Microsoft is trying to find new ways to keep its Skype app relevant on the chat market. To this extent, the company has introduced a new option for small businesses that includes, among other great features, free Skype meetings.

The new Skype Meetings service from Microsoft is available for any device that has a camera, microphone, speaker, and browser.

Even the process of creating a new meeting is extremely easy. The individual who wishes to initiate a conference must send a personalized link to the other participants. During the 60-day free trial, the service allows up to ten participants in a single meeting. After that, the maximum number of participants in a Skype meeting will be three.

Among the new features that Microsoft is planning to implement are screen sharing and PowerPoint integration with whiteboard functionality and laser pointer. However, seeing as small business receive the service for free, they will only benefit from a downgraded version of the paid Skype for business app.

The free Skype meetings service for small businesses is designed as a teaser for Skype Business or the Office 365 package, which includes Skype. One of the advantages of the paid service is the fact that, with the business package, users are able to take part in video conferences with up to 250 other people.

Microsoft is desperately trying to make Skype appealing to users because the competition is stiff. With the new Google Hangouts, for example, individuals can share and screens and webcast on the free chat service that the company will soon be implementing.

Slack is also making the life of entrepreneurs easier. The texting app is brushing up on its voice call feature that will soon be available on both desktop and mobile version. Users with a premium account also benefit from a group call option that allows the creation of a conference call with up to 15 users.

Obviously, there are other free, and accessible tools like WeChat, Facebook Messenger, and Line, but they’re not as professional as the previously mentioned services.

Another good news for Skype users is the fact that files can now be sent via the chat app without the receiver having to be online. This makes the life of Skype-using individuals easier. However, Skype does not have a privacy policy, so be wary of the information you send via the app.

Image source: Wikipedia