Now that most people have high speed internet, calling people from your computer seems like a natural step forward. 

Learn what Skype is, how you can use it to grow your business, what you need to get started and the massive amounts of money you can save calling people over the internet.

Not to mention super fun video conference calls!

What is Skype?

Skype (Rhymes with “type”) is software that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service and to free-of-charge numbers are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

• When did it start?
• Why use it?
• My story using Skype
• Cost – Calling other Skype users, calling to land lines, calling internationally
• Reliability
• Features – call, chat, video, conference calls, send files, call forwarding, SkypeOut, SkypeIn
• Platforms – Windows, Mac, Linux
• Portable – Cell phones, Blackberry, iPhone (release 3/31/2009)
• The benefit of local phone numbers with Skype
• Caller ID weakness
• No 911 service
• Slow customer support, Poor quality customer support
• Dangers of Skype – “Sexy Ladies” soliciting you and Fake Windows Updates

I use Skype for my primary business number.  I’ve been using Skype for my business since 2006.  I think it’s better than Vonage.

Contest Question: What is the lowest rate you can pay to call India on Skype?

Answer: excluding VAT $ 0.092 and including VAT $ 0.106

Winner: Shannon