Paid And Free Skype Alternatives For Presentations and Business
In a recent step Microsoft has merged its Windows Live Messenger (MSN Messenger) with Skype. While this might be great news for common users it is perhaps not the best mashup for business use. This is because enterprise users prefer a more business oriented service and have little or no use for merging personal Windows Live contacts to Skype. Moreover, Skype can be a bit heavy to use and a lighter application is more efficient in an office environment. If for some reason you do not wish to use Skype and are looking for alternatives for presentations and business use, which can enable you to share PowerPoint presentations, have a voice and video chat and supports options available in any common messenger, then here are a few suggestions for you.
Google Talk
Many people might not consider Google Talk to be a good application for enterprise use, however this is not true. Not only can you use this lightweight messenger for personal use but can also use it for enterprise use in a variety of ways. For example, by logging in with a Google Apps account you can make Gtalk your very own enterprise messenger by connecting with people who maybe registered with your domain, (registered with Google Apps e.g. “user1@yourdomain.com”). Even if you don’t have a Google apps connected account/domain, you can use a regular Gmail account for office use. Google Talk provides all types of handy features that can be used by an enterprise user including the option to share files, have a voice chat, send voice mail, etc.
Go to Download Google Talk
Google Hangouts
As Google Plus has become a cross between Twitter, Facebook and instant messengers, you can use the Google Hangouts service to connect with other users and have anything from personal video chats to team meetings with up to 9 other users. Hangouts includes productivity apps like Google Drive, which makes it possible to manage presentations, get input on various topics, get an instant analysis from remote team members and to conduct a meeting within a private environment (no need to worry about other unrelated Skype users bugging you during a meeting). As Google Hangout is a web service, anyone can access it from a device that has an internet connectivity and a browser.
Go to Google Hangouts
FaceTime
If you are a Mac or iOS user, then FaceTime can help you connect with other users using a Mac, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch device. With FaceTime you can have video chats, which can also be used in a business environment. Considering the common use of this application by Apple users, it shouldn’t be hard to find other associates who use FaceTime (provided you work in a community of Apple fan boys). All you need is an Apple ID and your email address to get started with FaceTime. While FaceTime is not free, it doesn’t cost all that much as it has a price as low as $0.99.
Go to Download FaceTime
TeamViewer
While TeamViewer was previously considered to be an application for remotely supporting other users, it has now been enhanced to much more than just a remote assistance application. Using TeamViewer users can now conduct online meetings, have up to 25 participants for online presentations, organize training sessions, share documents online and more. TeamViewer has both free and paid packages. You can use the version that suits your needs, as a free version might be adequate for small businesses and freelancers, whereas a paid versions can even cater for medium size and large organizations. For more details, see this post: How to use TeamViewer to share your PowerPoint presentations.
Outlook Messenger
If you are looking to use a minimalist LAN messenger for your business, the Outlook Messenger is the best messenger you can get. It is a lightweight messenger that connects users on a Local Network, WAN, Multiple Sub networks, etc. You can simply setup a server for Outlook Messenger and install the client version across client computers to connect your employees across a business network. Outlook Messenger is not a free messenger however you can buy user licenses for a nominal amount. It works with; Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, iPhone And iPad.
Go to Download Outlook Messenger
Above ones are hosted IM tools. You may even try using web conferencing appliances from RHUB for conducting online presentations.
Will be great if you can send us more information, Bill. Thanks.
hi Julian
Thank you for your response. Sorrry, for delay in replying. Hope you have received details by this time. In case you havent yet got details about RHUB web conferencing and remote support servers, you can visit our website at http://www.rhubcom.com or email us at support@rhubcom.com