Skype is a terrific tool. It is a software based phone that allows VoIP calls anywhere in the world. If you place a Skype call between computers--your computer and the computer of the person on the other end--the call is free. It costs pennies a minute to call to a cell phone or land line.

Skype will allow you to do video calling, share documents, and IM others on the Skype network.

How can a nonprofit use Skype? I think it can be particularly useful when working on collaborative projects. These projects could be technology based or not.

1. Conference calls become free using Skype.
2. If you have documents to share, they can be sent to everybody in the group by dragging and dropping into a Skype chat.
3. Skype's chat feature allows you to see when others in your group are online--and potentially available to talk.

I use Skype pretty much everyday in collaboration with programmers and other project based colleagues.

Paired with other tools, Skype can become a powerful--and free--tool in your virtual kit. It is a free download, works on MacOS, PC, and Linux.

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