Hey Folks,

Just wondering what others use in order to keep staff, colleagues, peers, etc in touch when you're not in the same office (or sometimes, even when you are)?

I use Skype and AIM most days here at TechSoup but haven't used Wimba or Google voice and video chat yet. Anyone have any opinions to share about either of those tools? What about other online video chat or conferencing tools?

Share your favs in this thread and check out today's blog post about how a group of libraries stayed in touch in Iowa.

Thanks,

Becky

I'm glad you asked this question. I already responded with my positive comments about Skype in the other thread. And I was wondering about Google Voice, which is currently only available to GrandCentral customers. How is it any different from Gizmo5, Jajah, Mani Minutes or any service where you call an access number from your cell or landline phone, then from that point on you make an VOIP call to your destination? I believe you receive a ringback from the service after the connection is made. It's a big savings over dialing direct, I agree. But it seems like a hassle to call an access number and wait for a ringback and then select the number you want to call. Unless I misunderstand the process, which is very possible.

And although I looked over the Google Voice website, I still don't see how it's any different from the other services mentioned above that do essentially the same thing. The beauty of Skype is that you don't even need a telephone. I make Skype-to-phone calls for a very small fee and Skype-to-Skype calls for free without dialing an access number or waiting for a ringback. And as far as a Google Number is concerned, I don't have a Skypein online number either simply because I see no need for it. But I can see how some people might benefit from this.

Please correct any misunderstanding I have about how these hybrid VOIP/POTS services work. I have only seen comments about them in other forums. I haven't actually used any of them, so I can't comment on the call quality.

I like oovoo. It allows 3-way video chat, but there's a 15 second ad delay when you first start a conversation. Also the sound is better with headsets than computer speakers.

I really admire Google for giving us great breakthroughs. This year, they have just launched Google Voice [affiliate link removed by admin]. It is currently only available to the United States, but I won’t be surprised to see it go worldwide eventually. You can use certain features with your existing phone number, or set up your own Google Voice number for free and have access to even more great features! This is really great!

Hi Bryce L--

What is your affiliation with Google Voice? I just edited your post to remove the affiliate link. Please see our Community Rules & Standards regarding self-promotion. If you have a non-sales interest in reviving this thread, I would love to hear more about your experience/recommendations regarding chat/IM tools.

Best,

Megan

I'm personally a fan of Google voice.  I have it set up to forward to my mobile phone and send the transcript of any voice mails as an SMS to the same phone.  Transcription, while not perfect, is pretty darn good and can give you an immediate sense of a call's point without having to listen to the voice mail.

Best,
Matthew

Of course we like Skype, Skype is always the best opiton for personal or small business.