Skype - Overview and Possible Further Developments & Features

Skype - Overview and Possible Further Developments & Features

Introduction

Skype is a proprietary freeware with closed source that provides an encrypted voice and video communication over the Internet between computers (VoIP), instant messaging, peer to peer networks using the technology, as well as paid services for calls to mobile and landline phones. It combines features found in common client (chat, save conversations, transfer files) to a system of calls based on a peer-to-peer network. The program also allows you to make conference calls (up to 25 voice users, including the initiator), video calls (including video conferencing up to 10 users), and provides text messaging (chat), and transfer files. There is an opportunity instead of an image from a webcam to transmit images from the screen.

Discussion

Skype - Overview

Skype allows free calls between Skype users via the Internet. Internet phone calls with customers of other providers are not possible. Connections to landline and mobile phones are chargeable (SkypeOut). To make calls from the traditional telephone network to accept is to buy a online number required (SkypeIn). The establishment of such a number is possible for some 25 countries, without being physically present in these countries have. The software works behind firewalls and NAT (Network address translation) - router problem because for communication among others a variant of the STUN protocol is used for connection (Pelsch, 2011).

Skype was developed in July 2003 by the Swedish programmer Niklas Zennström and Danish programmer Janus Friis, in Luxembourg. They received support from Draper Investment Company (Draperco). Since the Skype VoIP protocol is proprietary, it can only be used with the original Skype software. The external programs access the functionality of the Skype clients and parts of the network over the Skype API (Pelsch, 2011).

Skype aims to connect users via text (IM), voice (VoIP) or video. One of its strengths is communication free voice between Skype users and from anywhere in the world. It also enables special calls, at low cost, between computers and landline or mobile. It can be used in the following ways:

Free communication by text, voice or video between two Skype users with Internet-connected personal computers. Requires registration and acceptance of the terms of service at no cost.

Communication group or conference free speech (video group is paying) among users of Skype, all with Internet-connected PC. Requires free registration.

Generation of voice calls at low cost from a Skype user with PC connected to the Internet, to mobile or landline phone. Requires payment contract, monthly or yearly.

Communication and sending low cost data (text and graphics) from a Skype user with PC connected to the Internet to computers fax (or PCs with fax software) connected to fixed networks. Requires payment contract.

Voice calls to local call charge from fixed line telephones or mobile phone number of a subscriber to Skype users with Internet-connected PC. If the receiving user is not available, Skype offers a voicemail service. Agreement required payment by the receiver. The calls made from mobile phones are charged local rates ...