option for having business meetings. Adding attachments has been a very useful feature for me too. I used this just today. The paid Skype offers don't lock you into contracts. The video calling and instant messaging is always free. Skype credits can be purchased for calling cel or land lines and prices vary according to country. The audio can be setup to use vehicle speaker using bluetooth for safe driving. I like Skype's newest Business plan which integrates the full Microsoft Office 365 suite into the application. This would make it a tremendously powerful project manager, or customer relationship management tool. Skype has become a household brand and as an entrepreneur I can appreciate that. It's the first application to come to mind for me if someone want to meet online. The webcams, speakers and microphones I've used with Skype all installed automatically, and believe most shouldn't have issues.

The paid components possible for Skype are a bit pricier than other services you can purchase. Voip phone numbers for example. I've witnessed video issues using Skype and so have others I've met on video during our call. This usually has to do with the local internet connection. Skype is generally very stable although a bit slow on my older iPhone 4. My friend has wanted to use Skype to visit for a couple years since I've known her. Somehow it hasn't been simple for her. If you haven't installed a lot of software before it's easy to think there will be a bit of a learning curve before using the software. Which includes audio, video and computers aspects as Skype must connect with these too. Audio and video can be options, of course. New Skype users may believe it's fine to download Skype from a 3rd party software site which may attach adware into the installation. And then think it's not worth the hassle or filled with malware. Which isn't the case when downloading it directly from Skype, of course. It's currently almost $43 per month, per user to upgrade to their Office 365 integrated plan. I would seriously consider this if it were competitive with the Office 365 standalone membership to which I currently pay for monthly. This newest business plan would eliminate criticism that Skype is not truly great for managing relationship especially in business because there was not the means of interconnection such as suite of tools Office 365 can provide. I've used Skype with friends in countries without stable internet access. This can become an issue but it's a solid option when internet connections are fine. Whatsapp is viable free option when strong mutual internet connections are not possible, I've found. But relying on an internet connection is not ideal in emergency situations. Which is why it's not used for emergency situations.

Non-techies should be able to learn Skype within an hour, or so. It's just a matter of making sure you download Skype directly from Skype.com and exploring the software. And getting help if you get stuck somehow. Life becomes easier when using Skype. Video chats are an amazing thing to have anytime. Being able to visit family especially during holidays in person on video is so much better than just texting or speaking on the phone. Businesses will greatly benefit from the new Skype and Office 365 integration. Customer support departments will also benefit greatly from Skype too. Overall, Skype gets my highest recommendation. It's an essential, cost effective tool that offers so much for free. The business upgrades are drastically improved with the Microsoft integration. And with such a large network it's easy to connect with people already using Skype everyday.