Skype is a great tool for all sorts of businesses. Not only does it help you stay in contact with your team members no doubt scattered across the globe, but Skype also helps consultants and other business professionals stay in touch with their clients. You may even offer Skype conferencing as a part of your assortment of services, as is often seen these days.
But have you ever thought of using another communications app as an alternative to Skype?
If you are using Windows 8.1, you probably already understand the gripes with Skype on that platform. Of course, iif you use another operating system, you could be blissfully oblivious to all this. Just check out some of the comments from the official Skype message board from back in 2012, when the latest iteration of Skype was new.
If you have used Skype on the Windows platform lately, then you probably feel their pain. Even if you’re not on Windows, Skype could very well be underperforming some of the alternatives out there.
Ultimately, you need an alternative to Skype that takes your business seriously. And that’s what we have put together right here. Here’s a look at the top four alternatives to Skype for business.
8×8
8×88×8 is an alternative to Skype that truly does go “far beyond Skype” for business purposes. 8×8 helps you to better service your customers with a smattering of intuitive features and a squeaky clean interface.
8×8 i a full-featured Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) application that provides more than just phone service. 8×8 also includes first-class Web conferencing, faxing and mobile integration.
If you’re switching from Skype, you’ll appreciate the improved audio quality in 8×8, which sounds clear as a bell, thanks to 8×8’s audio compression methods. Add to that excellent iOS integration and plans that start at $19.99, and 8×8 quickly becomes a worthy alternative to Skype for business.
Features of 8×8:
- Complete Communications Solution
- Voice Calling, Messaging, and Web Conferencing
- Caller ID with Name
- Automated Attendant
- Call Waiting, Caller ID Blocking
- Extension Dialing
- Call Transfers, Call Park
- Message/Music on Hold
- 3-Way Calling
- Ring Groups
- Online Dashboard
- Directory Assistance Listing
- Advanced Call Forwarding
- Unlimited Calling
- Group Intercom Paging
- Personalized Voicemail
- Web Conferencing
- Voicemail to Email
- CRM/Contact Integration
- Conference Bridge
If you’re switching from Skype, you’ll appreciate the improved audio quality in 8×8, which sounds clear as a bell, thanks to 8×8’s pristine compression methods. Add to that excellent iOS integration and plans that start at $19.99, and 8×8 quickly becomes a worthy alternative to Skype for business.
RingCentral
RingCentralRingCentral is an voice-focused alternative to Skype that brings a professional edge to VoIP for business.
RingCentral emphasizes security, as well as ease of use, focusing on voice calling, text messaging and conference. And those are tasks that RingCentral does exceptionally well, lending a distinct note of professionalism for businesses looking for a solution that doesn’t suffer from the glitchy, digitized sound you would typically expect from a VoIP system.
Features of RingCentral:
- Toll-free numbers
- Voicemail, Voicemail to Email
- Local numbers
- Box, Dropbox, Google Drive Integrations
- Directory listings
- Internet Fax; CloudFax; Cloud PBX
- VoIP service
- Always on service
- Caller ID
- Microsoft Outlook Integration
- Softphone
- Salesforce Integration
- Business SMS
- Answering rules
- Unlimited calling
- Call forwarding
- RingCentral Mobile App for iOS, Android, Blackberry
- Call screening
- Conferencing
- Auto-Receptionist
RingCentral is solid, reliable, and flexible. What’s more, its pricing starts at $19.99, just like 8×8. If you don’t need video Web conferencing, RingCentral is ideally suited to handle the online voice calling needs of all types of businesses, from freelancers, to multi-location enterprises.
SnapComms
SnapCommsSnapComms is different from the other apps on this list because, unlike those, it focuses on internal business communications.
If you don’t need a customer-facing communications platform, but you still need to securely conduct urgent communications between employees and departments, or even locations, then SnapComms is an ideal solution for you.
Features of SnapComms:
- Corporate Screensaver Messaging
- Desktop News Feeds
- Internal Newsletter Tool
- Pop-up Staff Survey Tool
- Desktop Alerts Tools
- Pop-up Staff Quiz Tool
- Mobile Channels
- Desktop Wallpaper
SnapComms offers single-user licensing starting at $1 per user, per year depending upon the number of licenses you need.
DialMyCalls
DialMyCallsDialMyCalls is a tool that comes in handy when you need to broadcast a message. This is the app that makes it possible for your local school to call all parents with updates about weather cancellations and fundraisers.
DialMyCalls is an easy way to record a voice message and send it out to a list of numbers. Keep your employees or customers updated on what’s going on with a few mouse clicks.
DialMyCalls doesn’t do real-time communications, obviously. But it’s a great tool for those times when you need to make a statement rather than start a conversation.
Features of DialMyCalls:
- Voice Broadcasting
- Text Message Broadcasting
- Ability To Send Over 2,000 Msgs/Minute
- Set Your Own Caller ID
- Phone Polling & Surveys
- Voicemail Detection System
- Vanity Phone Numbers
- iPhone / Android Apps
- Secure Data
- Push-To-Talk Campaigns
- School Notification System
- Church Notification Service
- Emergency Notifications With NOAA
- Push To Opt-Out
- SMS Keywords For Opt-Ins
- Push To Repeat Messages
- Toll-Free Dial In Access
- Discount For Schools and Nonprofits
Pricing for DialMyCalls pricing starts at $7.49, with discounts available for schools, churches and nonprofits. If your business needs to add broadcasting capabilities to its communications plan, DialMyCalls is the app for you.
Are you communicating effectively with your audience?
If you don’t see the alternative to Skype that’s right for you, please check out GetApp.com’s regularly updated listing of all the current messaging and communications apps.