Skype is a revolutionary VoIP service that is literally sweeping across the world. Skype combines VoIP with instant messaging to great effect, so you can easily stay in touch with people around the world.
Skype is made by the same people who created the world’s most popular downloaded software - KaZaa. It is also based on the same peer-2-peer principles as KaZaa. Skype features an integrated suite of features including free VoIP to VoIP calls (SkypeIn) and extremely cheap VoIP to non-VoIP calls (SkypeOut). As well as this, Skype also features an instant messenger.
Skype is available for all Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. There are absolutely no problems using the software between different operating systems.
AOL have launched their own VoIP package, which boasts tight integraion of existing AOL products such as email and AIM. However, the AOL VoIP package is currently limited in availability to 22.2 million AOL members in the USA. (To see if you are able to signup to this service, visit AOL Keyword: Internet Phone Service.)
One of the biggest advantages with this system is in the ease of use and setup. It isn’t complicated to get going, so even a non-technical person will be able to set it up and start benefiting from VoIP. If you already use AOL as your Internet Service Provider, then this may be the perfect VoIP system for you. AOL have made it interchange with other AOL services such as emails, instant messaging and it can even make use of your contact list. And unlike some other VoIP services, the AOL VoIP plan comes with the ability to route 911 emergency calls directly to your local dispatcher.
One of the ways that AOL have integrated VoIP with their existing software is when a call comes through. When someone calls your VoIP phone, a small popup appears on your screen showing any caller ID. You can then choose to direct the message to your voicemail, answer or forward the call to another number. Pretty neat. While other VoIP providers do offer similar features, some do not allow you to direct the call like the AOL VoIP service.
Although the AOL plan is easy to use, it does come at a cost. Whereas other VoIP providers such as Skype and Vonage offer low cost plans, this AOL VoIP plan comes in at $30 per month - enabling unlimited calls within the USA and Canada.
All in all, AOL’s initial foray into the world of VoIP and internet phone calls is good, but it is relatively high priced. If you already are using AOL as an ISP, this service would certainly represent an easy steping stone into VoIP and the many benefits it has to offer for you, your home and business .
Skype and Tom Online have announced that they are to offer a Chinese version of Skype’s popular VoIP service that will be branded as Tom Skype.
China has been hesitant to allow VoIP service providers access to their population as China currently highly regulated by the government, who allow only a few companies to offer VoIP services. This joint announcement is a big step forward for Skype and Tom Online, who are now able to build a customer base in China.
However, it must be noted that the annoucement was carefully coded, downplaying the VoIP call element of the Skype client and focussing more on it’s instant messenging capabilites.
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