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Skype targets SMEs

By Bontle Moeng, ITWeb trainee journalist
Johannesburg, 24 Mar 2006
SkypeMe has been introduced to help local online businesses sell products using Skype - a voice over IP (VOIP) service.

The SkypeMe service, introduced in March by Dean Squire, a Durban-based Internet entrepreneur, offers Skype downloads and business listings, and is aimed at closing the gap between online sellers and online buyers, says Squire.

"SkypeMe allows customers to connect to local and overseas businesses registered on the Web site by using an e-mail address or phone number. It makes it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve their business without having to pay," says Squire.

"SkypeMe is a business tool. The reason it is successful is remembering someone's Skype name is difficult, whereas customers usually already know a business e-mail address or phone number. By directing customers through SkypeMe, the process of contacting businesses becomes simpler," he says.

"For the average consumer, Skype is a free tool, but is relegated to the realm of a 'friend talks to a friend' option. SkypeMe allows small businesses to use Skype as a customer to business option. By entering the SME's e-mail address into the SkypeMe interface, the customer is routed to the SME for a live chat. Without the SkypeMe service, it is impossible to practically link customers to businesses using Skype," says Squire.

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