Monday, December 1, 2008
Computer On - Now
As you are shopping for computers either as gifts for family or to burn through the rest of your year-end IT budget you might be running into SplashTop. SplashTop is a trade name for an small, instant-boot operating system that can be found on many notebook and desktop computers. I recently had an opportunity to setup and try out the similar ExpressGate from Asus on a desktop computer. (Note: ExpressGate might actually just be another name for SplashTop)
The idea is that you can boot into this very easy-to-use, stripped-down operating system to make a quick Skype call, check email, or perform a quick web search. The ExpressGate from Asus that I was trying did boot in less than 15 seconds. They claim a faster boot time, but it does depend on hardware and BIOS configuration. Once booted up I was able to access a short list of web-eccentric applications such as a browser, multi-interface instant messaging client, and Skype. ExpressGate does store your bookmarks and preferences for later reference.
Once I was done using the interface, I could choose to shutdown the computer or launch Windows. While the computer is booting, I could also skip the ExpressGate by simplying not pushing a button during a 5-second waiting period.
Another recent entry into this space is Cloud. It is produced by gOS that was the operating system developer for the $199 Wal Mart computer last year. They feature a small Apple-esque task bar at the bottom of a web browser for jumping to other applications. They are marketing the product to netbook owners and builders in addition to the standard Windows or Linux operating systems.
I believe that these are great developments for computers. If you consider how many times you start the computer just to pull up a quick web search or check email these instant-on operating systems are a real time saver.
Labels: Cloud, gOS, laptop, notebook computer, Skype, Wal-Mart
Monday, October 8, 2007
Skype Grows as Business Application
First a bit of background about Skype. Skype is a software application for Windows, Linux, and other operating systems for making telephone and Skype-to-Skype calls via your computer. It was born and raised in Europe until it was purchased by Ebay in September 2005.
Initially business users were advised to steer clear of Skype. There were some security issues because of the method that Skype uses computers to relay telephone calls. Ebay promised early to address these business security concerns by releasing a business version of the software. Ebay has developed a business version along with a business-centric control panel where you can centralize and regulate user spending.
I have had a couple of months to test Skype for business and I have to give it a thumbs up for the small business community. It is convenient for general telephone calls and also to connect remote workers. I have used it as a video conferencing client as well as assisted others in using it as their sole business communications tool. It works nearly flawlessly it both capacities.
There are a few different ways that you can use Skype...
Skype-to-Skype. You can use the software to chat, video conference, and telephone other Skype users free of charge. How many Skype users exist? At this point, over 9,000,000 million people use Skype on business days. That number drops to half on weekends. Obviously business users are loving Skype. These type of calls are free.
Skype Out. You can use the Skype software to make low-cost telephone calls to anywhere in the world. Skype's rates really shine for international phone calls. It beats nearly any rate that I could negotiate with a conventional carrier. Depending on use, domestic callers can save money as well.
Skype In. For just $3.00 per month Skype can setup an inbound telephone number in most area codes in the United States. Skype also offers voicemail and the ability to forward telephone calls to your wireless phone.
Skype is relatively painless to setup. You first download the application from http://skype.com/business. Once you complete setup the software will walk you through setting up an account. Once your account is established you can then return to the business web site and create a business login with your Skype account. At that point, employees perform the download, install, and sign up routine. You discover their Skype identities and then add them to your business dashboard.
Once the employees are setup, you can than add funds to their accounts as well as manage Skype In numbers, voicemail, etc.
Some people do not want to be tied to their computer to make phone calls, though. This is where third-party providers and Skype have stepped up with solutions. Providers now offer Skype phones that range from just USB handsets that connect to your computer to wireless self-contained Skype phones. One stand-out solution is the Philips VOIP8411B dual line wireless phone. It is capable of connecting directly to Skype without a computer and using a traditional land line telephone connection.
Skype is great tool for just experimenting and trying because you never need to worry about a long-term contract. You literally spend just a few dollars a month at a time for features.
Those that tried early computer-telephone solutions might have some very bad memories. That is understandable based on the early experiments, but Skype like other VOIP providers have really improved call quality. In many cases they have even surpassed the quality of traditional telephone service.
Initially business users were advised to steer clear of Skype. There were some security issues because of the method that Skype uses computers to relay telephone calls. Ebay promised early to address these business security concerns by releasing a business version of the software. Ebay has developed a business version along with a business-centric control panel where you can centralize and regulate user spending.
I have had a couple of months to test Skype for business and I have to give it a thumbs up for the small business community. It is convenient for general telephone calls and also to connect remote workers. I have used it as a video conferencing client as well as assisted others in using it as their sole business communications tool. It works nearly flawlessly it both capacities.
There are a few different ways that you can use Skype...
Skype-to-Skype. You can use the software to chat, video conference, and telephone other Skype users free of charge. How many Skype users exist? At this point, over 9,000,000 million people use Skype on business days. That number drops to half on weekends. Obviously business users are loving Skype. These type of calls are free.
Skype Out. You can use the Skype software to make low-cost telephone calls to anywhere in the world. Skype's rates really shine for international phone calls. It beats nearly any rate that I could negotiate with a conventional carrier. Depending on use, domestic callers can save money as well.
Skype In. For just $3.00 per month Skype can setup an inbound telephone number in most area codes in the United States. Skype also offers voicemail and the ability to forward telephone calls to your wireless phone.
Skype is relatively painless to setup. You first download the application from http://skype.com/business. Once you complete setup the software will walk you through setting up an account. Once your account is established you can then return to the business web site and create a business login with your Skype account. At that point, employees perform the download, install, and sign up routine. You discover their Skype identities and then add them to your business dashboard.
Once the employees are setup, you can than add funds to their accounts as well as manage Skype In numbers, voicemail, etc.
Some people do not want to be tied to their computer to make phone calls, though. This is where third-party providers and Skype have stepped up with solutions. Providers now offer Skype phones that range from just USB handsets that connect to your computer to wireless self-contained Skype phones. One stand-out solution is the Philips VOIP8411B dual line wireless phone. It is capable of connecting directly to Skype without a computer and using a traditional land line telephone connection.
Skype is great tool for just experimenting and trying because you never need to worry about a long-term contract. You literally spend just a few dollars a month at a time for features.
Those that tried early computer-telephone solutions might have some very bad memories. That is understandable based on the early experiments, but Skype like other VOIP providers have really improved call quality. In many cases they have even surpassed the quality of traditional telephone service.
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