Skype

What is skype?
Skype is a free software that is available on many platforms. Some of these include PC, Mac, and alot of different cell phones. The iPhone is a perfect example of this.

This software allows you to instant message, call, video conference, send files, and even screen share! You can connect with a friend with computers and even between computer and cell phone.

How much does it cost?
Skype is a free service! There are a couple of exceptions though. For example, say you want to call a skype friend overseas and they are away from you their computer. Skype allows you to purchase credits to call somones non skype device, such as a land line or regular cell phone. These rates are very reasonable too!

Here is a video to better demonstrate how skype works.



So what is so great about this?
Alot of things! This software is having a major impact on the way people communicate. It makes talking to people internationally easy as pie. It also helps the effort to get people away from their desks and out living their lives!

Why is telecommuting a better option?
It is green! It also improves employee morale.
In the article Telecommuting to Spare the Air and Save the Planet the author says,

" Seeing as the typical U.S. household spends 18% of its income on driving costs– more, even, than it spends on food– telecommuting offers a viable way to offset the steep expenses of gas and automobile maintenance. One study reports that we could save about 1.35 billion gallons of fuel a year if everyone who was able to telecommute, did so just 1.6 days a week.Saving on gas also leads to lower gas prices. The less dependent we are on gasoline, the more dependent the gas companies become on us. The more telecommuters there are, the more likely we will see gas prices drop. In using less gasoline, we contribute to improved air quality. Fewer vehicles on the road results in fewer greenhouse gases, less traffic congestion, and improved highway safety. And unlike projects to implement mass-transit systems and road improvements, which can take years of red tape and millions of dollars to make a reality, telecommuting programs can be implemented immediately with instantaneous and productive results."

That alone is outstanding!
But on top of that think about how much paper can be saved by sending files over skype. A lot! No more faxing and wasting paper or printing out drafts to be approved. Employees can screen share and save the environment!

Here is a link to the comany Moo featured in the video below. They are a great example of using skype to benefit a business!



How about skype for education?
A really great example of skype being used in education is posted on Skypes homepage.
The company Toniks uses skype as its sole communication and function base to teach people foriegn languages!

Here they say...
"Video calling is essential to Toniks,” says founder and Managing Director, Karen Hollands. “An enormous part of learning a new language is seeing how to form the words, and video calling allows this.”

So, What else?!
Happiness and and laughter!