Item: Skype
Rating: 4
Author: Mark Cruver, M. Ed. CSA, CEP

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We used Skype as a backup video conferencing tool when others fail to operate in a stable environment. We have found it to be less stable than other platforms but serves our needs in communicating with students. We find that many households are familiar with Skype and the brand holds respect that is welcomed.

Pros and Cons

Unlimited time.
Ease of use.
User friendly.

Screen sharing.
Presentations.
More secure.

Return on Investment

No/Neutral impact. Free version used.

Alternatives Considered

Zoom

Zoom by far outpaces Skype, and I'd choose Zoom over Skype anytime.

Support Rating

I have never had to reach out for support, and generally speaking, when you need support it's not because the product is good.

Key Insights

Do you think Skype delivers good value for the price?

Not sure

Are you happy with Skype's feature set?

Did Skype live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Skype go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Skype again?

Likelihood to Recommend

Skype serves individual, one-on-one conversations very well. I have had trouble with sound quality in the past, but it often clears up over time. Video bandwidth can be a problem for many users, so ensuring use on a wifi connection is almost imperative for any scenario. Otherwise, it is good for most any circumstance.

My Second Choice

Overall Satisfaction with Skype