Microsoft finally rings in VoIP [News]

I was always surprised at Microsoft’s lukewarm response to VoIP. They have a (decently) huge user base for their messenger client. Skype has made a big impact using the telephony enabled messenger client, Yahoo also has decent voice offering. Microsoft was still warming up to the idea. In fact other providers like Gtalk2VoIP already offer VoIP service through Window’s Live Messenger.

But the giant seems to have woken up. Microsoft will soon be offering VoIP functionality through its Live messenger. The company has chosen Telefonica, the largest telecommunication provider in Latin America, to provide VoIP services to its users. Telefonica offers its VoIP service under the Voype brand. In a phased rollout, the service will initially be available to users in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colobia, Peru, and the United States. Although for the time being you would only be able to make calls from your messenger client, eventually you would also be able to receive calls on your messenger. This surely would be a nice feature to have. It is still not clear how would this work, would you have to buy a DID number or would you pay a monthly fee, etc.

Call rates are not the chepaest in the world, but they are reasonable. For example, you could call India for as low as 5.1 US cents, Pakistan for 10.9 cents, etc. The rates are far better as compared to Skype or Yahoo Voice. This service aims primarily at existing Skype or Yahoo customers. The rates are also lower than what you would be paying if you use Gtalk2VoIP. You can start an account by signing up here and buying credits in amounts $5, $10, or $20. You would need a microphone, headset and a decent internet connection to use the service.

But why stop there, this is a huge opportunity for Microsoft to show its muscle power in this domain. Overall, its not a revolutionary service and is far behind some other offerings that we have in the market. Well, if you have been following Microsoft, you would not be surprised. Microsoft has been playing a catching up game in every domain (other than OS), be it email, online office, etc. I would still hope that this generates some interest so that Microsoft thinks seriously about VoIP.

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2. Skype’s next arena – Mobile [News]
3. How Gtalk2VoIP brings SIP capability to your instant messengers?
4. Is consumer VoIP under threat from telcos and regulators? [Interview]
5. 6 ways to use VoIP [Tutorial]