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0 pointslwhi15y ago0 comments

Skype (in terms of the functionality it offers) is basically a branded form of SIP VoIP.

You can obtain similar functionality using a generic SIP VoIP account purchased through a reseller .. which will be free from the negative restrictions mentioned.

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6 comments · 1 top-level

moeffju15y ago· 5 in thread

Skype isn't SIP, Skype is a proprietary P2P protocol. Which is one of the reasons it works so well going through firewalls etc. - Skype had to make it work and could change their implementation at will. (Although most of the magic was already in KaZaA/FastTrack, which the Skype P2P network was based on AFAIK)

lwhiOP15y ago

Okay, a good point - but does Skype offer much more than you can obtain from a SIP account?

My understanding is that there's a benefit to choosing SIP over skype, because the technology is interoperable and non-proprietary.

I suppose, my point is that people don't need to rely on Skype to be able to call people for free. In my opinion, Skype isn't the only - or even best - choice.

bonzoesc15y ago

Skype is easier to set up than SIP, doesn't require firewall configuration, or server addresses. You install it, create an account, add people to your list, and insert money when you want to call a POTS line.

riffic15y ago

not sure why you're being downvoted on this, you bring up a very good point.

Facetime on iphone 4 uses open standards including SIP, STUN and ICE. These are mature p2p technologies heavily used and deployed and are the same used in xmpp jingle specifications. open standard p2p already won this battle which skype will persist to fight.

lwhiOP15y ago

"Which is one of the reasons it works so well going through firewalls etc."

I don't understand why the fact that Skype's proprietary makes it 'work [..] well going through a firewall'.

borism15y ago

that's the point!

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