Skype- What It Is & How It Works

What Is It?

Skype was first released as a simple, free computer-to-computer or computer-to-telephone program. However currently paid for services, such as SkypeIn, SkypeOut, and voice mail services, allows for the company to create revenue to support their business ventures. Skype is a communication network- since 2001 it has been operated by the Microsoft Corporation, which created the Microsoft Skype Division. Microsoft acquired Skype for $85 billion from Silver Lake Partners, who had previously purchased it from eBay in 2009.

Skype is developed and based over the VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) network. VoIP is the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol networks; and that is precisely what Skype is all about- it allows for users to cost efficiently make voice and video calls and chat over the Internet with ease. However, unlike other VoIP services, Skype is a peer-to-peer system rather than a client-to-server system.

How It Works

Once an individual registers for a Skype account, users can take advantage of a myriad of features in which this tool offers. Each registered user is identified by a Skype name and can then communicate with other Skype users around the world. Users can use voice chats as well as instant messaging to communicate with others. Voice chats can be between a pair of users or through conference calling, which enables numerous users to collaborate. In addition, the text chat allows for pairs and conferences to communicate via instant messaging. Other features of the text chat include storing and editing pervious chats, user profiles and online and offline statuses.

SkypeIn or a user’s online number is a service that permits users to receive calls on their computers dialed in by subscribers who have local Skype numbers. Local numbers are available in numerous different countries, allowing for this tool to easily, conveniently and cost efficiently break barriers that could cause difficulty within worldwide communication. Countries where SkypeIn numbers are available include, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This feature of Skype is definitely an asset that enables users to communicate with friends, family and co-workers worldwide with ease.

Video conferencing, one of Skype’s most popular free features, was introduced to registered users in 2006 for Mac OS X and Windows customers only. Next, Skype 2.0 was released for Linux (a free and open source software), which supports video conferencing on other devises. In addition, the next advancement for Skype was released for Windows in 2010, which allows for free video conferencing for up to a maximum of five people at a time. To expand the multiple channels in which this application will function, Skype partnered with Comcast to bring video chatting to subscribers with HDTV sets. As time progressed, Skype also partnered with LG, Panasonic and Samsung to allow special TV models with built in webcams to access the applications offered throughout this site.

The myriad of devises in which users can access the features of this site allows for many individuals, at many different locations, with different levels of technological experience to be able to take advantage of communication tactics that this site offers. The multiple communication channels and ease in which Skype can be accessed, also ensures that users can gain admittance to this application effortlessly from different devises, and thus, ensures an increase in traffic to this site, it seems as though no matter where the user will travel, a devise where Skype can be accessed can always be found.

Finally, video chatting embedding in social media websites, such as Facebook, allow for individuals who may have Facebook accounts, but not Skype accounts or may be only ‘friends’ with the recipient through Facebook to video chat with this individual through a different channel. This outreach for user acknowledgement and satisfaction, along with tutorials on youtube channels and official news, updates and support from the team at Skype on Twitter, is another way that Skype is succeeding in widening their user traffic and increasing the accessibility and ease in which users can find and utilize their site for many communication needs.

Web 3.0- Skype on the Go

Skype operates on a number of platforms, which include various devises and network connections. In 2009 Skype launched its own mobile phone to access Skype on the go, 3 Skypephone; however other platforms in which the site can be accessed consist of numerous different mobile devises. For example, particular Nokia phones and tablets, which use the Maemo environment, Sony mylos, Playstation Portables, PSP Go, which use Bluetooth connections, Windows Mobile, X-Series, which connect via WiFi, iOS, which has an official application released in 2009, iPhone and iPad application, which uses 3G and EDGE networks and a variety of Blackberry and Android 3G Smartphones can also access Skype’s mobile services.

Devises are made to work with Skype in a number of ways, one way is talking to a desktop client or by embedding Skype software into the devise, usually by a PC or to mobile a devise that has a build in WiFi connection. Skpye can also be accessed on a myriad of smartphones, which connects to wireless Internet connection networks or WiFi hotspots. Skype WiFi phones have also been developed, this devise allows users to see who is available to talk or chat, these benefits are extremely similar to what users on a PC can see, however, it allows to user to access this information while away from their PC. In addition, this phone also gives the user the option to contact non-Skype users using SkypeOut minutes for a monthly cost. The Skype WiFi phone, however, does not contain a web browser like other smartphones. The accessibility and ease with all Skype applications is definitely the catalyst for the high volume of user satisfaction and user traffic. On March 28, 2011, Skype set it’s personal record of 30 million simultaneous online users, which was previously set a month prior at a million less.

The numerous ways in which users can access this site has also increased the ways in which this site is used. While Skype is a commercial product, its free versions have been being increasingly used in schools interested in global education projects, as well as, a cost efficient way for businesses and co-workers to communicate face to face, collaborate and save time and expenses on travel. The uses and benefits of Skype are clearly shown by the overwhelming number of users. However, surprisingly, Skype has much more to offer than just a communication tool, there are many other features that this application offers its users.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home?intcmp=alogo

http://twitter.com/#!/skype

http://www.facebook.com/Skype

http://www.pcworld.com/article/244083/facebook_and_skype_deepen_integration.html