Skype Conference Calls - Now Supports up to 25 Participants
Feedback from my recent post on the Unlimited Calling Plans: turns out that somewhere - unannounced - in a recent version upgrade release, Skype for Windows will now support up to 25 participants on a Skype Conference Call. While the host must be on Skype for Windows, participants can be on any version of Skype or be on a PSTN connection via SkypeOut.
What is the impact for VAPPS' HiDef Conferencing? HiDef Conferencing continues to have the following features:
- Complete business grade conferencing hosted on a VAPPS server rather than being reliant on the configuration and connection of the host's PC.
- HiDef Conference calls may be scheduled.
- Calls can be recorded and archived
- Host requires minimum broadband upload speeds (< 300 kbps) for at his/her Internet connection
- Lecture Mode provides host with more control over participants' level of participation (muting/unmuting, hand raising, etc.)
- Telephone dial pad commands (for SkypeOut participants and/or use via Skype's dialpad tab)
Skype's Conference Call feature is more appropriate for ad hoc or spontaneous, informal multi-party calls such as family calls. It's still a long way advanced from the "three party call" feature I previously had on my Bell Canada PSTN line. But when it's mission critical for business, HiDef Conferencing is much more robust, feature rich and transparent to the meeting agenda.
Skype for Mac and Skype for Linux continue to support hosting of ten participant conference calls. In practice, when you start a conference call, the conference call tab will state the maximum number of participants it will support.
Update: a 25 participant session requires a minimum 500 kbps upload speed at the host's connection. (One more argument for using HiDef Conferencing for business conference calls.)Tags: Skype, Skype Conference Call, HiDef Conferencing, VAPPS
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Comments
So, Skype decides to stab another of their software "partners" in the back, by moving into their market. No amount of dancing and fancy footwork on your part is going to make it into anything else.
If Skype would invest their effort in doing something that isn't already available, like multi-party video, perhaps everyone would benefit - most of all, Skype users.
Posted by: J.A. Watson | May 30, 2008 06:46 AM
Actually, Skype is not moving into our market. They are moving into an adjacent market for consumer based conference calls.
The www.hidefconferencing.com service is differentiated from the Skype offering in a number of ways:
1) It costs money
2) You can use 800#'s and local #'s as well as Skype
3) It can be scheduled
4) It offers recording
5) We have live support personnel available in case of problems.
We have found a niche that is close to what Skype offers but also distinct enough that we can maintain a differentiated and valuable service and generate significant revenues in doing so.
Posted by: Ben Lilienthal | June 5, 2008 07:53 PM