Choose your communication tool: Skype online - Skype download
In 2014, Microsoft announced the launch of a new version of Skype called Skype Enterprise, which takes the application's functionality even further. Like all applications in the Microsoft Office 365 office suite, Skype has a classic version to download and install and a lighter, online version. What are the pros and cons of these two options? Find out here. Read all our reviews of video conferencing software.
Skype online is more advanced than Lync and Live Messenger
The replacement of Microsoft Lync and Live Messenger by Skype has brought its share of improvements. If you were a Lync user, you probably noticed that it was very limited in terms of features: PSTN integration, chat persistence, as well as HD audio/video. These limitations are now eliminated with Skype Business Online, which includes PSTN connection, chat persistence and HD even for group videoconferencing (up to 250 participants).
Few functional differences from Skype Online
In terms of functionality, Skype Online users will not be disappointed. The web application offers the same features as Skype to install:
- Instant messaging for chatting with colleagues and sharing links with skype online messenger
- Audio calls in pairs or groups
- Answering machine so your contacts can leave you voice messages
- Video calls for two or groups
- Screen sharing in pairs or groups
- Send files via skype online chat
- VoIP: call France and abroad on any phone with a personalized phone number
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, IOS operating systems and all modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)
The real break with Skype, however, is in scalability. While Skype Online works well for small businesses, it is far less effective for large teams. The latter are often invited to equip themselves with a Skype for Business server to ensure the intensity of exchanges between remote teams. By using Microsoft's dedicated server, you'll get the same performance as Skype Desktop, while securing the confidentiality of your data on a Private Cloud.
Skype Online is better suited to mobile use
The web version of Skype didn't really need to exist in its standalone version. Things have changed since then. Microsoft is increasingly integrating Skype into its web-based tools such as Outlook e-mail, calendar, contact manager, Yammer, social networks and more. All these tools have an online version that users can no longer do without, as accessing work from anywhere has become a must. In line with Microsoft's integration strategy, and in response to demand from more mobile users, Skype is now available in a web version , enabling users to access Skype online without installation. The result of this integration is quite satisfying: with the new version of Skype, you can join a video conference from your Outlook calendar. It's also possible to call a colleague from the e-mail he or she has sent you. Finally, Skype online and Outlook contacts are synchronized, so you don't lose any of your productivity.
On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks to installing Skype, such as the inability to retrieve downloaded files from one workstation to another. Skype also takes up space on your hard disk, and starting it up slows down your machine (especially on Windows). Similarly, Skype's consumption of bandwidth and processor power is well above that of Skype Online. Finally, in terms of security, an online application is always preferable, because hacking Skype online is more difficult, as the application is less permeable to hacking and viruses. Indeed, it's becoming increasingly common for Skype accounts to be hacked. Skype Online, on the other hand, is free to freephone numbers, but chargeable for other calls.
Online private and group lessons with Skype
Skype has made polyglots of the world by enabling millions of people to learn a language with a pen pal or teacher abroad. Can Skype online still do this? Yes, absolutely. The application can deliver videoconferences of the same quality to up to 5 users without any loss of quality, and much more under the right conditions (quality webcam, stable Internet speed). So it's totally possible to fill a virtual classroom with 25 people to learn Spanish. The only limit is the teacher's method.
Article translated from French