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Sunday, April 17, 2005
1st Skype Conference Call - Problem Resolved
Just tried my first Skype conference call using SkypeOut. I de-installed/re-installed the 1.2.0.41beta client to no good effect. But I think I figured out what the problem was - passwords.When I bought a SkypeIn number the other day I changed my account password to something more than the simple, low-security password I use at public sites. But the Skype client never asked me to log-out and log-in under the new password. It kept working (apparently) normally for Skype-to-Skype connections and the SkypeIn number worked, so I didn't think about it. But it never recognized the voicemail service.
Today I bought some (initial) SkypeOut minutes, and when I went to make a SkypeOut call the client warned me that my password had changed and forced me to log-out and log-in again with the new password. Suddenly all my account options were available and working.
So I called two family members on their POTS numbers and we had a brief conference. Perfectly serviceable. Not great clarity - both parties complained about the the general sq being muffled - but serviceable as long as only one person spoke at a time. No noticeable time lag or echos.
This is probably not something I'd use with new clients who are used to traditional conference calling services - especially if the call required more than four parties. But I can see using it where I have an established relationship (and a bit of leeway) and the circumstances call for a small, impromptu conference of 3-4 parties. This is certainly as good as the typical 3-way calling offered through most cellular networks.
Posted by: 
Terry Frazier at 1:47 PM
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Categories: Productivity, Technology
Terry Frazier at 1:47 PM
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Saturday, April 16, 2005
Rethinking Skype Conference Call Scenario
Skype Journal has me rethinking my opinion on Skype conference calls. As usual, I was thinking inside-the-box and viewing conference calls as requiring individual endpoint origination (participants should call into the conference.) Of course, with SkypeOut I can originate the conference and connect all parties. I had some initial resistance to the idea of having to pay for calls here in the states, having gotten used to calling anywhere in the US from my cell phone without additional fees. But SkypeOut's $.02/minute rate is less than half the lowest conference calling service I've seen, and the hassle factor is lower. Not requiring participants to remember a special number and passcode is a good thing.I'm still having lots of trouble with the 1.2.0.41 client, and Skype have not bothered to answer my support request. But once I get that cleared up I'll be adding some SkypeOut minutes and trying the conference calling feature. I'll still be adding the VoIP line for my main business number, but the Skype scenario is promising.
Posted by: Terry Frazier at 12:25 AM
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Categories: Business & Finance, Collaboration, Technology
Terry Frazier at 12:25 AM
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Thursday, April 14, 2005
Alternative Voice Options
For the past several months I've been experimenting with using my Treo 600 as my sole business phone. This just doesn't work - partly due to hardware problems on the Treo, and partly due to the realities of SprintPCS cellular service, I've grown increasingly dissatisfied.
I like having my cellphone, calendar, and address book in the same device and being able to sync it with Outlook. But I've had two Treos with defective headphone jacks (making the phone unusable with headsets) and the speakerphone facility sucks. SprintPCS offers no way to permanently turn off call waiting, which means that anytime a client calls me we're subject to being interrupted by a second call. And the thing rings, beeps, buzzes, or makes some kind of noise at every event and these beeps and buzzes are audible to whoever is on the other end of the line.
I need alternatives and I'm not going back to the telco.
The latest news on SkypeIn looks promising, and the $30/year price is low enough to make experimentation attractive. Reading about Steve's Skype and Treo combination started me thinking, so today I bought a SkypeIn number
- 678-608-1406 SkypeIn
VoIP looks like the best option. I have a great ISP - Speakeasy - that offers dry copper (no dial tone) DSL up to 6Mbit. I got a dedicated DSL link installed in my office some time ago. Today I ordered Speakeasy VoIP service that gives me unlimited calling in the US and Canada for $24/month. It will take a week or so to get my new number and the adapter, but I should soon be back in business - literally. And all without a single call to or bill from a telco. Now we're talking!
The cell phone experiment wasn't a total failure. I learned that running a business from a tiny, portable device isn't a strategy for heavy or long-term usage. It's great as a backup, temporary, or failover option but not reliable enough for everyday use. And I still like my Treo - I just need to get it replaced (again) under warranty.
Posted by: Terry Frazier at 1:07 PM
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Terry Frazier at 1:07 PM
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