Facebook is by far the most popular social networking site on the net. When we say social networking, we say communicate. The most common way to communicate on Facebook is through text, whether offline or online (chat). Many of you prefer voice communication, because it is easier to talk than type, and then it is altogether a different experience to hear the voice of the person you are talking to, with the different intonations. But how can one communicate using voice on Facebook?
There are so many ways of doing so, and the question as to what the best way is remains debated. On the one side, there is the conventional method of sharing contacts. On your profile or wherever else, you show your phone number, mobile number, Skype name, or IM names (Yahoo or MSN ID). The rest goes the traditional way, outside Facebook. So, this kind of voice communication isn’t really Facebook-integrated communication, since Facebook is used only as a contact sharing platform. Also, there is the risky practice of sharing confidential information like phone numbers, unless you use virtual numbers or create instant messaging IDs that don’t put your privacy at stake.
On the other hand, VoIP can be used. Note that VoIP can already be used outside Facebook, with the sharing of VoIP contacts, like with Skype. But VoIP can be embedded within a Facebook profile, such that to contact a person, you only have to click on a button or link and the call is made. This is often referred to as click-to-call. The call can be entertained simply using a headset or it could be phone-based.
Why Use Voice over IP on Facebook?
The main reason for using VoIP on Facebook is to offer availability and reachability to contacts within a mouse click. Besides, there is the cost saving. Based on computers, VoIP can be completely free, if it is not way cheaper than traditional phone calls. VoIP has many advantages. Moreover, VoIP on facebook allows the implementation of Unified Communications, which in a word, draws communication channels together in one communication platform. This brings the concept of ‘presence’, which is simply knowledge of whether a contact is online and ready to communicate or not. This concept is quite useful in many circumstances. Finally, offering reachability through a single button or link allows you to shield your number from indiscrete and often ill-intentioned parties.
VoIP Applications on Facebook
Here is a list of the most prominent VoIP applications and tools for Facebook.
Telephone
TringMe
Snapvine
Jaxtr’s MyPhone
Truphone
Call Me in Skype
To name but a few.
