Technology has greatly improved our ability to communicate, and through web services like Skype we can now see and talk to anybody anywhere on the globe. Skype is the low-or-no-cost voice-over-Internet service that offers free voice and video calling between Internet-connected computers running the Skype software. While Skype has been a great tool for individuals who are missing their loved ones, it can also be a beneficial addition to the business world.
This article discusses the pros and cons of using Skype in business. The first advantage is that Skype offers low-cost calling. For a small monthly fee you get a “SkypeIn” number – a number that people with regular phones can use to call you on your computer – and there is also “SkypeOut,” which is the low-cost calling from computers to regular phones.
While Skype was originally designed for individual use, the company has made improvements to include businesses. Through the Business Control Panel, a company can easily manage SkypeIn and SkypeOut accounts for multiple employees.
Skype is a strategic tool. “…having Skype available to smooth communications is critical. “Often the challenge with outsourcing overseas is that cultural barriers, language barriers and time-zone barriers outweigh benefits,” he said. “Any tool that helps mitigate those risks is very, very valuable.”” One of the biggest factors in losing customers is having outsourced customer service representatives. When you have a problem that is large enough and frustrating enough to call in to customer service, it makes your problem even worse when you cannot communicate with the person who is supposed to be helping you. Skype allows you to see the other person which, to me, improves communication.
Now that we have discussed the benefits of Skype, here are a few of the cons. Skype operates over the open internet, so the call and connection quality are not always what they should be. Security is also a concern, as Skype is not run on a private network. There is no service level agreement, saying that the service will be available and of good quality, Skype only guarantees their “best effort.”
There are many services similar to Skype that are run on private networks, and they may have better quality even. With that said, small, budget-minded companies may benefit from using Skype. If it is not important to have a perfect voice connection, and if you don’t mind glitches every now and then, Skype is perfect for your company.
To change the subject, many businesses have transitioned to the virtual world using. This article talks about one of the ways the virtual world is being utilized. Second Life is one of many “…simulated 3-D Internet imitations that make up what’s known as the “metaverse,” defined as environments where humans interact (as avatars) with each other (socially and economically) and with software agents in a cyberspace that uses the metaphor of the real world, but without its physical limitations.”
Some of the companies that are present on Second Life include Sears, Coca-Cola, Mazda, IBM and Intel. These companies can actually create their own “islands” where employees can attend global meetings, collaborate on projects, and meet with clients. Second Life provides a means by which you can be anywhere and meet with anyone and have conversations.
The article also discusses how important body language is, and how even in the virtual world it can make a difference. When meeting with clients on second life, using hand gestures may make your meeting more meaningful, and even more successful.
The Internet has many communication tools that make the world even smaller and more accessible. With tools like Skype and Second Life, a business can become global. Nothing is out of reach anymore. There are many great opportunities to learn more about the business world, and how you can target your audiences.
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