Skype Launches New VoIP Platform

Packed with video, ease of use and call quality enhancements that let users move easily from PC-to-PC audio, video and instant messaging calls, the new VoIP platform released by Skype is now out for beta-testing. This is an improved version and it is aimed at attracting more customers to their service and possibly bringing them to the forefront of the VoIP market considering the fact that they already have some 309 millions users.

It is anticipated that with the improved features such as the video enhancements, in which a big old button can be clicked to trigger an instant video chat between Skype users, it will be well-received for those wanting to communicate over long distances and avoid travel.

According to analyst Rob Enderle, the escalating fuel prices could indeed be a factor in users' decisions to get on the VOIP bandwagon. He stated that "With gas prices going up at an astronomical pace, there is a massive increase in people wanting to do video calls instead of travel, and the combination of products like this and that high gas price may fundamentally change how many do business."

A Yankee Group analyst, Patrick Monaghan, also offered a similar opinion. He said that  Skype has been pushing its product hard in North America over the last year even though it's been a hard sell because many U.S. consumers do not have large long-distance bills now that mobile minutes are cheap and land-line long distance is usually unlimited.

The new, easier-to-use video calls button should help. Moreover, Monaghan said Oprah's endorsement of Skype for a book campaign is already helping. "This has opened Skype to demographics that wouldn't normally be drawn to Skype," he said. "All the new features that make it easier to install and use video will help these people simply use these features, especially video. People do what Oprah does, and if it's free, that's even better.

Check out the New Skype Now.