Not all PC’s were created equal! With its level of popularity and 170 million monthly active users, there are going to be almost 170 million different PC and device configurations on which Skype is installed. Supporting a software application on this many configurations across 27 languages can be a challenge, especially when working across many versions of Windows and Mac OS/X as well as the various hardware peripherals (headsets, webcams, phones, etc.) that can be incorporated into these configurations.
While Skype does a major effort at checking out its releases such that it installs easily and works “out-of-the box” there are always a few configurations that present a challenge. Add into this mix the variety or ways one can connect to the Internet and an additional series of challenges arise. (Full disclosure: the author at one time managed a support operation for a top-selling utility product that would disclose all the “sins” of PC’s configured with DOS and early versions of Windows. Been there; done that!)
Over the past eight years the Skype Forum has been a hotbed for users to air issues and get assistance from either other Skype users or Skype personnel. About a month ago Skype announced its intention to replace the Forum by launching a beta version of a new Skype Community Support Network with improved infrastructure and navigation for reporting issues and obtaining responses.
Offering support in eight languages, it is still supported by many of those, including Skype enthusiasts, often designated as Moderator or Super User, who have provided much of the support in the past. Since its launch as a beta over a month ago, it has once again evolved into an very active forum for reporting and resolving issues with using Skype.
Earlier this week Skype announced the availability of support via Skype’s Facebook account page:
We think there is a big appetite for information about Skype, and Skype Support Network was created in direct response to that. Having this information available within our Support Network and extended to various social media channels, such as Facebook, is part of our efforts to engage customers and help them access information they need. So, feel free to ask us a question or search our community for answers right from within Facebook or visit us at the Skype Support Network.
Again it’s shown as a “beta” but there is certainly no lack of queries in its first few days:
Bottom Line: one more resource for discussing any issues arising from using Skype. While Skype employees are tracking and responding, one must also recognize and appreciate those many Skype enthusiasts who voluntarily supply their support to these forums. Without them these forums would not be nearly as effective.
Related articles
- Skype 5.5 for Windows: Deeper Facebook, New Emoticons and More (voiceontheweb.biz)
- Skype Opens Its Walls A Bit? Lets You IM Facebook Users Just Like Skype Users (disruptivetelephony.com)
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