Disruptive Technologies - Skype

I was introduced to Skype today. I've heard about it for quite some time, but even though I'm the kind of guy that tends to be ahead of the tech curve, I didn't really "get" what Skype was trying to do. Skype does instant messaging and voice chat, so I figured, "So does AIM and MSN Messenger, which I'm already using." A friend talked me into giving it a show today, and the set up on my aging laptop (P3-700Mhz) was absolutely zero hassle. I add him to my contacts list, and pretty quickly, I get a message that he wants to start a call. I pick up, and I can hear him clear as a bell. Better, even ... it sounds like he's sitting right next to me!

Skype is a Voice Over Internet Protocol client, which is to say, you can make voice calls using your internet connection, just like you'd call someone on the phone. (They even have phone handsets for Skype.) They also have a a couple of other services, like SkypeOut, where you can call a landline from your Skype client, and SkypeIn that will give your Skype Account a "real" phone number, so people can call your Skype number from a landline. Those cost extra, but of course, calling a Skype client directly is always free. But compared to a cell phone bill, $39 for a year with a dedicated phone number is awfully compelling. Add to that the ability to call anyone in the US, UK, or Australia for roughly two cents a minute ... I can see what they mean by disruptive technology. Already people are using Skype to handle business, the ROI is amazing.

I'm going to have to play with it for a while and see how worthwhile it is, but so far, I'm loving how it works. I can't wait until I can get a PocketPC Phone Edition with a Skype client, and use VOIP instead of roaming.