Skype to add web-conferencing powered by GoToMeeting, not Webex

March 04, 2011 | Author: Adam Levine
Skype GoToMeeting

Recently Skype is intending to increase profits by expanding its business services. Skype already offers to business the VoIP service, IP-PBX integration and group video conferencing. And it would be very logical to add web-conferencing to this list, because many Skype partners (like Yuuguu, Yugma, Mikogo) are already earning on it. As known Skype almost 2 years ago added the screen-sharing feature. But it would be a shame to charge money for it. Firstly, it is the very basic implementation of screen-sharing without application selection, screen annotations, granting mouse control... Second, Skype's screen-sharing only works in one-to-one sessions and doesn't work simultaneously with video calling. So, finally, Skype has decided to pump-up and sell this feature and surprised everyone by announcing the partnership with Citrix GoToMeeting.

It is surprising that Skype, having enormous resources, is not trying to implement the web conferencing on its own or even to buy one of the startups that offer Web conferencing as add-on to Skype. Even more surprising is that they have chosen Citrix GoToMeeting but not Cisco as a partner. Because last year Cisco almost acquired Skype, and Cisco's top manager Tony Bates became the new Skype CEO. And now this guy, Tony Bates, is partnering not with familiar Cisco Webex but with its main competitor - Citrix GoToMeeting.

Meanwhile it is unknown how the joint solution of Skype and GoToMeeting will look like. Maybe they just integrate authorization and billing. I.e. Skype users will be able to login in to GoToMeeting with their Skype credentials, initiate online meetings directly from Skype and pay for web conferencing from their Skype accounts (currently GoToMeeting costs from $49/month for 15 users). Or may be, Skype will use GoToMeeting's technology and platform to create its own web-conferencing tool and will pay royalties to Citrix. The companies promise to show the result only in the 4 th quarter of this year, so that the second option - is more likely.

See also: Top 10 Visual Collaboration software

Author: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email adam@liventerprise.com