Skype may be wining the battle with VoIP, but are they the only option?
Until recently if you mentioned making free calls over the internet, the first name which came to mind was Skype. This is because they came out strong and fast against all of the smaller companies offering similar services. They even managed to make sure that morning shows like Today started using their service in order to connect with callers via video to answer questions.
Even with all of the press that they received over the years, they could not get the kind of attention Google received when they announced that they would start offering a VoIP system which would include video capabilities. This has led Skype to push even harder to get a foothold in the VoIP business phone system market. Until recently this service has been in Beta mode which is a big turn off for many of those looking to use a product.
Recently, the Beta tag has been wiped clean from the site and the product has now entered the phase where it is usable with existing PBX systems. This allows customers to use VoIP phones to connect with their clients around the world and across town. They are set up to allow you to work with VoIP companies like Avaya, ShoreTel, Cisco, SIPfoundry and more. This allows you to make and receive phone calls from the service that you already have while still being able to receive the rates which Skype has been known for over the years.
In fact, those looking to connect with other Skype members will still be able to do it at the touch of a button through the Skype interface. This will allow you to make phone calls through the PBX or UC system as they have grown accustomed to. While this is restricted to calls made in between those who are members of the Skype network, it offers a bit of familiarity for those entering into the brave new world of VoIP.
The only thing people are waiting for now is to hear about the IPO from Skype. This will surely allow the company to elevate to even loftier heights but many are curious to see how the SMB market will handle the news.
Hot on the heels of Skype is Google Voice with a business offering of its own. While there is still nothing available in the Google Apps section, it seems only a matter of time before they too are vying for your business and offering great rates which will be highly competitive to businesses looking for quality VoIP service. Until that time is reached, people will likely continue to turn to Skype for their business calling needs. This is because while Google Voice has a lot to offer businesses, many have complaints about having to be logged in and online every time someone wants to call them. Additional complaints about dropped calls have plagued the service which is currently available from Google. There will have to be improvements made if they want to compete.
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