Skype: A Credible Business VoIP Service?

Recently, Skype announced a beta test of a business service. Given Skype’s size and scope, any small business should be giving this new service a look and understand exactly what is being offered.

In case you don’t know what Skype is…
Skype is a peer-to-peer communications service. With the Skype software downloaded on a computer, a headset and an Internet connection attached to the computer, you can make voice calls, chat with and hold video calls with anyone on Skype for free. You can also make and receive calls to traditional phone numbers using a pre-paid Skype IN/OUT account. For the most part, this is a consumer service without advanced features that are essential in a business environment.

Skype announces support for SIP-capable IP PBXs
This is Skype’s move into the business world. For the most part, it simply means that if you have a SIP capable phone system, you can use your Skype account for making and receiving calls to traditional phone numbers. Previously, you could only use the Skype client to do this.

From Skype:
"The beta version of Skype For SIP will enable business users to:

- Place calls with Skype to landlines and mobile phones worldwide from any connected SIP-enabled PBX; reducing costs with Skype's low-cost global rates

- Purchase Skype's online numbers, to receive calls to the corporate PBX from landlines or mobile phones"

What does this mean for you, the small business?
If your company is using Skype extensively AND you have an IP PBX, you can now connect the two and allow Skype users to call your PBX. You can also use Skype as a gateway for your calls to traditional phone numbers and you can buy phone numbers from Skype for inbound calls.

If you don’t have an IP PBX, you cannot use this service. You must have an IP PBX which supports SIP trunking to leverage this new service.

If you are in the market for a new phone system solution, there are many service providers offering the "IN/OUT" service that Skype is getting ready to offer. OnSIP is just one business voip service worth looking at. These providers are solely dedicated to supporting businesses and offer features and capabilities that are specifically geared to this market. Be sure to do your research, and choose a provider with a reputation for reliable business class service, and most importantly, that fits your own company’s needs.

Conclusion
Skype’s move to business service is intriguing but businesses should be careful in how they determine if it is right for them. Skype has traditionally been a consumer class service with no service guarantees. Depending on your company’s needs, this service may not offer all of the features that you are looking for. Make sure you are confident Skype is worthy of your mission critical business communications before making a switch.