Pioneering certain technology areas may be a company’s mission, but only through partnering with other pioneers can it succeed and move forward. Skype started in 2003 and it seems businesses, especially in North America, are oblivious to its existence. As communication technology develops, the software offers effective and cost-efficient solutions to problems the industry encounters.

The beauty of Skype’s software is that it works through your existing Internet connection and allows communication with any Internet-connected computer also running Skype. And the best part? The download and computer-to-computer calls are free. Now if you want to call landlines and mobile devices through Skype, there’s a fee administered as-you-go or through a monthly subscription, but with Skype, the majority of users rely on the free communication.

The software became popular as a “share the love” network in Europe. With people moving and living abroad, it helped families and friends keep in touch by chatting, talking for free and later video-calling. Today, it accounts for 8 percent of global international calling minutes. In Q3 2009, free Skype-to-Skype calls accumulated 27.7 billion minutes, with one-third of these being video calls. So how do you get started?

Starting Skype usage is fairly simple. It begins with downloading the software’s latest version for Windows on a dual-core processor PC (or Macintosh with compatible OS) and having a fast broadband connection, all of which most current computers on the market offer. For voice calls, the recommended speed is 10 Kbits to 64 Kbits. For video, in both normal and high quality, you need 384 kbps along with an optimized high quality webcam and the latest webcam software.

After downloading Skype, its integration with your current lifestyle can be a comfort. You can add contacts by using their Skype user names or by importing names from your Microsoft Outlook or e-mail boxes. Following an established connection on the other person’s computer, you are ready to talk. Phone functionality is similar to your home or cell phone. You can mute or hold the call, and when calling cell phones you can even send text messages.
One can choose either speakers with a microphone or a Skype-recommended headset. I recommend the Freetalk Everyman Headset. This headset includes a unidirectional microphone, eliminating background noise, neodymium speakers for full-range 20 Hz to 20 KHz stereo sound and an optional 3.5 mm jack allowing MP3 connection when traveling. The device is one of the few available on MACs with MAC OS X 10.22 or newer.

In order to be set up for video calling you would need a webcam. I prefer the Logitech QuickCam Pro with RightLight™ 2 Technology. This cam corrects for poor lighting, fast motion and comes with the latest driver updates, which can be downloaded from Skype’s Web site.

As you delve into the wonderful world of Skype, continue to stop by the M/C/C blog as we highlight additional Skype features you can use, such as producing video while interviewing or sending faxes.