It seems that Sype are adding an API to their latest software, according to this piece. This would allow a Skype user to signal their presence in a blog or anyother web site to allow instant VoIP messaging. This sounds pretty darn cool and has some seriously excellent business applications provided you can route calls coming in via the web site to agents with the appropriate skill set. On the upside, the centralized call center could become a thing of the past. Why pay the overhead when you can have agents working out of their home using Skype softphones on their laptops?
To follow up on my previous VoIP comments, I did download Skype for my Mac but have yet to use it. Anybody wanna help me test it sometime?
And the Washington Post ran a piece on how broadband is becoming a major selling point for houses in the suburbs. I’ve seen it have impact on property values– not so much that your house is worth more if it’s available, but that your property value is less if for some reason it’s not. Please, Verizon, roll out fiber to MY home!
One comment in the article took my by surprise, though. It comes from Gene Kimmelman, director of the Washington office of Consumers Union. He is quoted as saying that most all-inclusive packages of television, telephone and Internet cost more than $100 a month, a total that is beyond the means of many.
$100?!?! Hell– I pay almost that much for TV service before you count NFL Sunday Ticket. Throw in the phone service (which still is that all-you-can-eat LD package– I NEED VOIP!) and cable Internet and you have a dollar amount well above what Mr. Kimmelman quotes for all-inclusive packages. I would do a dance of joy if I could have all of that for around $100.
