Ramirez, Marisa

English

DigitalCommons@CalPoly

3TTechnology: Communication in “The Cloud”: Skype, GoogleTalk, and Google Voice Technologyechnology	Submitted by Marisa Ramirez, Robert E. Kennedy Library, California Polytechnic State University–San Luis Obispo;  edited by Nancy R. Glassman, AHIP In recent years, several free Internet-based phone services have emerged. Voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP (pronounced voyp), converts sound into digital signals, allowing phone calls to be placed using an Internet connection instead of a regular phone line. Other technologies simplify the management of numerous phone numbers. Librarians are incorporating these tools into their repertoire of tools to facilitate more robust communication with colleagues, patrons, and students. Skype, a free computer software download, makes calls using VoIP. With an Internet connection, computer microphone, and speakers (builtinto many computers), Skype-to-Skype calls can be made without charto anyone in the world. For a nominal fee, Skype users can place calls to non-Skype phone numbers. Skype offers many features, includinginstant messaging, screen sharing, and conference calls for up to twentyfive participants. With a webcam, users can video chat one to one. Skypalso enables document sharing, which is useful for sending files that are too big for office email clients. A Skype application is also available for mobile smart phones with a WiFi connection or mobile data plan.GoogleTalk is a VoIP technology that leverages a Gmail contact list a phone contact list to make calls directly from Gmail. A Gmail accounis required to use Google Talk. With an Internet connection, free calls can be placed to landlines and mobile numbers in the United States anCanada, and free computer-to-computer calls can be made anywhere in the world. The voice/video plug-in on a computer offers video and audio conferencing, instant messaging, and file transfer. The application requires Active-X, which some workplace browsers block. Screensharinis not built into the software, but users can install a third-party plug-in, such as Yuuguu. Currently, the GoogleTalk app for smart phones is onlsupported on the Apple iPhone, Nokia 770, and Blackberry.Before using programs like Skype or GoogleTalk to conduct calls, it is necessary to run a call quality diagnostic test on computer speakers, microphone, webcam, processing speed, and Internet connection. Whilethese services have built-in echo canceller programs that detect and reduce echo during calls, sound quality is best when conducting the call in a quiet environment. A USB headset is recommended for the best voice quality.VoIP is subject to bandwidth availability, so call quality may suffer if the connection is not optimal. These services do not allow calls to be placed with emergency services. It is important to have alternative communication options available that can support 9-1-1 calls. Some firewall software may block Skype or GoogleTalk. Both services have instructions for configuring firewall settings. In terms of security, note that Skype is secure sockets layer (SSL) protected, but the GoogleTalk desktop client is not.Unlike Skype and GoogleTalk, Google Voice is not a phone service, but a web-based application that simplifies the management of numerous phone numbers. Google Voice works with mobile, home, andwork phones, as well as VoIP lines. There is nothing to download, uploaor install. Calls do not need to be received or placed using a computer. Google Voice assigns a phone number to a user, not to a device, so whean individual calls that number, it will ring all registered phones at the same time. Customizations can be made based on the caller or the time of day. Google Voice also has voicemail management features, includingge -eas t d gy  dn  Resources Federal Communications Commission Voice Over Internet Protocol: www.fcc.gov/VoIP/ GoogleTalk: www.google.com/talk/ GoogleTalk and Skype Comparison Table: www.cgxchange.org/collaboration-tools/ google-talk-and-skype-comparison-table Google Voice: www.google.com/voice/ “Google Voice: 5 Reasons to Use It, 5 Reasons to Think Twice” PC World: www.pcworld .com/article/167424/google_voice_5_ reasons_to_use_it_5_reasons_to_think _twice.htmlSkype: www.skype.com USB Headsets: www.google.com/talk/ accessories.html advanced call screening and a voicemail-to-textfunctionality. There are reports of uneven tran­scription quality, but this is a developing featurethat should improve. Google Voice is an espe­cially handy service given that phone numbersoften change, particularly with the purchase ofa new phone, a move, or a mobile carrier switch. Despite those changes, the Google Voice numberalways stays the same.These communication technologies can beuseful in assisting with work, teaching, or otherprofessional responsibilities. With audio confer-encing features, both Skype and GoogleTalkmake it easy to connect with students andcolleagues, and to conduct business meetings. Screen sharing, a built-in functionality in Skype, can be particularly useful for collaboration in realtime or for long-distance instruction. Googleoice is valuable to those who juggle multiplephone services, so that one can be reached at any, Vtime, from any location, and from any device.www.mlanet.org April 2011 2  

Communication in “The Cloud”: Skype, GoogleTalk, and Google Voice

https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1079&amp;context=lib_fac

Communication in “The Cloud”: Skype, GoogleTalk, and Google Voice

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