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March 19, 2015

Can Premium VoIP Facebook Messenger Challenge Top Players?


By Casey Houser
Contributing Writer

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As readers most likely know, there is a seemingly countless number of VoIP applications on the market. They range from consumer- to business-class and offer a number of features beyond just voice calling. The most popular stand-alone applications available today are probably Skype (News - Alert) and Viber, but that's not to say they don't feel pressure from any others. That begs the question: Which app could present a real challenge to the two frontrunners?


A recent blog post at The Fuse Joplin suggests that Facebook (News - Alert) could soon bring premium VoIP features to its Facebook Messenger. That could immediately give it more presence in the corporate world above what it has already (only basic free calling to other members). Premium means HD voice and video, possible data sharing, and possible calls to non-members.

The blog post asserts that Facebook has been silent on the issue up to this point. However, analysts familiar with the issue have pushed the idea that Facebook is currently expanding the capabilities of its app—even if it hasn't gone public with its interest. This could result in a premium product release within a couple of years. Unfortunately for any fans of the basic service, this gives Skype and Viber more time to continue to build a base which would surely challenge any releases from the social media giant.

Perhaps the biggest addition to the VoIP world is the coming transition from Microsoft (News - Alert) Lync to Skype for Business. That combination of Skype and Lync tools will apply a number of unified communications features to the VoIP platform that many have come to love. Skype will remain a chat program, but it will also contain many business-focused features such as content sharing, call transferring capabilities, and upgrades to its reliability and performance.

Facebook could fight back with lower calling rates for premium and continue to offer free calling for basic features. It also brings with it a current network of dedicated followers who are already familiar with its social media service. There is no telling, right now, how this could play out. Informed speculation, though, points to Facebook becoming a definite challenger to the major players in the market. All it needs now is to just release a premium product. We will have to be patient.




Edited by Dominick Sorrentino
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