Does anyone use skype for business calls? If so, would love to hear any feedback on whether it is a suitable medium (ie, sufficient sound quality, etc.) for external business calls such as prospective customers, partners, suppliers, etc.

Definitely worth checking out. We've been using Skype for our international conference calls for several months. It has proven very effective--in terms of sound quality, connection (most times) and price. Skype also has video capabilities (to date haven't used this) and a chat function for users that do not have a microphone built into their PC .

I use Skype for language lessons and it works great. conversation is clear, and it is easy to use. On the rare occasion we loose a connection, but not often and you know immediately if the connection is lost.

I've heard there are sometimes some problems with feedback sounds. Is this true?

So long as your upload speeds are pretty good, voice quality should be fine. Invest in a good noise canceling mic and headset. I use one from Logitech.

I use Skype for both personal and business use. The main benefit is affordability. It's 100% free for Skype to Skype (computer to computer). For very reasonable rates, Skype can be used to call both land lines and cell phones, domestically and internationally, but quality isn't always great. I don't have experience in terms of receiving calls on Skype from outside phones, I just use it to call out.

For personal use it's a great option. I have a Logitech webcam and so do my in-laws in Australia, we can videoconference for free using Skype. The quality can be surprising good, but there is usually a small delay in the audio. Sometimes we'll get a bad connection initially, but if we hang up and redial, sometimes the 2nd time works better.

Recently I injured my foot so I've been working from home alot. Since I only have a cell phone (no land line), that poses a problem because I was draining my cell phone minutes on long conference calls. For $2.95 on Skype I was able to purchase a month of unlimited calling, from my computer, to any land line or cell phone in USA or Canada. Bargain! There can be quality issues though - sometimes feedback, sometimes audio delays or voice echos. I use with caution and it's not always the best choice for business if it's an important call because it can be embarrassing to not have a clear connection. It does depend on the equipment and speed of internet connection, but I have a Logitech webcam (my mic may need to be updated) and the highest cable internet connection offered through Cox which is my service provider here in central MA, and I still have quality issues sometimes.