According to this CNET article, Skype calls are now equal to one third of all global traffic - http://goo.gl/wzFV4

What does that mean for online mediation?

In my article “5 Lessons Learned From Running Over 100 Online Mediation Simulations via Skype” I pointed out why, from my experience, mediation skills and experience are much more important than online mediation technology - http://goo.gl/HQQG7

So, while I don't believe that the success of Skype (or any other video conferencing software) will automatically translate into the success of online mediation, I do believe that it will probably make it a bit easier. Why? Because when a mediator will suggest to two parties, who perhaps live in different cities, states or countries, to participate in an online mediation via Skype, he or she will be more likely to hear from them:

“I am a bit nervous. I don't know what to expect, because I have never participated in mediation or online mediation before. But I certainly know what Skype is and how to use it: it's already installed on my computer.”

Giuseppe Leone