Using Skype in the Work Place

Introduction With advancement in technology, contemporary communication has gained a new dimension. One of the ways in which this communication has been influenced is through the introduction of Skype, which is commonly used in businesses, workplaces and even in learning institutions (Rosen 2009).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Using Skype in the Work Place specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This report discusses the use of Skype and its impact at workplace, when used by either the management, employees or everybody in business to connect with the outside world. Among other things, the report gives definition of Skype and how it is used in business as a telecommunication tool. Moreover, it covers the disadvantages and disadvantages of Skype at workplace together with its future in the business world. Skype technology Skype is a type of telecommunication technology that allows voice and video communication in the world with an estimate of over three million registered users today. Video calling is a way of communication that allows people to talk to each other while viewing live video of both parties (Woodall 2011). Unlike traditional communication, which heavily relied on a system of transmission cables, Skype uses the internet to connect people around the world as long as they have access to the internet. Its VoIP software makes it unique and outstanding among all voice communication services offered by different service providers around the world. It has in-built application software though most people believe that it is in the category of common software, thus missing its important functions (Vaughan-Nichols 2011). With its adoption in businesses and different workplaces, it is doubtless that a host of communication barriers have been eliminated. In traditional communication, people were more cautious about time spent on call. This has changed with most Skype users spending a lot of time on calls than before (Gurlà © 2011). Skype calls made between PC connections attract no charge apart from the normal monthly internet bill. This has been the main â€Å"pull† factor as registered users are able to significantly reduce their monthly communications cost (Abdulezer, Abdulezer Dammond 2007, p. 234).Advertising Looking for report on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Notably, this communication is not limited to any part of the world as long as those who intent to communicate have a personal computer that has internet connection. Based on the availability of webcams, Skype also allows video calls, which gives it a â€Å"reality-touch† since users are able see each other regardless of the distance between them (Kreibich Jahnke 2010, p. 97). Discussion Voice communication using Skype is no longer a new idea at workplace. Several company managers use this technology to pass messa ges to colleagues, employees or even customers (‘Conferencing Device Brings Skype to Living Rooms’ 2012). In the same manner, they receive voice calls on their personal computers from different people as long as they are related as friends through Skype. Even as the world continues to enjoy voice communication through the internet, many people including business managers and employees are concerned with challenges that are associated with this technology (Johnson 2006). Challenges of Skype Like other communication methods and technologies, Skype presents an array of challenges to users especially at workplace. What are some of these challenges? As mentioned above, voice and video communication through Skype requires having the right equipment and internet connection (Saporito 2011). Additionally, Skype communication may expose a company to some online security threats by bypassing corporate firewalls (Jahankhani, Watson Me 2010, p. 113). Other challenges include but no t limited to poor voice quality, charges on some communication services, slowing of computers when the program is running and inability to access customer care services promptly (Poupard 2009). Communication equipment Unlike emailing or landline calls, voice and video communication using Skype requires one to have a computer with average specifications for the program to run with minimum interruptions (Schieltz 2011). Besides this, Skype users need webcams and microphones especially when using desktops, which do not have inbuilt features. Additionally, a stable internet connection is very important since the entire communication depends on online connectivity. All these requirements are not free; they are costly. Companies and organizations, which adopt this mode of communication, incur expenses that can be avoided if other means of communication are given preference (Glauser 2011). In the same line of thought, computers highly depend on power supply.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Using Skype in the Work Place specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is a major challenge especially when communication is needed in the absence of power or when the PC is off. Aside from these equipment, Skype-enabled phones are costly since most manufactured phones do not support this services. It would therefore be expensive for companies to acquire such sophisticated phones (Vaughan-Nichols 2011). To address this, Skype should consider adopting more affordable and effective equipment to attract more people. Another challenge of using this mode of communication is the risk involved. By the fact that Skype allows users to develop their profiles, including names, emails and phone numbers, it poses a serious security threat (Winzenburg 2012). The risk of internet hackers and bullies cannot be ignored in the context of online communication. Coupled with videos and images of the user, it is possible to track a pe rson either physically or electronically with malicious intentions (Stadler 2009, p. 44). This is also possible because Skype bypasses some internet protocols while in use, exposing its customers to cyber threats. With regard to video calling, it is possible to expose excess information than expected (Fitchard Reedy 2010). In other words, this kind of calling may expose the organization of the workplace, which may include surrounding people, gadgets and available writings. As a result, a client or customer may have a negative feeling about the company or organization based on the background video of the call (Harwood, Goncalves Pemble 2010, p. 320). In cases where the surrounding has other people such as arguing employees, it would be possible for the person on the other end to capture the events at a given workplace without the conscience of the other person. It therefore suffices to mention that video calling has an array of challenges (Evers 2007). Benefits of Skype The most at tractive aspect of Skype is its low cost on services. For instance all its voice and video calls are free of charge as long as the call is from PC to PC (Skype 2012). Additionally, calling landlines and mobile phone numbers is quite affordable. This implies that a company can significantly cut down the cost of paying monthly telephone bills if this technology is adopted effectively (Sheppard 2006, p. 33).Advertising Looking for report on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another advantage of using Skype at workplace is that it allows access and use of audio and video aspects of communication. In other words, a manager can call a departmental head to have an idea of how the business is running at any given moment. Similarly, employees can call each other and experience different working environments through video calls (McIlwain 2011). With the coming of this technology, it is possible to link different people at the same time and discuss an issue that would have required a notice for physical meeting (Advantages of Skype n.d). This therefore saves time as managers can engage in other productive activities instead of attending boardroom meetings. Despite the fact that Skype faces threats concerning internet vulnerabilities, it remains a safe mode of communication through the internet. It uses credible digital certificates and proper encryption, which guarantees communication safety of its users (Sheppard 2006, p. 33). Moreover, Skype allows users to customize their settings that determine their privacy. This feature allows one to filter his callers at any given time. It therefore means that Skype can be used among managers or a given group of employees (Blue Coat Systems 2007). Future expectations It is true that technology exits in a continuous and evolutionary state. This means that several changes are expected with regard to the use of Skype in voice communication. These changes are likely to address its pitfalls including, internet security threats and connectivity. In addition, more companies are likely to adopt this method, especially after existing challenges are minimized. By 2020, Skype will probably be different especially after Microsoft’s acquisition. Windows 7 phones may incorporate more of this technology (Brodkin 2012). Report evaluation This report is quite significant in addressing issues surrounding the use of Skype as a method of communication at workplace. Its findings are based on current trends and events in various workplaces around the world. The findings of this report are important to businessmen who use Skype or those planning to adopt this method of communication. Conclusion and recommendations The use of Skype in the workplace remains a debatable issue around the world. With millions of people registering, there is concern over its challenges and benefits in organizations, institutions and other workplaces (Joisten 2007). Despite the fact that it has a host of advantages, Skype equally presents an array of challenges. It is paramount for interested organizations to weigh the two sides of this technology before adopting it as a method of communication. References Abdulezer, L, Abdulezer, S Dammond, H 2007, Skype for Dummies, John Wiley Sons, New Jersey. Advantages of Skype n.d., http://www.ehow.com/list_5939079_advantages-skype.html. Blue Coat Systems 2007, Best Practices for Controlling Skype within the Enterprise, www.bluecoat.com/doc/644. Brodkin, J 2012, Skype†™s future under Microsoft: integration everywhere, http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2011/10/skypes-future-under-microsoft-integration-everywhere.ars. ‘Conferencing Device Brings Skype to Living Rooms’ 2012, PC World, vol. 30 no. 3, pp. 48. Evers, J 2007, Skype to partner for security in the workplace, http://news.cnet.com/Skype-to-partner-for-security-in-the-workplace/2100-7355_3-6155228.html. Fitchard, K Reedy, S 2010, ‘Operators Embrace Skype, But At Arm’s Length’, Connected Planet, pp. 16-19. Glauser, W 2011, ‘The Skype solution’, CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 183 no. 12, pp. 798. Gurlà ©, D 2011, An Exciting Keynote for Skype at Enterprise Connect and News with Citrix, http://blogs.skype.com/enterprise/2011/03/an_exciting_keynote_for_skype.html. Harwood, M, Goncalves, M Pemble, M 2010, Security Strategies in Web Applications and Social Networking, Jones Bartlett Publishers, Massachusetts. Jahankhani, H, Watson, D Me, G 2010, Handbook of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, Singapore. Johnson, S 2006, ‘Skype and Hype’, Discover, vol. 27 no. 5, pp. 25-27. Joisten, M 2007, Renegotiating Interaction Routines: Adoption of Skype in the Workplace, http://mc.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/konferenzbaende/mc2007/konferenzband/mc2007_41_joisten.pdf. Kreibich, C Jahnke, M 2010, Detection of Intrusions and Malware, and Vulnerability Assessment: 7th International Conference, DIMVA 2010, Bonn, Germany, July 8-9, 2010, Proceedings, Springer, New York, NY. McIlwain, A 2011, The Advantages of Skype in Business Communications, http://financialsocialmedia.com/facebook/the-advantages-of-skype-in-business-communications/. Poupard, V 2009, Reasons Why Companies Should Cancel the Use of Skype in the Workplace, http://voices.yahoo.com/reasons-why-companies-cancel-2913926.html. Rosen, J 2009, ‘To Skype or Not to Skype?’, Publishers Weekly, vol. 256 no. 50, pp. 22-23. Saporito, B 2011, ‘Skype’, Time, vol. 177 no. 21, pp. 21. Schieltz, M 2011, Disadvantages of Using Skype, http://www.ehow.com/list_5907068_disadvantages-using-skype.html. Sheppard, A 2006, Skype hacks, O’Reilly Media, Inc., California. Skype 2012, http://www.skype.com/intl/en/home. Stadler, J 2009, An Investigation Into Skype Technologies S.A., GRIN Verlag, Munich. Vaughan-Nichols, S 2011, How Skype does, and doesn’t, work, http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/how-skype-does-and-doesnt-work/1051. Winzenburg, S 2012, ‘How Skype Is Changing the Interview Process’, Chronicle Of Higher Education, vol. 58 no. 18, pp. 9-10. Woodall, M 2011, The New Living Workplace, http://blogs.skype.com/enterprise/2011/04/the_new_living_workplace.html. 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How to Describe a Time When You Built a Team Essay Sample

How to Describe a Time When You Built a Team Essay SampleWrite an essay on how to describe a time when you built a team. Team building is important in creating teamwork and the more the team works, the more they learn. This essay can be about anything. You can use it as a springboard for another essay or else just use it to show why you have a team of your own.The first thing that you have to do before you begin writing is to be sure that the importance of the event is an important part of the team building. Be sure that the event is important for the members of the team and the management of the event. In this way, you would know that it is the right type of events to write on.Team Building is about is having the members of the team to improve on the different aspects of their skills. The more they get together, the more they improve themselves. Each team should have an objective that they would work towards and strive to achieve their objective.After you have written a description about the event and the goal of the team, it is the best time to add a little information about the other team members. Make them come alive on your team.Be sure that you also consider the next time that you would like to write a time line. This will help you and the readers understand the progress of the team. You can also use this to make up for things that they may have missed or things that the readers did not notice.Finally, write down the date that you decided to write this time line. This will help you when you are asked to write down the date of an event so that you will be able to give it a date. You can include a screenshot of the timeline.For each time line, you should also add a line of explanation of the items that you chose to include. You can even include the author's name and also a little bit of information about him or her.Once you have written down the time line, you will be ready to start writing about the events of the team. You can actually add other thoughts o n what you should write about when you are writing an essay on team building. All that you need to do is just to keep on going until you have written down all the ideas that you can think of and then write out each of them to ensure that you do not forget any of them.