Skype Journal: Answer Machine Business Models
March 24, 2005 09:09 AMThe competitive tussle between Skype Answer Machines SAM and Pamela and the release of Skype Voice Mail is forcing ongoing strategy assessments for these early Skype Plug-in solutions.
Pamela Systems followed the SAM upgrade with a few revisions of their own; extending the recording time (this is not a "chargeable" versions feature in my view) and a few minor changes. I believe when Pamela Systems releases their Standard version (now expected 5 Euro) it will offer one feature that can provide some extra utility; text message only answering. It's useful when you are already in a call, converting a inbound ring to a potential chat exchange. Still this is a feature Skype should build in. Rather than forward to Voice Mail or ignore call -- send chat instruction - user defined text.
Observations:
From a functionality point of view Skype's VM is simply a better approach. I've continued to watch these two solutions because the real demand is for "call recording" whether for podcasts or journalists etc. Again in time Skype could offer it. Buy a Skype recorder account, add that account name to your conference call, begins recording and both parties get a copy of the call as soon as the recorder is hung up. I'd think that's just another 5 Euro to the guys at Skype.
The lesson here is it is very hard to make "money" on voice related add-on services. They are really core to Skype. By contrast Skype is asking / begging for text, presence, answering, location, etc. solutions by offering it's API.
We have just finished the Pamela Basic 1.0a upgrade We have also finished Pamela Standard 1.1 and will release it shortly. Standard will have:- Recording of up to 4 hours
- Visual display which messages played and which are new
- Notification alerts if a contact status changes (with details)
- Option to take call back to Skype
- All Basic functions enabledPamela Standard 1.1 for €5,00. This includes future upgrades as well as active support
We will be releasing our third product, Pamela Professional Version mid/end April. This version will offer following additional features to Standard:
- Unlimited recording time
- Email forwarding (with proxy support)
- Individual answer settings (greeting chat messages skype status notifications) per contact
- Time scheduling
- Call recordingProfessional will cost €15. People that have bought Standard will be able to upgrade for the price difference (€10).
TrackBack (0)
Comments (3)
A new entrant to watch in this category is Hotrecorder [hotrecorder.com] which, according to their FAQ, will offer the possibilty of recording regular and conference calls within Skype.
Posted by: Nick at March 24, 2005 2:40 PM
I think also you have to look at the hardware gateway solutions that allow you to connect your home answering machines built into your cordless phones as I see it, the best option for a SKype answering machine.
You can retrieve your messages from a landline or Skype and the messages are stored in your home and not on the Skype server.
I fyou are concerened about privacy... using a USB to RJ11 Gateway like the ActionTec IPW with your home ansering machine is the best option.
MG
Posted by: mgough at March 26, 2005 9:29 PM
You make a great point. There is nothing to stop the use of a standard / traditional answer machine with such a USB device. The benefit may be that all your messages are sorted in time order regardless of what inbound line is used.
I'm sure we will also see some dualphone solutions that include answermachines. Potentially they could be made smart enough to enable one-click skype callback. It's that integration that I believe takes the experience to a new level. Using old tech is smart from a cost point of view. However, it may be like trading up from a standard mobile to a picture phone. It could change your life or just not be for you.
Posted by: Stuart Henshall at March 27, 2005 5:02 PM