The link on the Business page goes straight to a sign-up or login form instead. It’s telling that since the Microsoft acquisition the Skype Call Manager page which explains how the feature works has disappeared. Skype advertises this for families as well as business. A key element, Call Manager, creates a Skype administrator who can dole out credit to other Skype accounts. The Skype for Business webpage is much simpler than it used to be. Let’s take a look at the Skype business plan. Skype is unlikely to become a business-grade program because it would compete with Lync Online, an enterprise program very similar to Skype which is also owned by Microsoft (Microsoft bought Skype in 2011).īefore we examine Skype’s limitations, it’s worth noting the several features that make it useful for business. And don’t expect this to change any time soon. Skype is a consumer-grade program with clear limitations that will frustrate business owners. In most cases it’s probably not a good idea. So why bother paying for your own telephone system with its monthly expensive call plans? Should small businesses just move their phone numbers to Skype? If you call contacts through Skype it doesn’t cost you a cent. Everyone has a Skype account, even your grandparents. Skype’s popularity means that it has become the world’s biggest global phone book. Try finding a mobile phone plan that gives you unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles for $12 a month. Although not as cheap as it once was, it’s still remarkably cost effective.Īn annual subscription of US$120 (AU$116.49) gives you unlimited calls to mobiles and landlines in 50 countries including the US, UK, most of Europe, China, Singapore and other parts of Asia.Ĭompared to local phone plans, it’s an astonishingly good deal. The program is a staple tool for businesses making long-distance and international calls. In 2012 it carried 34 percent of all international phone calls and by 2013 had more than 50 million concurrent users online.Īll those calls aren’t only to distant relatives. Skype is one of the most successful applications in history. Although Skype does offer a useful credit manager, the limitations of this consumer program make it unsuitable to replace a phone system for even small businesses. Skype’s cheap rates might tempt businesses to move all their calls onto the service.

Skype for business mac cost