Since the Internet has appeared, our culture has enriched with phenomenon of «chat». Chat has quickly become a new type of leisure, and a new way of communicating. In the pre-computer era analog to instant messaging did not exist. Chat can be considered as a space for the lazy: it is not necessary either to go somewhere or to meet with someone. The popular chat always have characters who are ready to join with you online.
There are a lot of programs for communication through the Internet. I think that any user came across with such phenomena as ICQ, MSN or Yahoo Messenger. This are different programs that have been developed by different developers and have different interface, but the goal is the same - they all provide the ability to communicate with the Internet users in real time.(Ray 15)
With the development of technology and the structure of the web users were given an opportunity to communicate not only through traditional chat, but also using a microphone - what actually appeared to be the same phone call but only through the Internet. The most popular program to mention in this regard is the messenger named Skype, developed by Skype Technologies.
«Skype» is a private software for VoIP, that was founded in 2003 by two entrepreneurs Niklas Zennstrom from Sweden and Janus Friis from Denmark, who are also the founders of file-sharing network Kazaa. It competes with existing open VoIP protocols such as SIP, IAX, and H.323.
After the release Skype began to grow rapidly in all directions: the popularity of software development, in both free and paid services. The communication system Skype is known for its wide number of features, including free voice and video conferences, and through its ability to use decentralized peer-to-peer technology to overcome common problems with firewalls and NAT (Network Address Translation).(Gough 15)
Skype users in fact make phone calls and video calls via their computer using Skype software and the Internet. The basis of the system is free communication between the users of the software of Skype; but the product also allows Skype users to communicate with users making calls on regular landline and mobile phones. This software is available for free and can be downloaded from the website of the company, but the protocol of Skype is private and unpublished.
The main difference between Skype and other VoIP clients is that Skype operates on a peer-to-peer model, rather than the more traditional client-server model. Directory of Skype users completely decentralized and distributed among the nodes in the network, which means that the network can grow to very large sizes easily (now over 100 million users) without complications and expensive centralized infrastructure.(Winter 43)
Skype also redirects calls through other Skype network to facilitate circumvention of Symmetric NAT and firewalls. However, it puts an additional burden on those who connect to the Internet without NAT, because their computers and network bandwidth can be used to send calls to other users.
Skype is a software that has a closed source and is has no standardized protocol, but only private what actually causes suspicion and criticism from other software developers and users.
In my opinion, the program Skype is now becoming more and more popular. Many companies have websites where they put their Skype contacts to be able to advise the buyer online and answer all his questions. The enormous costs of long-distance and international calls can be minimized by Skype.
Works cited
Max, Harry, and Taylor Ray. Skype the Definitive Guide. Indianapolis, Ind.: Que, 2006. Print.
Winter, Rick. A Simple Guide to Skype. Carmel, Ind.: Luminis, 2012. Print.
Gough, Michael. Skype Me! from Single User to Small Enterprise and beyond. Rockland, Mass.: Syngress, 2006. Print.
