For small and medium business (SMB) owners budgets are often tight, making financial considerations high on the business plan and strategy. Anything that reduces costs without detrimentally affecting performance
is invaluable.
The Benefits of Video Calling
Group video calling is a valuable tool for any business with its accompanying reduction in travel and communication costs for meetings to occur. It also allows for immediate business decisions to me made face to face.
Most group video calling facilities have a cost implication; it may represent a significant reduction in costs compared to an in-person meeting, but it’s still there. If that price is lowered, without the service being affected, it’s a major positive for any SMB.
Skype Recognizes the Needs of its Users
Group video calling facilities for users are nothing new for Skype; they were first available in 2010 and, after a free assessment period, became a premium service in 2011. Until now the charge for this premium facility has remained in place. In 2011 this was not an issue for Skype as it was the only viable provider of VoIP group video calling. There was also a little complaint from users as it still gave them the option of a cheaper solution to the traditional video calling facilities.
With the passing of time so other, free of charge, options have become available, such as those offered by Google Hangouts. Skype have now realized that the time has come to give their loyal users what they want; the ability to talk as a group without having to pay for it.
What Does Skype Group Video Calling Allow?
The primary function of the service has not changed. It is still possible for up to 10 people to take part in a video call.The only thing that has changed is the cost of the service now being free of charge on Windows desktop and Mac.
Skype highlighted the change in its blog on 28 April 2024, it stated;
“Skype is committed to making group communications simple, easy and fun for everyone – now and in the years to come!”
Apparently, this is set to encompass the mobile world as well with Skype promising to make video calling available across all platforms.
Why the Change?
Yes, Skype recognises the needs of its users by allowing them to communicate freely on a group level but there is more to the change than just client satisfaction. The market has changed considerably since Skype first introduced the service, not least with the growth of the juggernaut that is Google Hangouts. The reality is that Skype were once the big boys of VoIP but their superiority is being threatened, and they have possible already been surpassed.
Will a free group voice calling facility change this? That remains to be seen but its availability can only be beneficial to the SMB community, especially if the transition to mobile platforms comes to pass.
