Skype not working? Here are the lessons we can learn

Are you having problems accessing Skype today? If so, you’re not the only one.

A Skype statement said: “We have detected an issue with the status settings of Skype.

We are aware of an issue affecting Skype status at the moment, and are working on a quick fix: http://t.co/ymSzmrgEX0 pic.twitter.com/8LoqqL0hh7

— Skype Support (@SkypeSupport) September 21, 2015

“Affected users will not be able to change their status, their contacts will all show as offline and they will be unable to start Skype calls to them.

“Instant messages are still being delivered as usual. The status issue also doesn't affect Skype for web, which can be used to make calls and send instant messages.”

At the time of writing, it is too early to know exactly what has gone wrong. What we do know is that the problem is largely affecting users in the UK, but there are also reports of problems in Japan and Australia.

We also know that it’s the latest example of a free web-based tool bringing businesses of all sizes grinding to a halt.

Lessons from the Skype problems

So, what lessons can we learn and how can you avoid falling foul of any future Skype problems?

Well, if web calling and instant messaging form a key part of the way your organisation works - either for contacting clients or for internal communications - we would recommend having at least one or two of these tools at your disposal.

These needn’t be in use all the time (that might get a bit confusing). Instead, they could be fully configured but left dormant; ready to go if Skype or your first-choice tool fails.

Here at Tibus, we use a tool called Slack, as well as a native internet relay chat system to communicate internally. Today’s Skype issues definitely show the value of having a couple of options at your disposal, regardless of what those options are.

It might take a little while to get user accounts configured  and linked to your contacts (not least today, when a large proportion of Skype’s user base is doing exactly the same thing), but it’s a worthwhile exercise.