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Beyond Email: The Role Of Skype And VoIP TechnologiesBrian KellyUKOLNUniversity of BathBathEmailB.Kelly@ukoln.ac.ukURLhttp://www.ukoln.ac.uk/

Contents

• What are VoIP & Skype?

• How can Skype be used?

• Beyond a phone replacement

• The down side

Contents

• What are VoIP & Skype?

• How can Skype be used?

• Beyond a phone replacement

• The down side

UKOLN is supported by:

http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/events/workshops/swmlac-2005-09/skype/http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/events/workshops/swmlac-2005-09/skype/

A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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What Are VoIP And Skype? VoIP:

• Voice over IP (Internet Protocol)

• Telephony over the InternetSkype:

• Most popular VoIP application

• Free calls to other Skype users

• Cheap calls (~ 1p/min) to landlines & mobiles

• Various add-on facilities also available

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See Audio briefing paper

See Audio briefing paper

A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Using Skype

Skype as a telephone• Skype can be used as a

conventional telephone• Particularly useful on laptops for

the traveller• Sense of presence – know if

recipient is online (can switch off)• Instant messaging

Additional features:• Integration with Web browser

(sharing browsing)• Video Skype• Skype Me icons on Web pages• …

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Usage Scenarios

How Skype can be used:• Conventional phone replacement (office/home)• On laptops, when travelling• Conference calls (on-the-fly)• Listening in to lectures (nb. accessibility benefits)• Recording talks (e.g. interviews for Podcasts)• Support for remote workers• Help desk support (e.g. VoIP-based Ask Me

reference desk)• ….

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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The Down Side

There must be a down side!• Skype is proprietary (can't talk to other VoIP

applications)• Skype may break organisation's AUP (it lets other

Skype users make use of your bandwidth)• Do I want people to see when I'm online?• Will spammers harvest my Skype ID and send me

IM spam or audio recordings selling Viagra?• What about my organisation's plans for VoIP to

replace conventional telephone system• How reliable is it?

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As will all applications mentioned, there are advantages and disadvantages - the decision rests with you.

As will all applications mentioned, there are advantages and disadvantages - the decision rests with you.

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www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Questions

Any questions?