Skype

Skype is a web-based communication software that provides video chat, international calls, and texting. Users and experts consider it one of the best VoIP solution providers, as Skype offers instant text messaging, video group chat, group video conferencing, and file sharing features, such as document or image sharing. On top of that, Skype is like an online telephone, where users can contact actual landlines or mobile phone numbers by purchasing subscription packages. So, by using Skype, teams increase their collaboration and productivity. Owned also by Microsoft, Skype rolls constant updates, maximizing its functionality and responsiveness.

As a final note, Skype integrates with several third-party business tools, such as GroupWise, Mendix, Slack, and Yugma, among others. And due to being responsible for the sharing of confidential information, Skype has strong built-in security via a dynamic authentication system and encryption measures.

Skype is used by everyone, including enterprises of all sizes, freelancers, or individuals wanting to connect with their families and friends.

Skype is perhaps the most well-known online communication service provider. It has top-notch video chat and communication features. And it is chosen by consumers for its flexible pricing model. As a business communication tool, Skype is considered the best and most inexpensive provider for VoIP services.

The tool enables users to place calls to real-life landlines and mobile phone numbers with minimal rates. For instance, some calls cost just one cent per minute. Users may opt to pay on a minute-to-minute basis or purchase a subscription plan to place international calls. If, however, they require a wider reach, Skype offers unlimited calls to sixty-three countries for $15 per month. What service provide can beat that?

Today many enterprises use Skype as their business communication platform. The reason for this is that it offers lots of communication channels. So, it increases productivity and encourages collaboration between different departments and clients. A Skype conference may join up to 250 people from the comfort of their home office. And that is the great thing about Skype. Many team members can cooperate from a remote environment. Skype is easily accessible for every device, such as desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and tablet computers, making it easy for users to communicate and brainstorm together.

And while communications via Skype are limited to Internet calls and instant messaging, the fact that it is so simple constitutes the primary communication tool for many businesses. The installation of the app also is fast and smooth, and there's zero learning curve. It can be used and accessed by everyone no matter their computer expertise.

The only downside of Skype is that when multiple users connect to a conference, the app does not work very well. Sometimes it disconnects and has connection issues. Also, it gets a bit laggy and slow.

Skype was founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström, from Sweden, and Janus Friis, from Denmark. The Skype software was created by Estonians Ahti Heinia, Priit Kasesalu, Jaan Tallinn, and Toivo Annus. The original idea behind the app was to build a communication tool that could reduce the cost of voice calls with the use of a P2P protocol, such as in Kazaa.

Furthermore, In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion. In 2013, Skype released a free video messaging service that could be operated on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. In 2019, Skype was announced to be the sixth most download the mobile app of the decade. Skype is headquartered in Luxembourg with offices in Tallinn, Tartu, Stockholm, London, Palo Alto, Prague, and Redmond, Washington.