Skype Making an Impact on Fusion
by Aner Ravon

Two important contributions to fusion are being noted these days. Interestingly, both are driven directly or indirectly by Skype.

SoonR are adding Skype to their basic service. For those of you who are not familiar with SoonR – Gil Rosen reviewed them as well as other Remote Access Services a while back here in Degardener. The idea behind adding Skype to SoonR is simple and smart. Once you use your mobile phone as a “remote access / remote control” to your PC, it makes all the sense in the world to use it as a Skype extension as well. I haven’t used it yet as it’s not available to the general public (Michael Arrington did), but I imagine the call itself is generated via Skypeout from the PC to both the destination and the callers mobile phone, which means Skypeout credits are required even if you’re calling a Skype user.This is similar but different to Eqo, which I reviewed here some time ago. Eqo uses a stand alone mobile Skype Java application while SoonR offers WAP based access to your PC as a whole. This is a classic example of good differentiation. Eqo provides a better user experience for users with better “mobile education”. SoonR provides a great mass market alternative for people who look for a one stop shop for remote access. Both are good, both are necessary.

The second contribution was made by Skype directly. Skype launched Skype 2.5 beta which offers global desktop to mobile SMS. By doing so Skype is keeping par with the IM services who already offer PC to Mobile SMS in many geographies. I liked the user interface offered by Skype, specifically the automatic addition national flags once you start punching an international dialing code. I also liked the fact you can choose to have replies delivered directly to your mobile phone by “spoofing” your number. I didn’t like the fact that the service is one way only and I didn’t like the fact you need Skypeout credits for it. Nonetheless, it’s great to see the echo system developing rapidly.

On a more general note, Skype is becoming a great operator. With voice conferencing, Video calls, SMS and a whole suite of plugins and partnerships Skype is showing us all how it’s done. It’s not P2P VOIP anymore. A great example of how fundamentally important services such as VOIP cannot be an “add on to MSN” but need a dedicated space to take off. 

Aner Ravon
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