Transcript SKYPE - vOip on a shoe string

Voice Over IP (VoIP)
“On A Shoe String “
Tim Shelton
Landau Uniforms
[email protected]
Evolution of cheap communication
(VoIP)Voice Over IP
• What is it?
Way of utilizing the internet for telephone conversations
• Why is it beneficial?
Lower cost and convenience - Significantly less expensive than
typical telephone long distance packages.
One high speed internet connection can serve for multiple
phone lines
VoIP Using
• Skype
– Software that allows you make free calls over the
internet to anyone else who also has the service.
It's free and easy to download and use, and it
works with most computers. Skype offers free
global telephony and unlimited voice calls.
– Most popular VoIP application (171 million users)
– It was reported that nine million concurrent Skype
users were online on January 29, 2007.
Skype Features
• Standard features:
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Talking free to other Skype users
Conference call with up to nine total Skype users
Video calls on Skype
File transfers
Chat (instant messaging)
Secure Communication using encryption
• Optional features:
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SkypeOut - Make phone calls to landlines
SkypeIn – Receive phone calls from landlines
Skype Voicemail
And more…
Sample Skype Out Rates
Country
Rate Per Minute
China
.02
Egypt
.21
Honduras
.41
Mexico
.02
Nicaragua
.25
Using Skype
• Skype as a telephone
– Skype can be used as a conventional telephone (great for
international calling)
– Particularly useful on laptops for the traveller
– Sense of presence – know if recipient is online (can switch
off)
– Instant messaging
• Additional features:
– Integration with Web browser (sharing browsing)
– Video Skype
– Skype Me icons on Web pages
The Down Side
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Skype is proprietary (can't talk to other VoIP applications)
Do I want people to see when I'm online?
Firewalls might have to be configured to allow Skype traffic
How reliable is it? No service level guarantees.
Sometimes gets resistance from IT department
How Do I Start Taking Advantage
Of Skype?
2 Easy Steps
1. Download Skype software from www.skype.com
2. Purchase a Skype phone or headset
Skype Demo
Questions?