The internet telephone and messaging service Skype has so far been limited to those with active Skype user accounts. But soon, non-members will be able to talk via Skype if they get an invitation from a registered user.
The invitation has to come in the form of a link, which will give the guest access to the service through the Skype for Web browser function. The service is already available in the United States and Britain, with plans to roll it out world-wide in the coming weeks.
Skype isn't the only service offering free video telephoning without installing software or registering. There's also Vline.com or Hello, which is integrated into the Firefox browser. Both services allow outsiders access by letting users send them links.