I've just read a BBC article about Skype and how it faces increasing competition from other VOIP providers.
"Skype is going to be challenged by a host of others, by services that live independently of the PC," said Steve Blood, vice-president of research at analysts Gartner.


He said one of Skype's weaknesses was that it was still used primarily by early adopters - people who know their way around a computer, rather than the person in the street.


Well yes, perhaps, but as Skype has over 66 million early adopters, I would argue that it's not such a bad foundation to build on.


Also let's not forget that if you call someone who also has Skype then you can talk for as long as you want for free. I can only speak from a personal point here but I have been a user of Skype from the start.

As an expat living abroad, its my primary communication system. My Father who is 70 manges to use it quite comfortably, as do my Wife's parents. I would hardly call my Dad, internet savvy, but he can use Skype just fine.
Yes it needed downloading, but I don't think he would find Skype any more tricky to use than any other VOIP system.


Remember, neither has Skype been standing still, they've also been making deals with several companies. Only this month at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Vegas partnerships were announced to integrate Skype technology into telephone handsets for the home.


Consequently, for people who are not familiar with conducting conversations on the computer, the new products are designed to make Skype's service seem far more like a traditional telephone experience.


Systems such as the Panasonic KXT CD 580, combined with a Skype USB connector is a perfect example of how Skype is moving forward.




Skype, for me, is still the main VOIP programme. The addition of Skype Out means that I have no use for any of the other systems, nor do I feel that I'll need to change any time soon.