Skype for Business – Is There a Business Version of Skype?
Posted by Arnold | Under Skype Saturday Feb 12, 2011Nowadays, most businesses require a considerable number of telephones calls to manage their operations. The costs of these calls consume a huge percentage of a business’s finances. But Skype has a solution for this dilemma, Skype for Business. This is one of their current innovations that aim to cut down communication costs whether on local or international calls. Using the Skype for Business allows you to make Skype-Skype calls, video calling, instant messaging (IM), file sharing, screen sharing and conference calls. These features will enable you to communicate with your clients, business partners, and suppliers at very affordable rates.
What is the Latest Version of Skype for Business?
Recently, Skype publicized its newest version of Skype for Business, version 5.1 for Windows PCs. This version lets business administrators set up Skype for their employees and manage how Skype is used within the organization which is made possible by their ability to select its configurations. The business administrators can also distribute Skype Credits and assign paid features such as Group Video Calling.
Other feature like conference calling makes holding meetings for people from different regions of the world very easy. For companies that require frequent exchange of files such as in providing clients with project plans and business strategies, they can surely benefit from Business Skype’s file sharing features. The best thing about this feature is the fact that there is no limit on the file size as well as the frequency of transfer in a day. Conference calls and the ability to share large files can make business transactions more interactive thus promising a more positive outcome.
A Great Money Saver for Home Office and Small Businesses
Most Skype for Business services are free but the premium ones require you to pay a minimal amount. These services include 1. calls to landlines or mobiles anywhere in the US for 2.3 US cents per minute using Skype credit 2. online numbers which will permit clients to call you using their landline or mobile and you reply the calls through Skype for $18 for three months 3. group video calls for $8.99 per month for every user. These prices are much lower compared to using telephones and mobiles so that your communication bill should drastically drop the moment you start using Business Skype.
One Great Feature is Group Video Calling
Among the features of Business Skype, the most beneficial to businesses is no doubt the Group Video Calling feature. This feature offers enhancements to business communications, be it in a small or big company as it allows group video voice calls among three people or more (maximum of 10). Group video calling facilitates real-time interactions of individuals from different locations through high quality audio and video calling. File and screen sharing are also very advantageous as they make business presentations easier and more interactive. According to David Gurlé, General Manager and Vice President of Skype Enterprise business unit, “With Group Video Calling, we can offer business people an easy way to stay connected and collaborate face-to-face with multiple colleagues, partners or customers around the world.”
Skype’s effort of developing corporate features indicates their endeavor towards helping small and big businesses to prosper aside from their own financial gains. Hundreds of businesses from all over the globe are utilizing Business Skype as a channel of communication to accelerate business ventures and make easy communication to clients and business associates. Why not give Skype a try and see how it can bring your business communications to a higher level?