Transcript Skype Created By Niklas Zennstrom in 2003

Skype Created
By Niklas
Zennstrom in
2003
Today more than 370 Million people are registered globally.
Skype is currently the largest international voice carrier.
What does Skype Offer?
• Free Skype-to-Skype calls
• Free video conferencing
• Cheap Calls to landlines and cellphones
• International calls at competitive rates
Business
Applications
Can be used on many different
operating systems including
mobile devices.
•Can be used on Many
different operating systems
•Additional features include:
– Skype-In – allows users
to place calls directly to
personal computers
– Skype to go – Allows
users to make
international calls from
mobile phones at the
same rate they use for
their computer.
Skype on Android
Skype on Sony PSP
Pricing
• Flat fee of 2 cents per minute for calls across
the US to non-Skype users.
• Calls can go up to $5.82 per minute for some
international calls
• Skype also offers Monthly subscriptions for
unlimited calls:
– 2.95/month Within the US and Canada
– 12.95/month Anywhere in the world
Skype is based on
the peer-to-peer
model rather
than a clientserver model
What is SIP???
Session Initiation Protocol
A standard protocol for initiating an
interactive user session that usually involves
multimedia such as video, voice, chatgaming and virtual reality.
• Skype integrated SIP into the peer-topeer model which turns VoIP into a true
IP communications network.
• Skype for SIP is compatible with almost
all protocols making it work well in
many different scenarios.
For Example…
Click-to-call buttons which allow users to
contact call centers or personal computers
directly from their websites
For Example…
Free calls to the office when employees are
travelling
Alternatives
• JaJah – Has no downloadable
software. Users simply sign up and
enter their number and the one they
wish to call.
• OoVoo – 2-way video chat with
payment plans for 3,4 or 6 participants.
Similar to Windows live messenger but
with higher quality and more options.
JaJah
OoVoo
Advantages
• Free calls to and from Skype users.
• Businesses can connect entire offices with
Skype through their existing phone lines.
• Skype for SIP allows “click-to-call” buttons to
be placed on a business’s website.
Disadvantages
• Customer Complaints:
– Charging money to accounts without
authorization
– Billing after Blocking accounts
– Poor Customer Service
• Privacy concerns – Rumored “back door”
Conclusion
• Skype is a great arrangement for businesses in
need of free conferencing software or cheap
telephone calls.
• More Simplistic options are available.
• For users in need of all-inclusive features,
Skype is a great option with very large
potential market.