Small Business VoIP

Skype (News - Alert) provides free, easy-to-use solutions that offer rich, high-quality, multimodal communications channels. Millions of people every day use Skype software to communicate through voice and video calls, as well as instant messages.

JC:   That would have to be the release of Skype 4.0 Beta for Windows. It introduces the industry’s first attempt at “universal / multimodal conversations” that span chat, presence, voice, video, moods, SMS and file sharing. This product has had an ambitious design goal and the initial feedback from users has been fantastic. We have a long way to go, but we are very pleased with the initial results. 

 

RT:   What can we expect to see for from your company for the next 12 months?
JC:   Skype just delivered its sixth consecutive quarter of profitability and just passed 338 million users. If we keep focusing on developing and delivering the simple, rich and utterly compelling communications experiences we are known for, then Skype will be well-positioned for further growth. On the client side, we will launch the final version of Skype 4.0 for Windows. Skype will also continue its engagement with the independent software vendor (ISV) and device ecosystems. Plus, we will continue to invest in our core technologies (audio, video, P2P), as well as in user experience and customer service. And, of course, there will be some surprises that we are not ready to talk about just yet. 

 

RT:   How do you see the communications market evolving?
JC:   Communications is rapidly shifting from “hard-wired / hardware” to software-centric experiences. Communications is moving from dedicated devices on circuit switched networks (i.e., landline, GSM, Fax, etc.) to IP-connected multi-purpose computing platforms (i.e., PCs, iPhones, etc.). 

 

RT:   What company made the biggest contribution to communications this year?
JC:   I’d like to say Skype, of course. And I am totally serious that the Universal Conversations paradigm that we are shifting to will have a very big impact over time. But, if look at the biggest impact item in the last 12 months, I’d would have to recognize Apple (News - Alert) and the iPhone. They have not only delivered the device, UI, and a new OEM-Carrier model, but also they have delivered an amazing ecosystem with many innovative applications already in use. 

 

RT:   How has Google changed our markets?
JC:   Google has been quiet so far. Of course, they have been talking about Android (News - Alert), but in actual terms of their impact on the market, we are still waiting to see what happens. 

 

RT:   What mobile phone(s) do you use?
JC:   I use both a BlackBerry (News - Alert) and an iPhone. I like my blackberry because it just works, and the battery life is amazing. The iPhone is still a bit too big and heavy and the battery life with push email is not great. But the apps are fantastic and it is a great replacement for my iPod. 

 

RT:   Who will win in an Apple/RIM war?
JC:   RIM is winning and has an incredible installed base with IT (i.e., BES servers). But Apple is very smart and is going after the end-user with features and the “fun” factor that appeals to them. It is going to be a long battle and the market will be split for a long time. 

 

RT:   What do you think the communications market might look like in five years? 
JC:   It will revolve more and more around software. 

 

RT:   What will attendees learn about in your session at ITEXPO (News - Alert) this September?
JC:   How multimodal real-time communications is being delivered by companies like Skype.

RT:   What type of attendees do you think should come to your session?
JC:   Anyone interested in the future of telecommunications.

RT:   Why should customers choose your company’s solutions?
JC:   Skype provides free, easy-to-use solutions that offer rich, high quality, multimodal communications channels. 

 

RT:   Please make one surprising prediction for 2009.
JC:   There will be a disruptive shift in the business conferencing space.