ooVoo
Similar to Skype, ooVoo is a client-based videoconferencing software package that comes in two versions: a free service called ooVoo Standard and a monthly subscription service called ooVoo Super. The standard version is supplemented by an advertising window, which occupies a rectangular section at the bottom of the client window. The free version supports three concurrent video calls, while the paid version increases that count to six.

ooVoo uses a software client that is installed on the user’s PC (Windows and Mac systems are supported). ooVoo proves to be just as easy to use as Skype, but it doesn’t have the breadth of add-ins that Skype offers. That said, the product still offers some impressive features, such as the ability to send video e-mails, invite non-ooVoo users to a conference using only a browser connection, multiple concurrent callers, session recording and video chat rooms. ooVoo video and audio quality slightly surpasses Skype, but the embedded advertising can be annoying and takes up valuable screen real estate. Recorded sessions also exhibit high quality and are saved in .AVI format; files can grow quite large when set to high-resolution mode.

For most users, ooVoo is the best way to introduce newbies to advanced videoconferencing, but many may be put off by the embedded advertising and other limitations, quickly outgrowing the product. Users wanting to avoid the advertising-supported model may create opportunities for solution providers looking for an up-sell opportunity.