Choosing your communication tool: Skype online - download Skype
In 2014, Microsoft announced the launch of a new version of Skype called Skype Business, which takes the application's functionality even further. Like all applications in the Microsoft Office 365 suite, Skype has a classic version that you can 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 will no doubt have noticed that it was very limited in terms of functionality: PSTN integration, chat persistence and HD audio/video. These limitations have now been eliminated with Skype for 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, users of Skype Online will not be disappointed. The web application offers the same features as Skype for installation:
- Instant messaging for chatting between 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 for two or groups
- Send files by skype online chat
- VoIP: calls in France and abroad on all phones with a personalised phone number
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, IOS operating systems and all modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)
The real difference with Skype, however, is its 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 in order to adequately ensure the intensity of exchanges between remote teams. By using Microsoft's dedicated server, you can enjoy the same performance as Skype Desktop, while ensuring the confidentiality of your data on a Private Cloud.
Skype Online is better suited to mobile use
The web version of Skype had no real reason to exist in its standalone version (i.e. independent of any other application). Things have changed since then. Microsoft is increasingly integrating Skype into its web-based tools such as Outlook email, calendar, contact manager, Yammer, social networks and so on. All these tools have an online version that users can no longer do without, because accessing work from anywhere has become a must. To keep up with Microsoft's integration drive and the demand from more mobile users, Skype has now been extended to include a web version so that Skype can be accessed 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. You can also call a colleague from the email they have sent you. Finally, Skype online and Outlook contacts are synchronised, so you don't lose any of your productivity.
On the other hand, installing Skype does have a few drawbacks, such as the inability to retrieve files downloaded from one workstation to another. Skype also takes up space on your hard drive, and starting it up slows down your machine (particularly on Windows). Similarly, Skype uses much more bandwidth and processor power than 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 susceptible to hacking and viruses. It is becoming increasingly common for Skype accounts to be hacked. On the other hand, Skype Online is free to freephone numbers, but you have to pay for other calls.
Online private and group lessons with Skype
Skype has made many a polyglot in the world by enabling millions of people to learn a language with a pen pal or teacher abroad. Can you still do this with Skype online? Yes, absolutely. The application allows videoconferences of the same quality to be held with up to 5 users without any loss of quality, and much more under the right conditions (quality webcam, stable Internet speed). It is therefore entirely possible to fill a virtual classroom with 25 people to learn Spanish. The teacher's method is the only limit to this exercise.
Article translated from French