1. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk Beyond Email: The Role Of Skype And VoIP Technologies Brian Kelly UKOLN University of Bath Bath Email B.Kelly@ukoln.ac.uk URL http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/ Contents What are VoIP & Skype? How can Skype be used? Beyond a phone replacement The down side Contents What are VoIP & Skype? How can Skype be used? Beyond a phone replacement The down side UKOLN is supported by: http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/events/workshops/swmlac-2005-09/skype/

2. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 2 What Are VoIP And Skype? VoIP: Voice over IP (Internet Protocol) Telephony over the Internet Skype: Most popular VoIP application Free calls to other Skype users Cheap calls (~ 1p/min) to landlines & mobiles Various add-on facilities also available Skype See Audio briefing paper

3. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 3 Using Skype Skype as a telephone Skype can be used as a conventional telephone Particularly useful on laptops for the traveller Sense of presence – know if recipient is online (can switch off) Instant messaging Additional features: Integration with Web browser (sharing browsing) Video Skype Skype Me icons on Web pages … Skype

4. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 4 Usage Scenarios How Skype can be used: Conventional phone replacement (office/home) On laptops, when travelling Conference calls (on-the-fly) Listening in to lectures (nb. accessibility benefits) Recording talks (e.g. interviews for Podcasts) Support for remote workers Help desk support (e.g. VoIP-based Ask Me reference desk) …. Technologies

5. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 5 The Down Side There must be a down side! Skype is proprietary (can't talk to other VoIP applications) Skype may break organisation's AUP (it lets other Skype users make use of your bandwidth) Do I want people to see when I'm online? Will spammers harvest my Skype ID and send me IM spam or audio recordings selling Viagra? What about my organisation's plans for VoIP to replace conventional telephone system How reliable is it? Technologies As will all applications mentioned, there are advantages and disadvantages - the decision rests with you.

6. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 6 Questions Any questions?