Comments on: Can sleeping giant Skype reinvent itself?

By: HWH

HWH — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:16:23 +0000

WHAT “AXE” DOES THIS GUY HAVE TO GRIND WITH SKYPE…DON’T KNOCK PHENOMENAL SUCCESS..SKYPE’s A BEAUTIFUL THING!!!!
WHATS MORE IS THE PHONE COMPANIES HAVE HAD YEARS OF
“RIP OFF” RATES…SKYPE SIMPLY VERIFIED THEIR EXCESSES!!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:05:55 +0000

My boyfriend is Deaf and Skype video gives us a way to talk to each other using sign language from anywhere in the wide world as long as we have access to a computer with internet connectivity. It also allows for the both of us to see all my family members and have a conversation; I can call my parents on the phone from California to Illinois, but my boyfriend sure can’t. It opens up a wonderful world of access to short and long distance communication for us.

By: Kirsten Rudolph

Kirsten Rudolph — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:51:12 +0000

The missing killer app is the ability to receive text messages, at least by subscription and business accounts. This will complete the last piece of functionality needed to make it an option to use only Skype as a phone service.

By: ANdrew

ANdrew — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:02:10 +0000

thats dumb

By: rebecca

rebecca — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:25:03 +0000

Skype should probably remove their “import my profile photo from MySpace” feature if they’re striving for relevance.

By: Steven Nathasingh

Steven Nathasingh — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:25:25 +0000

One assumes that Ebay and the Skype management team have considered and explored the gizillon options to monetize the Skype technology and its innate value. I would be hopeful that directed research was conducted with corporations and consumers alike. But since the service hasn’t really change for a long time, that research didn’t turn up anything significant that caused management to shift its offerings and value?

I wonder whether the right questions were asked, or insights looked for in the right places, or whether Skype took the well travel road instead of challenging Yahoo and Google?

Irregardless, the new owners must come in with total fresh eyes and ears and expand the revenue potential well beyond where it is today, else, the transaction will not create any additional value for its investors and frankly, for users.

Good luck to the new owners.

By: Jocko Melfrost

Jocko Melfrost — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:16:59 +0000

I sit at home in front of my computer each day working. Skype is the number one communication tool for myself and my colleagues who also sit working at their homes. Calls within the team are free and we have as many conversations between us as in an office environment. Skype keeps the cost of that kind of interaction to a minimum.

In fact, I also make calls to telephones from Skype which means that I can keep my headphones on all day and keep to one communication device (Skype). I also got myself a Skype phone number that puts calls straight through to my computer.

My family loves the video – especially mother and father who get to see their grand-daughter even though they are thousands of miles away.

Add to the mix the conference calling features, voice mail, and various plugins and you’ve truly got a perfect communication tool for home and business.

By: Brian P

Brian P — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:14:04 +0000

Every great wave of innovation is preceded by a great advancement in communication. The Internet and Skype connected the world at a reasonable rate. Computer to Computer calls anywhere in the world are FREE.

I have been taking care of a single Russian woman and her son for 3 years. I talk to them every day. The VAST quantity of money I have saved with skype means that they live much better. They are thriving now, partially due to skype.

If skype were a person it would be one of the greatest heroes in history. No joke. This company deserves our respect and loyalty.

By: maverick

maverick — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:07:09 +0000

Skype sure embarrasses the phone companies that gouge us for international calls. They have exposed the true cost.

I hope they do well, I use Skype as much as possible.

By: Gabe

Gabe — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:17:08 +0000

Another challenge to Skype in business enterprises is the growth of unified communications solutions like Microsoft’s Office Communication Server. If a business can afford server infrastructure, it will probably want a secure VoIP solution that it can centrally manage. I use Skype myself, but I’m self-employed in a one-woman business. And indeed, it is a bit of a network hog–but far cheaper and more convenient than landlines or mobile phone service and with the added benefit of video.

Still, it seems that to thrive Skype needs to be more than just a good communication tool. You have the sense that many people want to learn how to use Twitter, Facebook, et al simply to be in step with the times. That case can’t be made for Skype.