Free Skype to Skype Calls between Skype accounts are free of charge. Because Skype was designed and built completely independently of the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) infrastructure, Skype calls are routed completely over the Internet. Most other voice applications are hybrid solutions that work only in concert with the traditional phone system.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) network Skype is built on a mature P2P networking technology that works virtually flawlessly, is adaptable to different network conditions, and is designed to expand without limits.
Installation and configuration Installing and using Skype is straightforward. This is a major force driving adoption. Skype runs on most popular computing platforms and many communication devices.
Works with firewalls Skype's unique P2P networking technology traverses the majority of firewalls and Network Address Translation (NAT) devices that are required for broadband connectivity. Skype is not limited by the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) standard developed by the telecom companies.
Broad adoption Skype has more than 75 million users. Increasingly, the people you are likely to call will be available through the Skype network.
Sound quality Under most conditions, Skype has excellent sound quality, which can surpass the clarity of traditional phone, cellular, and non-Skype Internet calls.
Security Calls, IMs, video calls, and file transfers are encrypted end-to-end using the Advanced Encryption Standard. It is impossible to intercept and eavesdrop on Skype-to-Skype communications.
Growing ecosystem Companies such as Intel, Motorola, Siemens, Linksys, Kodak, Plantronics, Logitech, Boingo, and Sony are already producing products to work in concert with Skype. Plus Skype's open architecture and close relationship with its developer community support a thriving marketplace for third-party software applications. As more people use Skype, the larger the network becomes, and the greater the financial incentives for companies to build products to support and extend Skype's capabilities.
