With VoIP (voice over internet protocol) plans becoming more flexible and affordable, the world is possibly looking at a trend where one day international calls, be it to the mobile or landline would be next to nothing, especially as more people around the world get connected.
Spearheading this phenomenon is Skype, which has experienced rapid growth in popular usage since the launch of its services in 2003 and is today synonymous with VoIP.
SDA Asia chats with Chris Lewis, Head of Marketing and Business Development, Skype Asia Pacific, to learn more about Skype’s new product portfolio, future trends in the VoIP and telco space and with the influx of competitors, what the organisation is doing to pit itself above the rest. |
Lots of instant-messaging clients are offering voice communications today. How does Skype stand out from its growing number of competitors?
Chris Lewis (CL):Skype is much more than just Voice & IM [instant messaging]. With the Skype video experience being core of what we provide to our users, we also offer Skype High Quality Video which currently standardizes on Logitech webcam technology.
Also Skype provides embedded (Skype for Your Mobile) and own branded handset (3SkypePhone) platforms which users can use to make free calls (with other instant messaging services) from around the world.
Further, Skype provides calling subscriptions which enable users to make Unlimited calls to landlines globally (and including mobile in selected countries) for a low monthly flat fee.
There are few traditional IM providers offering such services.
Although still very young, it is undeniable that Skype has grown quickly as a company and is increasingly becoming synonymous with VoIP. How did Skype manage to gain so much traction in such a short period of time?
CL:Our commitment and global vision is very clear. We aim to be the leading global Internet communications company. The Skype team is working endlessly to further develop and improve this communication software. We want to make it easier for the Skype community to call their friends and family who are not yet on Skype so; we launched our subscriptions, so that people can have an easy, hassle-free choice to catch up with their loved ones.
With the growing popularity and availability of the Internet and its related services, coupled with the fact that Skype is on the forefront of that innovation curve, has made it possible for the company to gain traction and to grow at such a phenomenal rate.
What do you see as emerging VoIP trends in Asia and what do you think is driving its growth?
CL: Inflation is everywhere. The relatively low cost for VOIP is irresistible. Consumers and businesses also want flexible subscriptions where they can change/modify their subscriptions as their calling behaviour changes. Also VoIP providers need to add value-add services at little or no cost.
Which parts of Asia is VoIP gaining traction and which countries are still lagging? Why do you think this is the case?
CL: VoIP is of course dependent on infrastructure and broadband penetration, which pretty much dictates where and how quickly VoIP grows. Fortunately, broadband usage and penetration is growing in almost every country in Asia putting countries on more or less of an even playing field. Of course there are local differences in price and access from local ISPs, but over time these will level out.
What do you think are the main challenges that are preventing the adoption of VoIP in Asia?
CL: Broadband penetration is the primary challenge.
What is Skype doing to address these challenges?
CL: Skype can only have minimal impact on improving broadband penetration across countries. But as we focus on building innovative products which are users love to use, then those users will demand better access and connectivity to the internet in order to use those products.
Could you let us in on your new latest suite of calling pack services?
CL: The new subscriptions have no long-term contract. You can make calls whenever you want – at any time of the day, on any day of the week. From today, you can choose from three types of subscription – from unlimited calls to landlines in the country of your choice through to landlines in 34 destination countries worldwide.
This move is a natural step for Skype. Skype was founded on the principle of making free voice and video calls available to people all around the world. And now we’re making it even easier for the Skype community to call their friends and family who are not yet on Skype. Our subscriptions give people an easy, hassle-free choice for how and when they want to catch up with their loved ones.
With this new offering, are we possibly looking at a new trend where one day international calls, be it to the mobile or landline would be next to nothing, especially as more people around the world get connected?
CL:There is no doubt that the cost of calling is coming down over time, and we believe Skype is well poised to harness this trend by adding numerous value-add products like free video calling & conference calling, Instant messaging, business features, mobile solutions and a whole host of Skype enabled hardware and devices that let users use Skype away from their desktop, making free and inexpensive calls whilst on the move.
Would you agree that Skype is still very consumer centric and has yet to make its mark in the business world?
CL:The business usage segment of Skype has been growing increasingly. 30% of Skype’s users use Skype primarily for business purposes. We aim to step more into the business world and we have made these first steps with tools like the BCP (Business Control Panel) this is a feature which allows businesses to manage Skype across their business, like auto-topup of credits, managing SkypeIn, installation, account management etc.
Do you have any plans to increase your traction in the enterprise world? If yes, could you share those plans?
CL:Skype already has made significant steps into the enterprise level VoIP, particularly with our work with Salesforce.com, a global CRM/ERM provider.
Skype very recently has released a mobile version of its VoIP application. Is this the next direction that Skype is taking? Why? What more can we expect from Skype in the mobile world?
CL:Skype is taking another major step as to continue to merge its internet communications software with mobile phones. This is our commitment to innovate and put Skype conversations in the pockets of today’s mobile masses.
We released a beta version of Skype for your mobile which can be downloaded from Skype.com and supports many of the worlds top selling handsets. Additionally 3, the mobile operator has brought the mobile Skype experience to numerous markets through the 3 Skypephone and a range of other packages and phones, and now, Skype for your mobile will expand the available options even further.
Skype is keen to bring the Skype experience away from the desktop and onto numerous mobile devices. This is not just on mobile phone devices but also onto SONY PSP & Mylo, Nokia tablets and other trend setting devices.
Could you update us on Skype’s direction and 2008 plans for Asia?
CL:We plan to continue improving the Skype for Your Mobile application and supporting 3 in the rollout of the 3Skypephone. Additionally, Skype 4.0 beta1 is now available for download from Skype.com and this represents a huge amount of work and a significant evolution in Skype’s “look” for more info regarding 4.0 and what this means for Skype please visit the Skype blog on Skype.com |
