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The Skype Messaging Service |
Skype is one widely used messaging service
which runs on your PC and will let you talk to contacts over the Internet at no
cost and will even allow you, through the
Skypeout
service, to make calls to traditional landline numbers.
It is designed to work on your PC and provide a friendly user interface which is
easy to navigate and use. |
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There are
several things to consider though before you load it onto your computer. |
Skype is based on a decentralised
model and uses the PC's on which is loaded to control calls between other users.
This means that your Internet traffic load will increase for the benefit of others
because your PC will be used by Skype even if you are not actually using the service.
If you are on an Internet service that imposes traffic limits, as is common in Portugal,
you could conceivably end up paying extra for the Internet traffic generated by
Skype. |
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The generally quoted prices are shown
exclusive of the Belgian VAT of 15% which is added when you purchase extra Skypeout
time. The prices in our comparison table include this VAT as it is unlikely that
business users in Portugal will reach the limits required for, or want the hassle
of, reclaiming the VAT. In addition Skype now charge a "connection charge" for each
call which is not reflected in the published rates but hidden in the terms &
conditions. |
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Traditionally
Skype has been used with a headset or USB telephone device which limits the access
to the call to the user of the PC. |
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We can now provide a USB /
Telephone interface which will allow you to either plug in a traditional telephone
- even a wireless phone - or you can even connect your existing telephone exchange
so that all users can make and receive calls. |
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Because Skype's
contacts are based on user names rather than "telephone like" numbers it is actually
quite impractical to use Skype in a business environment where you need to be able
to dial out from any extension over the Skype service - for this a
VoIP service is seriously
recommended. |