Switching to VoIP

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Chapter 16: VoIP Vendors and Services

Skype

Skype is a voice telephony application that uses a unique peer-to-peer network

model to enable a global VoIP network. While proprietary, Skype does provide an

API that allows Windows developers to link their applications to the Skype client

software. The Skype network allows inbound and outbound PSTN calling, too.

Skype has minimized sound latency exceptionally well—even over the Internet, and

all calls use encrypted media channels, so nobody can listen in on you.

Skype has been downloaded millions of times, and its network is regularly used by a

million to two million users simultaneously. Features of its UI are similar to instant

messaging apps: a buddy list, an availability indicator, and a searchable user direc-

tory. Aside from Windows, Skype supports Mac OS X, Linux, and PocketPC. Skype

also offers a hardphone manufactured by Siemens. You can obtain Skype from http://

www.skype.net.

Skype Web Links

When you install Skype, the callto: URI prefix is enabled on your web browser.

This means that, whenever you click a

callto: link on a web site, your Skype client

will attempt to place a voice call to the user referenced in the link. In the same way,

you could add a link to your web site that allows Skype users to call your Skype cli-

ent from ...