Skype Surging Forward

March 30, 2009

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After a long slow period for everyone’s favorite VoIP company, Skype is finally announcing some news items which might just help push the service into more users hands.

Skype is one of those cool companies that people really want to love. However, their lack of evolution lately has made that a difficult task for some of us. Addicted to Skype chat or not, there are many other options.

Last week, Skype launched a Beta of its new SIP Trunking service “Skype for SIP” and a new desktop client which promises better sound and “Big screen video.” This week, they have launched a new iPhone app on the iTunes store (now available for free). None of these services are groundbreaking, rather making it easier for users to connect with the Skype network in new ways.

SIP Trunking allows companies to connect their phone systems directly to IP phone networks and generally achieve lower cost call connections. Skype’s posted rates aren’t cheap by SIP standards, but that may change by the time Skype for SIP comes out of Beta. The real advantage of Skype’s new SIP product is the ability to call Skype users for free. Which would be a big benefit if you have a lot of Skype customers.

Similarly, Skype for iPhone won’t rock your world, but it does put your Skype account literally in the palm of your hand. Make and receive Skype calls, chat with your friends, all for free to other Skype users. There is a caveat, you can’t place a Skype call over AT&T’s network, you must be on a WiFi connection. However, Skype chat does work on the AT&T network. No doubt, AT&T was worried about loss of revenue - they should be!

It is hard to compete with FREE.

Written by Todd · Filed Under Business, Mobile, VoIP/SIP, WiFi