| Free Linux software for net-based phone and conference calls available for download |
Jun. 21, 2004
 The people who launched the popular KaZaA peer-to-peer (P2P) program have announced a free download of their new software that lets users make free phone calls over the Internet. Today the group's new venture, Skype Technologies, launched the first beta version of Skype, their software for Linux desktops.
Like KaZaA, Skype uses P2P technology to connect users. Instead of swapping files, this time users from around the globe can talk and chat for free.
Calling itself the Global P2P Internet Telephony Company, Skype says they offer consumers the ability to make free "good quality" phone calls and teleconferences using both broadband and dial-up connections. Skype's easy-to-use software is said to allow users to make calls anywhere worldwide just minutes after installation.
Talking to Forbes magazine about Skype in February, Michael Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission said, "I knew it was over when I downloaded Skype. When the inventors of KaZaA are distributing for free a little program that you can use to talk to anybody else, and the quality is fantastic, and it's free -- it's over. The world will change now inevitably." 
Unlike competitors, Skype works with any firewall and network address translation (NAT). The company addresses security by encrypting the call from "end-to-end" for privacy. Although other vendors also offer software for making free Internet calls, Skype's free trial and simplicity are helping to accelerate Skype's adoption.
Skype for Linux requires a computer with at least a 400 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM, 10 MB free hard drive disk space, sound card, speakers, microphone, and an Internet connection. SuSE 9, Gentoo 1.4, Debian, Fedora Core 2, and Sun Java Desktop System Release 2 are among the distributions tested on the Skype Linux beta, according to the company. A headset is recommended.
Skype for Linux beta supports both the KDE and Gnome desktop managers. A user guide and FAQ detail all requirements.
According to the company, the software will not be released as open source. However, it is available for free download and will remain free for Skype-to-Skype calls.
The Linux version supports free Skype-to-Skype worldwide calling, the ability to participate in conference calling with up to 5 people, instant messaging, and access to the Global Directory. Skype for Linux beta users can participate in conference calls as a client and can see all the conference participants, but cannot currently host conferences.
SkypeOut, a premium service that allows callers to use Skype to make regular telephone calls, is not yet available for Linux. That service is currently available exclusively through Plantronics. With a headset purchase, customers receive a free promotional voucher for the service. SkypeOut will soon be available to all Skype users, according the company's forums.
The company has also stated plans to develop another subscription service, called SkypeIn, which will allow people to call Skype users from a regular phone line. Subscribers are issued a Skype phone number and callers can reach them directly from a regular Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) phone.
According to recent research from the Palo Alto-based Radicati Group, up to 44 percent of the world's corporate telephone lines may be IP-based by 2008. The Group says that falling equipment costs and better integration with existing TDM-based telephony systems will boost adoption of voice over IP (VoIP) technology.
Skype software also supports Microsoft's Windows and Pocket PC operating systems.
The company claims over 14 million downloads for Skype since its launch in August 2003.
Download the software here.
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