Until recently, the free, Internet-based calling service Skype (News - Alert) was a consumer product only. Today, though, solutions are starting to appear in the market that turn Skype into a business tool. Once such company, VoSKY Technologies, offers VoSKY Exchange—an innovative solution that allows businesses to leverage the advantages of Skype without losing enterprise-grade telephony features.
TMCnet asked David Tang, VP of Global Marketing at VoSKY’s VoIP department, to answer some questions about Skype for business use.
What is Skype for Business?
Skype for business is a Skype offering which includes features and services designed to for the business environment. It allows companies to utilize Skype, the world’s largest free VoIP network, for cost-effective communication and collaboration with employees, customers and partners.
What is VoSKY Exchange?
VoSKY Exchange is the industry’s first Skype-certified business class VoIP gateway that optimizes Skype for business. It is an innovative solution that seamlessly integrates with any TDM
or IP-based PBX (News - Alert) with the global Skype network. VoSKY Exchange leverages
free Skype-to-Skype and low-cost SkypeOUT calls to enable business critical solutions like multi-site PBX
networking, Skype trunking, PBX remote access and Web site click-to-call.
What was the business environment like before the introduction of VoSKY Exchange?
Before VoSKY Exchange, if a company wanted to utilize Skype for business, it had to install Skype and a headset device on the computer of all of its employees. This means employees would have separate devices to make phone calls, the headset for Skype-to-Skype or SkypeOUT long distance/International calls and the office phone for local calls. In addition, it was complex for the IT manager to manage Skype on every desktop.
How does VoSKY Exchange change the business environment?
VoSKY Exchange seamlessly integrates with the existing TDM or IP-PBX phone system in a company. It now allows employees to utilize their office phone to make free Skype-to-Skype or low-cost SkypeOUT long distance or international calls. VoSKY Exchange provides the IT manager with a single server to manage and control. It optimizes Skype for the business environment by enabling key solutions like multi-site PBX networking, Skype trunking, PBX Remote Access and Website Click-to-Call.
How can companies network PBXs using Skype for business?
Companies can network together PBXs in multiple office locations by simply installing a VoSKY Exchange at each location. The VoSKY Exchange PBX-to-Skype Gateways are networked together by utilizing Skype as the central hub. Since VoSKY Exchange connects to either analog FXS/FXO ports, it can seamlessly integrate different brands and models of PBXs. The VoSKY Exchange 91XX model allows businesses to create a global number plan that enable extension dialing between locations.
What are some of the advantages of networked PBXs using Skype for business?
The number one advantage for networking PBXs together is FREE inter-office calls. In addition, the global numbering plan and extension dialing capabilities offer convenience for employees.
What else should businesses know about Skype for business?
According to Skype, more than 30 percent of its registered user base is utilizing Skype for business communications. This means that upwards of 50 millions users worldwide are already using Skype to communicate and collaborate with employees, customers and partners.
To learn more about Skype business solutions, please visit VoSKY Technologies’ TMCnet.com channel, Skype Business Solutions.
Mae Kowalke previously wrote for Cleveland Magazine in Ohio and The Burlington Free Press in Vermont. To see more of her articles, please visit Mae Kowalke’s columnist page. Also check out her Wireless Mobility blog.
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