VoIP Monitor - VoIP Providers|Skype

RTX Launches the DUALphone 4088 Cordless Skype Phone

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:52:39 GMT

RTX is launching a combined SkypeT and landline phone. The new cordless phone, the DUALphone 4088, is being launched at ITEXPO in Miami.

The main benefit of the DUALphone 4088 is that it does not require the user to be physically connected to a PC to make VoIP calls. The caller can simply connect the DUALphone base station to a broadband connection and make Skype calls free of charge to other Skype users or have the choice of conventional paid-for landline calls worldwide.

At a time when the number of Skype calls is soaring, RTX says it expects the new handset to bring free and low cost calls to consumers worldwide. According to a recent report by telecom market research firm TeleGeography, cross-border Skype-to-Skype calls grew 48 percent in 2011, to 145 billion minutes.

Jesper Mailind CEO RTX commented, "Our new elegant DUALphone 4088 offers consumers a unique way to use Skype, bringing the benefits of wireless low cost or free calls to households across the globe at an affordable price-point. We believe there is a growing demand for dual phones from the existing 170 million Skype account holders. As more and more people use Skype our user-friendly and intuitive phone will be an attractive solution. It will also provide a business opportunity for resellers around the world."

The new handset has a colour TFT screen and superior sound quality through the use of high definition Audio. The phone system can switch between two separate Skype accounts and can be extended to four handsets per household. Standard features including call waiting, voicemail and a phone contact list of 200 numbers have been enhanced by software to show the Skype status of the user and all contacts. The design of DUALphone 4088 is suitable for the modern living room.

Acrobits’ Video VoIP-SIP iPhone Application Challenges Skype and Apple’s Facetime

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:03:52 GMT

Acrobits released its new combined Voice and Video application with SmoothFlow video technology for Apple’s iPhone.

The Voice and Video applications are available in two versions; one for the consumer market (SIP Phone) and one in a fully featured business phone application (Groundwire) with both apps loaded with features such as HD Sound, Phone book integration and Avatar Dialing. Consumers can choose from hundreds of pre-configured VoIP carriers across the world while the Groundwire business application works with both closed and open source office IP-PBX platforms such as Cisco, Avaya and Asterisk.

Skype Now Optimized for your iPad

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:47:46 GMT

Since the introduction of for iPhone with video calling on New Year's Eve 2010, we've seen growing demand for a Skype app for the iPad.

The wait is over, as today we launched Skype for iPad now available for download in the iTunes App Store.

Skype for iPad is beautifully designed and optimized for the iPad. It offers the best of both worlds for users who want a larger Skype experience, on-the-go. The large iPad screen is perfect for bringing Skype video calls to life, in either landscape or portrait view, and because it is on the iPad, Skype video calls can be made at the beach, in a car or even lying on a couch.

Not only does Skype for iPad feature an interface that takes advantage of the large screen, but there are a number of additional iPad-optimized features found in this new app, including:

Two-way video calling. With Skype video calling available on iPhones, as well as in Skype for Android, Skype for Mac, Skype for Windows, Skype on HDTVs and more - you can connect to over 170 million Skype connected users worldwide.
Instant messaging. You can even instant message during a video call on your iPad, with emoticons to personalize your message.
Simple to view contacts. Contacts are now displayed in a grid on Skype for iPad, showing large avatar photos - making it easy to find your contacts and conversations.
Easy navigation. Find your recent Skype conversations and history at the touch of a button making searching simple.
Simple SMS texting. An SMS text message can be sent by simply opening a contact and selecting SEND SMS or by opening the dial pad, typing in the number you wish to SMS and then typing your message.

The new Skype for iPad app also takes full advantage of the iPad 2's dual cameras, allowing users to talk face-to-face with the iPad's front camera or switch to the rear camera to show what they can see. Skype for iPad also allows users to call landlines and mobiles using Skype's great low rates - all a user needs is a little Skype Credit. Skype for iPad works across both 3G and Wi-Fi networks and also allows users to make voice and video calls across platforms from their iPad to other Skype users on iPhones, Mac, Windows, HDTVs and more.

Microsoft's Skype Acquisition

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:10:26 GMT

Microsoft agreed to buy Internet phone company Technologies for $8.5 billion in cash. That's a lot of money for a firm whose business has yet to become profitable, especially if compared to the $2.6 billion (in cash and stock) that the selling side - Silver Lake et al - paid eBay for 65% of it in 2009, and the $5-$6 billion the owners had sought from other potential suitors including Google, Cisco Systems, and Facebook. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

Microsoft plans to integrate Skype’s functions to its Xbox and Kinect game consoles, outlook email program, and Windows smartphones but will continue to support it on other software platforms.

Product-wise, this could be a nice fit. Microsoft has several areas in both consumer and enterprise sectors that will benefit from a top-notch VoIP, video and sharing solution. All of the synergies may never realize, but even the promise of them goes a long way explaining why the price may not seem that right. Skype may strengthen Microsoft’s Lync, which ties together email, instant messaging, and voice communications into a single offering.
Whatever happens, Skype is still multiple times a better fit for Microsoft than it was for eBay, whose own purchase in 2005 was based on the assumption that it would boost its auction business. Who wouldn't enjoy calling to strangers, eh?
A preinstalled, well integrated Skype client could be a potent differentiator for Windows Phone devices vs. Androids, iPhone and BlackBerry. Thus far there aren't many, at least in the positive sense of the word.
As a third-party app, Skype has worked well on Windows Phone's rivals. So one interesting issue will be to see whether Microsoft will make it exclusive for WP handsets. That would probably unnecessarily hinder Skype's push into the mobile domain, and erode its brand and user base, so a likelier option will be that Nokia and other manufacturers using WP will instead gain some premium features. Video calling might well be one.
Telcos won't be happy to see another over-the-top front opening, but they have surely seen it coming. Just witness Telefonica's (Jajah) and Deutsche Telekom's (Bobsled) moves in this space - they're trying hard to make VoIP working for them rather than only against them. But having said that, if they wished that the Nokisoft tie-up would result in a leading yet still operator-friendlier ecosystem they will be disappointed.

Microsoft to Acquire Skype for $8.5 Billion

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:01:27 GMT

Microsoft announces that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire , the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and .

The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype's world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft's existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.

With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating rich, meaningful connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.

Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.

"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world."

Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.

"Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers," said Tony Bates. "Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype's plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate," Bates said.

"Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I'm looking forward to Skype's talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft," Ballmer said.

Speaking on behalf of the investor group that sold Skype to Microsoft, Egon Durban, managing director of Silver Lake, said: "We are thrilled with Skype's transformation during the period of our ownership and grateful for the extraordinary commitment of its management team and employees. We are excited about Skype's long-term future with Microsoft, as it is poised to become one of the world's most dynamic and comprehensive communications platforms."

Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress over the past 18 months under Silver Lake's leadership, increasing monthly calling minutes by 150 percent, developing new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.

Other members of the selling investor group led by Silver Lake include eBay International AG, CPP Investment Board, Joltid Limited in partnership with Europlay Capital Advisors; and Andreessen Horowitz.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties hope to obtain all required regulatory clearances during the course of this calendar year.

Skype Launches New Advertising Opportunity for the World's Premier Brands

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:20:24 GMT

announces the launch of advertising in Skype software, which will appear in the Home tab of Skype for Windows starting this week. This move represents the first time that advertising will appear in Skype, giving brands a unique opportunity to be part of the Skype experience, which has enabled millions of people around the world to do things together when they’re apart through voice and video calling, instant messaging, conferencing, and more.

Skype has partnered with leading advertising companies: Meebo in the US, Ad2One in the UK, and Ströer Interactive in Germany to sell advertising for Skype in each of their respective markets.

With 145 million average monthly connected users for the fourth quarter of 2010 and 29 million concurrent users at peak times, Skype’s reach and engaged user base makes it an attractive platform for brands to market their products. The first advertisers to sign up with Skype include: Groupon, Nokia, Universal Pictures, and Visa.

“We’re really pleased by the initial response among advertisers. We believe advertising on Skype helps fill a creative gap by giving brands a platform that has broad reach and global engagement, while also supporting large-format, rich and interactive ads,” said Doug Bewsher, Chief Marketing Office for Skype.

Skype “Home” provides a sponsored large masthead space at 650 × 170 pixels expandable to 650 × 340 pixels for advertisers to display ads that can include audio or video. Since the ads are on Skype, advertisers can add a Click & Call button in the ad as another call to action. In addition, it allows people to share the ad to their Facebook or Twitter accounts, and with one-click, ads can also be closed with the Close Ad button.

“The user experience on Skype is always job number one. So, we’ve spent a lot of time working through the best way to show advertising in the Skype environment. We believe our daily sponsorship ad from one brand per day is valuable for premier advertisers, but doesn’t detract from the experience for our users,” said Bewsher. “We are just taking our first steps in this space and we expect to test and learn a lot as we move forward.”

"Many people log into Skype as part of their daily routine, just like they check Groupon," said Rob Solomon, president and COO of Groupon. "We look forward to leveraging Skype's new display advertising to connect Groupon to an even larger captive audience."

“Skype is known for great value with its low-cost calls to mobiles and landline phones, and free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls. We believe that advertising, done in the right way, will help us continue to add more value into the Skype experience as a whole,” said Bewsher.

Skype’s advertising sales partners in the US, UK, and Germany will help present advertisers with the opportunity to market on Skype.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Meebo, Ad2One, and Ströer Interactive. They give us great sales teams, reach and meaningful advertiser relationships, right from day one,” said Andy Sims, director of advertising for Skype. “All three partners are leading providers of advertising services, have deep relationships with top advertisers and agencies in their markets, and have experience selling high-impact brand advertising.”

Skype and Citrix Announce Partnership to Deliver Leading Web and Audio Conferencing Capabilities

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:52:47 GMT

announces a strategic partnership with Citrix Systems. The partnership will enable Skype to introduce new, easy-to-use, Web and audio conferencing capabilities enabled with GoToMeeting technology from Citrix. It will help expand Skype's business offerings by providing powerful collaboration features for businesses of all sizes to set up and hold meetings. Based on Citrix's successful GoToMeeting product, Skype's new Web conferencing and audio features are expected to become available towards the end of the year.

The Web and audio conferencing features are expected to supplement the Skype for Business desktop experience, which already offers Skype users instant messaging, voice and video calling, group video calling, conferencing, file sharing and more. Adding the GoToMeeting capability will also allow Skype's business users to quickly set up online audio conferencing meetings that users can join via Skype or through public switched telephone network phone numbers. It will embed Skype's SILK audio codec, which means Skype users can expect audio quality that is practically crystal clear. In addition, it will enable rich and interactive screen sharing, whereby meeting hosts can easily walk through, annotate and highlight whatever they would like to show on their computer screen, such as a presentation or demonstration.

GoToMeeting is an intuitive, easy-to-use, real-time Web conferencing service. With GoToMeeting, organizations can reduce travel costs and increase productivity by enabling connections for people to meet with almost anyone, anywhere. The product has been designed so that users can easily schedule meetings or meet immediately; no training or other assistance is required.

Pricing details for Skype's new audio and Web conferencing will be available when the feature becomes available.

Panasonic's Blu-Ray Line Up Brings Skype to Your Living Room

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:31:09 GMT

It seems like just yesterday that we brought to your sofa with Skype-enabled HDTVs from Panasonic and Samsung. Just over a year later, we already have more ways for you to make video calls with the click of your remote control and at a great price point.

Today, Panasonic announced its expanded VIERA Cast Blu-ray disc player lineup, including the ability to make video and voice calls supported by the FREETALK Conference Camera.

Here's how it works: To access Skype through the Blu-ray Disc player, you simply click the devoted Skype button on your remote control. You can also take advantage of other Skype features including:

Standby Mode, which allows users to personalize ring tones;
Answering Message, which allows users to create a personalized message when away; and
SD Voice Mail, which automatically records messages left onto an SD card.

The line's compatibility with Skype allows users to personalize their entertainment experience to fit their lifestyle and enjoy the benefits of Skype from any HDTV.

The FREETALK camera - with wide-angle lens and beam-forming microphones - will be available in March at major retailers and online for $99.

If you have any questions on how to use Skype from your living room La-Z-Boy, feel free to comment below, or ping us on Twitter.

Skype Announces Mobile Partner Program for Operators

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:35:56 GMT

announces a Mobile Partner Program for operators in markets with low 3G broadband penetration. The program aims to bring the Skype experience to a broad range of mobile users and will enable carriers to differentiate their offerings in a competitive market environment. This program follows the successful operator partnerships that Skype has already launched with Verizon, KDDI and Hutchison 3.

The Mobile Partner Program from Skype is a simplified operator program that utilises a purpose built client/server solution. The solution developed specifically for operators, enables use of Skype on a broad range of handsets including smartphones and feature phones. Optimised for efficient bandwidth usage, it keeps users connected with minimal impact on battery life and data usage.

Operators taking part in this program will be able to offer their customers a fast, easy Skype experience that runs on a range of OS platforms covering more than 100 different smartphone and feature phone handsets. Through Skype their customers will have the ability to make free calls and send instant messages to other Skype users. In addition, their customers can take advantage of Skype’s low rates to make affordable calls to mobile phones and landlines virtually anywhere in the world.

“We see a growing demand for differentiated services from mobile operators across the world,” said Russ Shaw, VP and GM of Mobile at Skype. “Our mobile operator program will give operators in emerging markets the possibility to tap into the global Skype community while providing a great user experience on a variety of mobile handsets.”

Operators interested in this program can contact Skype’s mobile business development team at: mpp@skype.net.

Skype Mobile to Bring Video Calling to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network

VoIP Monitor — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:41:50 GMT

Wireless and Skype announce that mobile with video will soon be available on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network. This new version of Skype mobile from Verizon Wireless will be deeply integrated into a wide range of 4G smartphones to be available by mid-2011. With front- and rear-facing cameras, these Android-based 4G LTE smartphones will make it simple for customers to make Skype-to-Skype video calls over Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.

Customers will be able to see and hear their friends and family when making or receiving Skype-to-Skype video calls on Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network, the fastest and most advanced 4G network in the nation. The new offer expands Skype’s video calling capabilities for millions and provides a great video experience using the speed, low-latency and quality of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE wireless network.

“Skype mobile with video is the kind of application that truly shows off what a 4G network can mean to consumers. Keeping in touch with friends and family will be more enjoyable because video calling over the fastest and most advanced 4G network is coming. Finally, using Skype mobile with video, ‘you can see what I see, and I can see what you see’ becomes reality, and it’s because of the combination of Skype and Verizon Wireless – and our 4G LTE network,” said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless.

“We heard the demand for mobile video calling loud and clear from our users and are delighted to meet this demand with a mobile video calling product that takes advantage of Verizon Wireless’ new network in the U.S.,” said Russ Shaw, general manager and vice president of Skype’s Mobile Business Unit. “Skype mobile with video will enable Verizon Wireless and Skype users to share special moments face to face with those who matter most – from wherever they may be.”

Consumer devices with a wide range of applications, including Skype mobile with video, are expected to be available by mid-2011. The low-latency of the 4G LTE network makes it ideal for video calling and chatting across the room to another wireless phone or around the world to a PC or Mac.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network, launched in December 2010, is the fastest, most advanced 4G network in the United States, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless’ 3G network. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company’s entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.

Skype mobile with video represents the next phase in the strategic relationship between the two companies, which began last year when Verizon Wireless and Skype launched the initial version of Skype mobile for Verizon Wireless customers. Skype mobile continues to provide customers with Skype-to-Skype voice calls over Verizon Wireless’ leading network.

More details on Skype mobile with video will be available at CES in Verizon Wireless’ booth (#35216 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center).

Skype to Acquire Qik

VoIP Monitor — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:33:10 GMT

has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Qik, a provider of mobile video software and services that enable individuals to capture, instantly share and preserve great moments on video from anywhere. Qik has 60 employees, and is headquartered in Redwood City, California and has an office in Moscow, Russia. The transaction is expected to close in January 2011. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Qik was founded in 2006 and offers innovative and flexible solutions to capture and share video with anyone across mobile devices, the web, and desktop platforms. Videos can be shared in real time or stored so moments can be viewed later, allowing for video messaging, sharing and archiving. The Qik service is available on over 200 mobile phones across the Android, iPhone, Symbian, Blackberry and Windows Mobile platforms, and comes pre-loaded on a wide variety of mobile handsets through partnerships with leading handset manufacturers and carriers.

Both Skype and Qik have a common purpose of enriching communications and sharing with video, across any device. The acquisition of Qik helps accelerate Skype’s leadership in video by adding recording, sharing and storing capabilities to Skype’s product portfolio. Through this acquisition, Skype will also be able to leverage the engineering expertise that is behind Qik’s Smart Streaming technology, which optimizes video transmission over wireless networks.

“The Qik team has delivered exceptional video experiences for its mobile partners and millions of end users across a range of devices,” said Tony Bates, Skype’s Chief Executive Officer. "Skype’s software enables an estimated 25 percent of the world’s international long distance voice calling minutes*, and approximately 40 percent of those Skype-to-Skype calls are happening over video. Qik’s deep engineering capabilities and strong mobile relationships will be an impressive complementary fit with Skype.”

Together, Skype and Qik will focus on providing a richer, more integrated experience that will allow people globally to share experiences in real-time video across different platforms, as well as, store those moments so they can be viewed anytime later.

"Qik has worked very hard to solve complex problems that allow millions of people everyday to take advantage of sharing their lives with those people who are most important to them,” said Vijay Tella, Chief Executive Officer of Qik. “Joining Skype allows Qik’s team to unite with Skype’s talented team to develop new and innovative products for our customers and partners.”

Jabra Expands Portfolio of Skype-Certified Offerings With New Products Optimized for VoIP Communication

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:38:48 GMT

Jabra announces the expansion of its portfolio of Skype-certified products designed to offer a handsfree VoIP solution for all of life's situations – from the dorm room to the board room. Three new products join the Jabra EXTREME – FOR PC, which launched in October 2010, to offer a complete suite of products that enable multi-tasking through a simple plug & play installation process. The introduction of these new products gives Jabra a wide portfolio of VoIP-specific products on the market, providing consumers with access to a Skype-certified headset or speakerphone for their mobile lifestyle. The new portfolio of products will be shown for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week.

The rapid growth of the VoIP calling industry – , alone, has more than 560 million registered users worldwide – has fueled demand for better headset and speakerphone solutions with top-of-the-line sound quality and features. Jabra is stepping up to the challenge, putting a heavy emphasis on its line of VoIP-optimized products as communication trends indicate that consumers are turning to laptops, mobile devices, tablets and PCs to make more and more of their calls.

The Jabra EXTREME – FOR PC and Jabra EASYGO – FOR PC come with a pre-paired USB adapter that automatically connect to a PC and Skype software for the simplest plug and play experience to date. These multiuse products can take both Internet and mobile phone calls seamlessly and clearly. Two corded offerings, the Jabra CHILL – FOR PC and Jabra SPEAK 410 – FOR PC, ensure that Jabra has a VoIP-solution for everyone. All of Jabra's Skype-certified products provide crystal-clear sound quality so that even long-distance callers sound as though they're in the same room.

The new portfolio of products includes:

Jabra EXTREME – FOR PC

The first product released from this VoIP-optimized suite makes poor quality calls a distant memory and can simultaneously be paired to both your PC and your mobile phone. Designed for the true road-warrior who refuses to sacrifice on sound quality, the headset has been described by a Skype test engineer as "the best sounding/performing Bluetooth headset my team has put through our test laboratories." (Best Buy, MSRP: $99.99)

Jabra EASYGO – FOR PC

Offers great value for the money and provides the perfect hands-free solution for a student studying abroad that plans on using Skype to keep in touch with family and friends or a recent grad who is entering the workforce in a new city or country.
The EASYGO – FOR PC is a lightweight, stylish headset that can handle all of the needs of an entry-level Bluetooth user.
The EASYGO – FOR PC can simultaneously be paired to both your PC and your mobile phone. (MSRP: $59.99)

Jabra CHILL – FOR PC

This corded option is perfect for those who are not quite ready to go completely wireless. Compatible with both mobile phones and VoIP calls, the CHILL – FOR PC comes equipped with a high-quality microphone and music control function, leaving all other corded headphones in the dust. (MSRP: $29.99)

Jabra SPEAK410 – FOR PC

This USB-powered speakerphone brings the convenience of instant speakerphone calls anywhere using Skype. The SPEAK410 – FOR PC is a plug & play voice-conferencing solution that requires no additional set-up and comes with a mobile carrying case, allowing users to set up a mobile conference room in a matter of seconds. The product also features music playback capabilities so users can enjoy their favorite tunes while waiting for a VoIP conference call to begin. (Launching in Q2 2011)

Skype Brings Video Calling to iPhones

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:56:09 GMT

announces the new version of its iPhone application that brings video calling to millions of mobile users around the globe over both 3G and WiFi networks. Available to download from the Apple App Store today, the new Skype for iPhone App allows iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners to make and/or receive free Skype video calls for the first time. Users can now see their family, friends and colleagues around the world while talking to them. With approximately 25 million concurrent users logged into Skype at any given time**, the new Skype for iPhone makes it easier than ever to share moments wherever you are.

Video calling significantly enhances the user experience of Skype for iPhone, which is one of the top five free iPhone apps in 2010 according to Apple. Now, users can make and receive free Skype-to-Skype calls, call mobiles and landlines around the world at very low rates, and now share more moments together with video on Skype for iPhone.

“With video calling representing approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones,” said Neil Stevens, general manager of Skype’s consumer business. “By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are.”

A video call evolves communication beyond transactional experiences to a shared experience where people can share any occasion with others wherever they are. Whether this is a military father watching the birth of his child while deployed abroad, loved ones communicating via sign language or work colleagues collaborating around the globe – the opportunities are endless.

Users can place Skype video calls with their iPhone over both a 3G data connection* or WiFi. The new Skype for iPhone app is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 4th generation with i0S 4.0 or above. Video receiving capabilities are available on the iPod touch 3rd generation and iPad. Calls can be made between devices using the new Skype for iPhone app and desktops including Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux and ASUS Videophone.

The Skype for iPhone application is available for free download from the App Store or at www.skype.com/go/iphone.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Partners with Skype

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:50:16 GMT

Humanitarian workers in the most remote parts of the world will soon have a new and low-cost way to communicate with colleagues, friends, and families thanks to an unprecedented partnership between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and .

Skype has developed a bespoke, low-bandwidth version of its software, for deployment across 120 hardship locations served by UNHCR staff members around the world. Aid workers such as these are typically separated from their families for months at a time, sometimes with very little notice, and have limited opportunities for communication. In addition, all UNHCR employees have to pay for personal calls. Thus, the UNHCR-version of Skype will provide both free and low-cost voice and video calls over the Internet even when accessed through low connectivity networks. This will enable communications for humanitarian workers in some of the world's most remote postings on the one hand, whilst lowering the cost of calling home on the other.

The new software has been tested successfully in Iraq, Sudan and Afghanistan and is now available to 1,010 staff stationed in remote locations in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Chad, Congo, Iraq, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Uganda. By the end of 2010, Skype and UNHCR plan for that to grow to more than 2,072 members of staff across 60 UNHCR locations including Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. By the end of 2011, the aim is for Skype to be in at least 80 percent of UNHCR hardship locations and available to more than 3,000 staff members.

Skype and UNHCR are subsequently exploring the development of a communications solution that will benefit refugees more directly. Using the knowledge and experience from the deployment of Skype to UNHCR staff, the solution will aim to allow refugees to reach family and friends across borders and will also be used to facilitate protection operations, including repatriation, resettlement and family reunification.

"Skype has removed, at a very practical level, some of the most challenging barriers to communications that we experience in these locations," said Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. "This will benefit not only UNHCR staff and their families at home but, potentially, the tens of millions of refugees and other displaced people in the world today."

"For us, helping the world's displaced is not just about delivering the basics of food and shelter but ensuring they are able to access all the benefits of modernity, including the ability to communicate regularly with friends and family. Our partnership with a technological innovator like Skype significantly advances our aspirations in this regard," Antonio Guterres concluded.

"We are a company dedicated to using our software to enable the world's conversations and effect social change. Our partnership with UNHCR delivers on this mission in a most extraordinary way," said Tony Bates, Skype's CEO. "We are excited by the future possibilities of this partnership. Skype truly is useful for everyone, wherever, and whoever you are."

Understanding the need to secure financial resources for refugees and to further support this partnership, Skype is contributing financially to UNHCR and will begin a campaign to increase public awareness of UNHCR operations and help raise additional funds. The campaign will initially deliver messages via Skype to connected users encouraging them to make a difference to the lives of refugees beginning this holiday period.

VoSKY Introduces Skype Certified Multimedia Touchscreen Videophone

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:47:20 GMT

VoSKY has announced the launch of the VoSKY Multimedia Touchscreen Videophone, the industry's first Certified multi-functional videophone that combines multimedia capabilities including: music player, video player and digital photo frame. This affordable videophone with built-in webcam, speaker and large 7" LCD color touchscreen is optimized for free Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls.

The VoSKY Multimedia Touchscreen Videophone is an always-on device that is ready for incoming or outgoing free Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls at anytime. When users are not on a Skype call, they are able to listen to SHOUTcast Radio or view photos, local news, weather, sports scores and more through FrameChannel. In addition, users can listen to their MP3 music and watch video clips.

Because the VoSKY Multimedia Touchscreen Videophone is a stand-alone device that does not require a PC, there is no need to download any software or configure any hardware like a webcam, microphone or speaker. Setting up the device for Skype video calling can be accomplished in 3 easy steps.

1. Plug in the device and connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet 2. Touch through the intuitive step-by-step Wizard for easy setup 3. Sign in with an existing Skype account or create a new one and make a call Besides free Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls, consumers will also be able to use the VoSKY Multimedia Touchscreen Videophone to make calls to mobile and landline numbers at Skype's low global calling rates or by purchasing an inexpensive Skype subscription plan. In addition a Skype Online number can be purchased separately to enable people to receive inbound calls on the VoSKY Multimedia Touchscreen Videophone from landline or mobile phones.

The VoSKY Multimedia Touchscreen Videophone is available for consumers to purchase online from the Skype Shop at http://www.VoSKY.com or from retailers and e-tailers in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Grandstream's GXV3140 IP Multimedia Phone is Skype Certified

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:25:56 GMT

Grandstream announces that its GXV3140 IP multimedia phone, which uses mega-pixel camera and H.264 codec to deliver razor sharp video calling over Internet, is officially certified by Skype and incorporates native Skype embedded software to allow Skype video calling without a PC. Skype's community of users worldwide, who already have the capability to send and receive free video calls to and from their computers, can now do so with Grandstream's IP multimedia phone.

Designed to strengthen relationships with business colleagues and customers, as well as keep in touch with family and friends, the GXV3140 offers FREE two-way or three-way video calling out-of-the-box along with real-time instant access to a variety of Web and popular social multimedia applications.

The Skype-enabled Grandstream GXV3140 is the industry's first desktop IP multimedia phones compatible with both Skype and SIP open standards for voice & video calling. No service contract or additional monthly fee is required to use Skype for video calling.

With a 4.3" digital color LCD, the 'always-on' GXV3140 has an integrated Web browser, giving users convenient, one-touch access to personalized feeds of real-time online information services (such as news video or RSS feeds, weather, IM, stock/currency updates, etc), thousands of Internet radio stations, major Web photo sites (Yahoo Flickr, Photobucket, Phanfare), popular social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter) and Internet streaming entertainment sites like YouTube and Last.fm.

Earlier this year, Grandstream also announced successful Skype ConnectT certification for its IPPBX and gateways. Skype Connect interoperability allows business users to receive calls through their Grandstream IPPBX from Skype users around the world. Companies can now allow their customers and remote employees to make free inbound calls to their corporate PBX system using Skype from anywhere in the world.

Pricing and Availability

The GXV3140 is available through Skype Store and Grandstream's worldwide distribution partners for $229.

Skype 5.0 for Mac, Now Available in Beta

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:33:24 GMT

Skype 5.0 is now available for Mac in beta, introducing a revamped look and feel that simplifies navigation and provides a more Mac-like experience. For example, the Skype app has been brought together in one window for ease-of-use, and the Mac address book has been integrated, making it possible for you to call, IM and SMS your contacts when they are online or offline.

The new Skype for Mac also offers our popular new feature - group video calling - which allows you to make video calls with more than two people at a time as long as all participants are on the new Mac beta or Skype for Windows 5.0. Group video calling brings people together like never before, allowing you to do more things together with your friends, family and colleagues whenever you are apart.

The new Skype for Mac also includes the following new features:

New call control bar — Hang up, mute and more from a mini Skype toolbar that sits on top of any web pages, documents or photos you’ve got open
Search chat content to easily navigate past conversations
Offline IM so that you can send and receive instant messages even if the recipient is offline
Personalise contacts via user profiles
Quickly rejoin calls if your Internet connection fails momentarily
Floating Contacts Monitor to see your online contacts and contact groups

Brekeke PBX Now Connecting with 520 Million Skype Users

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:58:39 GMT

Brekeke Software has confirmed interoperability between Skype Connect 1.0 and Brekeke PBX. This new interoperability allows the users of Brekeke platforms to connect seamlessly with Skype users. Until recently, connecting Skype with any VoIP service required a third-party product, such as a gateway, in between them. Skype Connect now allows direct connection between Skype and SIP IP-PBX, which is usually installed as a business telephony system. Using Skype Connect, Brekeke PBX users can connect with Skype’s 520 million registered users without adding any other devices to their existing telephone systems.

Among Skype’s many useful services, there are several that will be indispensable to Brekeke PBX users. For example, Skype offers low-cost options for long-distance calls, DID numbers for businesses to maintain a remote presence by offering local numbers, and Skype’s click-to-call feature that allows Skype users to make calls from their Skype account instead of using analog or other VoIP lines.

In addition to all of the above benefits, businesses will also be able to unify their voice communications into a single platform under Skype services. Instead of switching between Skype and a SIP-enabled system, employees can use one device to answer calls from Skype, SIP or traditional telephones. For example, with this compatibility, remote employees who use Skype as their telephone service can now connect directly to people in their office with Brekeke’s telephony system. The employees in the office simply answer the Skype call on their SIP phones.

Last but not least, there is a significant business benefit to connecting Skype with Brekeke PBX. By design, Skype provides excellent peer-to-peer communication; however, connecting to Brekeke PBX allows users to expand communication instantly to multiple destinations. Using Brekeke PBX’s Automatic Call Distribution feature, any call can be routed through a sophisticated call distribution process. For example, a call received through Skype can be put into a queue to hold until a sales representative becomes available.

A configuration sample for connecting the Skype Connect with Brekeke PBX is available at Brekeke’s wiki site.

Skype Requests Nimbuzz to Remove Support

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:33:07 GMT

Nimbuzz has been asked by Skype to remove support for all Skype services, effective October 31st. The move is understood to be in line with Skype's mandate to disconnect with all third party VOIP and messaging services ahead of its impending IPO.

Nimbuzz recently announced that it has surpassed 150,000,000 downloads and has 30 million registered users across all major mobile operating systems. Moreover, 3.65 Billion Mobile Voice Minutes have been logged by Nimbuzz over the past year proving the increased demand and rapid adoption of the platform's own low cost calling service, NimbuzzOut. More competitively priced than Skype, NimbuzzOut is available on more mobile devices and networks than SkypeOut.

"Skype's decision is unfair to its own and our users," said Evert Jaap Lugt, CEO of Nimbuzz. "People want to choose how they communicate and to be able to make calls and send messages, regardless of service, social network, device or operator network. Nimbuzz gives them the freedom to do so, Skype does not."

As from October 31st, Skype users will be unable to chat, send messages or call friends and family on Nimbuzz and visa versa. However, unlike those using only Skype, Nimbuzz users remain free to communicate with their contacts using other VOIP/SIP services and social networks, including, Facebook, Yahoo, Windows Live Messenger (MSN), AIM, GoogleTalk Twitter, MySpace, ICQ, Gadu-Gadu and Hyves.

"The enormous popularity of Nimbuzz around the globe, proves that people don't want to be tied to one service, or channel of communications. The way forward is to empower people and that is our mission -- to give everyone the power to communicate with anyone in the world, however they want to, across any network, computer or mobile device," concludes Lugt.

Skype 5.0 Adds Video Conferencing & Facebook Integration

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:40:44 GMT

Skype announces the launch of the new Skype for Windows, which brings people together like never before.

The integration of the Facebook News Feed and Phonebook in Skype makes it easier to stay connected with the people and communities you care about.
A revitalised look and feel makes voice and video calling, instant messaging, screen sharing, file sharing and more, intuitive and easy to navigate.
Skype users can bring even more of their family and friends together with the new group video calling feature available in open beta.

The Facebook integration makes Skype even more social. For the first time Skype users can keep up-to-date and interact with their Facebook News Feed, including posting status updates, commenting, and liking, directly from Skype. Even better, the Facebook Phonebook in Skype allows users to call and SMS their Facebook friends directly on their mobile phones and landlines with just a few clicks. If your Facebook friend is also a Skype contact, you can make a free Skype-to-Skype call.

Video calling accounted for approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes in the first half of 2010. People who download the new Skype will receive a free trial of group video calling in beta for a chance to try out video calling with more than two people. The dynamic view makes it easy to follow along on group video calls by automatically moving the focus to the person speaking on the call. With the eagerly anticipated introduction of group video calling, family, friends and work colleagues can do more things together whenever they are apart.

Skype users have spent an average of 520 million minutes every day talking to people on Skype, whether doing a Skype-to-Skype call for free or calling any phone for very little cost. With the new Skype, we’ve simplified the user interface to provide a clean and more powerful communications experience. When you initiate a voice or video call with someone, users are provided an immersive call experience that reduces distraction. It’s also faster to find existing contacts with pictures and avatars displayed next to contact names along with mood messages, and easier to find new contacts with real-time search.

With a focus on increased call quality, the new Skype introduces automatic call recovery, which helps users quickly reconnect calls that are interrupted due to Internet connection problems. Plus, a call quality manager gauges audio and video quality during calls, providing guidance on resolving problems and improving the call experience.

The new Skype Home serves as the dashboard for your Skype experience, providing a feed of mood messages from your contacts. It also helps you get the most out of Skype with tutorials on everything from how to make a video call to how to sign up for a subscription.

Skype for Android Now Available

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:23:35 GMT

Skype announces the release of Skype for Android, a client for mobile handsets, built for smartphones running Android OS version 2.1 or above. With this latest release, the majority of smart phone users globally will now be able to experience the benefits of Skype on the move using either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G). Skype for Android is downloadable for free from the Android Market or consumers can visit www.skype.com/m to find out more details about how to get the application.

Skype for Android enables users to:

Make free Skype-to-Skype calls over WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G)* to other Skype users anywhere in the world using Skype’s SILK codec for CD-like audio quality.
Make low rate Skype calls to landline or mobile phones
Send and receive instant messages to one or a group of friends on Skype
Synchronize contacts between Skype and the native address book and after synchronization place Skype calls directly from the native address book.
See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or chat
Easily import names and numbers to the Skype application from the native address book
Receive calls on their Skype online number

Avaya and Skype Sign Strategic Agreement for Business Communications and Collaboration Solutions

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:24:35 GMT

Avaya and Skype announce a strategic agreement to deliver innovative, real-time communications and collaboration solutions to businesses of all sizes. The multi-phase deal includes both go-to-market and an industry-first, joint technology integration that seeks to enable businesses to lower costs and expand how employees, customers, partners and suppliers communicate and collaborate with greater convenience and efficiency.

In the first phase of the agreement, Avaya customers in the U.S. market will have access to Skype Connect, a product which adds Skype calling to IP-based enterprise communications systems, providing a SIP communications channel between Avaya communications systems and Skype. Customers with Avaya Aura Session Manager or Avaya Aura SIP Enablement Server, CS1000, Avaya IP Office, or BCM systems can use Skype Connect to place calls globally for increased reach, while aiming to save on international calling. Enterprise-level security and features such as tracking, recording, regulatory compliance, and more are provided by the Avaya system.

Skype reported 124 million average monthly connected users during the second quarter of 2010. Now, Skype users can make inbound calls to Avaya customers in the U.S. market for free or at a low cost. Calls will be treated with Avaya’s routing, conferencing, messaging, mobility and contact center capabilities, as well as other collaboration services. For example, businesses can:

Establish Skype Click & Call buttons for inbound calling from Web sites
Establish Skype Online Numbers for inbound calling from landline and mobile phones
Route inbound calls from a Skype user to an enterprise extension

Avaya customers in the U.S. market who are interested in Skype Connect can speak with their Avaya sales representative or an Avaya Connect channel partner contacts beginning in October.

In the second half of 2011, Avaya and Skype plan to deliver integrated unified communications and collaboration solutions for enterprises within the U.S. The integration is intended to establish federation between Avaya Aura and Skype communications platforms and both user communities, so that an Avaya end-user and Skype user can engage and interact via presence, instant messaging, voice and video. A business, for example, could use Skype to access an Avaya-based contact center in a simple and highly integrated way to quickly and efficiently resolve customer service issues. The integrated solutions will also allow enterprise IT managers to manage and control the inter-connectivity between end users to meet their corporate IT policies.

Skype Connect 1.0 Officially Launched

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:46:41 GMT

Skype announces the official launch of Skype Connect 1.0 (formerly Skype for SIP). Previously available in beta, Skype Connect delivers a business solution that enables IP-enabled private branch exchange or Unified Communications systems to connect to Skype.

By using Skype Connect, businesses can now:

Make outbound calls from desktop phones to landlines and mobiles worldwide billed at Skype's standard per-minute calling rates
Receive inbound calls from Skype connected users worldwide by placing Skype's Click & Call buttons on their Web sites
Receive calls from landlines or mobile phones in the corporate PBX using Skype's online numbers that have been purchased separately
Manage Skype calls using existing PBX or UC systems' features such as call routing, automatic call distribution, conferencing, auto-attendant, voicemail, call recording and logging

"Since its inception, Skype has been used by many businesses wanting to reduce communications costs. In fact, based on internal research, in the first quarter of 2010, approximately 37% of Skype users reported that they use Skype for some business or business-related purposes," said David Gurlé, VP and general manager of Skype for Business. "Our team's goal is to empower businesses of all sizes and types with rich communications tools to unleash their productivity, while reducing their telecommunications costs. Following Skype Manager's launch in May, we are very proud to add Skype Connect to our list of specially designed enterprise solutions. Skype Connect seeks to enable our customers to reduce their phone bills, while protecting their investment in existing telecommunications equipment."

Since the beta availability of Skype Connect, the following milestones have been accomplished:

Skype Connect already has over 2,400 active global customers
Skype Connect is now certified to work with PBX and UC products from Avaya, Cisco, SIPfoundry, ShoreTel and other OEMs
Skype Connect also works with older TDM PBXs or Key Systems which can now add Skype calling capabilities through third-party IP gateways from AudioCodes, Grandstream and VoSKY
Skype Manager, a simple web-based tool, was launched to allow IT managers to set-up Skype Connect and control Skype usage in a company
New dedicated customer support, including real-time chat, is now available for Skype Connect customers and Skype Manager administrators directly through Skype Manager
VARs and system integrators have been enrolled in our new Skype Channel Partner Program. We will share more details on this program soon.

Companies using Skype Connect are charged a monthly channel fee of €4.95 / $6.95 per line. This is based on the number of concurrent calls being made or received. Each channel allows for one inbound or one outbound call at any given time. Calls to landlines and mobiles made using Skype Connect are billed at Skype's standard calling rates worldwide. See here for Skype Connect pricing details.

To find out more information about Skype Connect, visit us here.

Skype Files Registration Statement for IPO

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:52:11 GMT

Skype has filed a Form S-1 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of its ordinary shares. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined.

Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated will be the joint global coordinators as well as joint book-running managers for the offering. BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. will also be acting as joint book-running managers. Lazard Capital Markets LLC, RBC Capital Markets Corporation and UBS Securities LLC will be acting as joint lead co-managers; Allen & Company LLC and Evercore Group LLC will be acting as co-managers for the offering.

When available, a copy of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained from Goldman, Sachs & Co., Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, via telephone: +1 866 471 2526, via facsimile: +1 212 902 9316, or by e-mail: prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com; from J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.; c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, Attn: Prospectus Department, or by telephone +1 866 803 9204; from Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated Attention: Prospectus Department, via telephone: +1 866 718 1649, 180 Varick Street, Second Floor, New York, NY 10014, or by e-mail: prospectus@morganstanley.com.

A registration statement relating to the securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. The securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Click & Call Advertising with Skype Supported by Marchex Now Available

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:37:44 GMT

Skype announces it has expanded its pay-for-call offerings for advertisers. Click & Call Advertising with Skype supported by Marchex, is an advertising program which provides an efficient and measureable way to acquire new customers by using Skype to drive inbound calls. Skype is launching this offering for the first time in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe through a partnership with Marchex Inc., a leading call advertising company, which will help manage, operate and sell Click & Call Advertising with Skype.

Today, millions of business phone numbers are listed throughout the Web, including within websites or blogs, directory listings, search results and online banner ads. Participating advertisers can have their phone numbers highlighted with a blue Free Call button anywhere online their numbers are displayed. When the button is clicked, the Skype software launches and the call is connected – at no cost to the caller.

Advertisers pay for qualified inbound calls via Skype on a pay-for-call basis. Call volumes are tracked by Marchex so advertisers can monitor the results of their campaign and also view detailed call analytics. Click & Call Advertising with Skype supported by Marchex relies on a user having Skype software installed on their PC and Skype’s browser plug-in which is downloaded automatically in Skype for Windows 4.0 or later. Click & Call Advertising is currently not available on Mac or mobile versions of Skype software.

“Working together with Marchex, our objective for Click & Call Advertising with Skype supported by Marchex is to deliver a performance advertising tool that turns the Web surfing behavior of Skype users into calls to advertisers,” said Andy Sims, Skype’s director of advertising. “Businesses will now have the opportunity to acquire potential new customers by using Skype in a highly efficient and measureable way. The experience is also beneficial for Skype users because it’s fast, convenient and the calls are free.”

“We believe advertisers have a strong demand for generating inbound phone calls and Skype is a promising customer acquisition channel that offers a large base of users who are typically familiar with making calls from a PC,” said Pete Christothoulou, Chief Operating Officer at Marchex. “Today, we are seeing a shift in the way consumers find phone numbers, the way they place calls and how those calls are paid for. As a result, coupling Skype’s reach with Marchex’s call advertising technology, sales team and service, we believe we can offer a high quality solution to large and small advertisers.”

Click & Call Advertising with Skype supported by Marchex commences with an initial group of customers, including agencies like Razorfish, national advertisers like DISH Network and Extra Space Storage, and channel partners like PRIMEDIA. The program is available to all advertisers, agencies and marketing services providers, including companies that have a large number of local and/or national business advertising customers, such as Yellow Pages companies, Certified Marketing Representatives (CMRs), independent local advertising services providers, direct marketing providers and newspapers.

“Within the digital and interactive advertising space, call-based advertising is becoming one of the fastest growing opportunities for us,” said Clark Kokich, Chairman, Razorfish. “As a leading ad agency, our clients rely on us to identify and execute against the most effective and efficient performance-based programs available – as such, we feel now is a great time to engage in call advertising.”

“We continuously strive to provide our advertisers with the latest, high-value lead generation tools and services available on the market today. Click & Call with Skype supported by Marchex not only strengthens our advertising offerings, but also provides consumers easy ‘click-to-call’ access,” said Tracy Dodd, Director, Interactive Media, Consumer Source Inc., a PRIMEDIA company. “We are currently offering this innovative service to our Apartment Guide advertisers and consumers and see this as a win-win across the board.”

How it Works
There are five steps to the program:

1.Advertisers agree to pay a fixed amount per call, along with a budget. Rates are determined based on advertiser categories.
2.Users with Skype software installed on their PC and Skype’s browser plug-in enabled see participating advertiser phone numbers graphically highlighted as a blue “Free Call” button across the entire web.
3.Users who see the blue “Free Call” button respond by placing calls to the advertiser by clicking on the “Free Call” icon.
4.Advertisers pay only for completed phone calls.
5.Consistent with its privacy practices, Skype is not sharing personally identifiable information about its users with the advertiser or Marchex. Only standard call metrics are provided.

Study Shows Skype Users Prefer ooVoo

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:03:41 GMT

ooVoo announces the results of a blind study conducted by a third party research firm to demonstrate how its product stacks up against category leader Skype.

The study results show that ooVoo is preferred by 8 out of 10 Skype users, who cited superior sound and video quality as some of the reasons why they favored ooVoo for a better video communication experience delivered anywhere, anytime.

In addition to quality, a number of factors contribute to users’ overall preference of ooVoo over Skype. For example, ooVoo offers 6-way multi-point chat, versus Skype which offers only 5-way, a feature that’s currently in a beta testing phase and has experienced a number of bugs1. ooVoo hosts video chat on dedicated servers that keep quality more consistent. Skype’s technology relies on users’ individual processors making service less reliable in situations with uncertain bandwidth.

About the study

Timing and methodology:

The study was conducted on December 10, 2009 and January 18-22, 2010, and measured Skype users' opinions on video quality (no audio), audio quality (no video), conversational quality (both video and audio), telephone sound quality and telephone conversational quality of Skype and ooVoo.
The study was conducted throughout 13 separate sessions, each with approximately 10 to 11 Skype users, with survey participants located in New York and a facilitator located in Berkeley, California. The study was designed so the users saw and heard Skype and ooVoo in comparable conditions.
During the blind study, only the video windows of both Skype and ooVoo were exposed side-by-side in comparable sizes as to avoid any recognition on the part of the Skype user.

Findings:

◦68 percent of Skype users prefer ooVoo sound quality over Skype sound quality.
68 percent of Skype users prefer ooVoo video chat conversational quality over Skype video chat conversational quality.
80 percent of Skype users prefer ooVoo telephone sound quality over Skype telephone sound quality.
78 percent prefer ooVoo telephone conversational quality over Skype conversational quality.
84 percent of Skype users, when asked to consider all tests, prefer ooVoo over Skype.

SkypeKit Now Available for Mac and Windows Developers

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:03:36 GMT

Skype announces a new version of the SkypeKit Beta SDK that works on Windows (x86) and Mac OS X. Now almost any desktop application can offer Skype conversations — including video, voice, and text — without the need for users to separately download Skype software. Interested desktop developers can visit http://developer.skype.com/signup to request an invitation to the beta.

This announcement comes just a few weeks after our first announcement about SkypeKit being compatible with the Linux operating system. SkypeKit is a new software development kit that enables hardware and software makers to add Skype functionality to their devices and applications.

Following fring’s String of Mobile Video Calling Wins - Skype Blocks Fring

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:39:01 GMT

fring announces that it is being forced to stop its 4 years of Skype interconnectivity following threat of legal action. Skype’s anti-competitive ambush comes in the wake of fring’s mobile video calling on iPhone 4 launch, which continues to set the standard in rich mobile internet communication.

Since its foundation in 2006, fring’s rich mobile communications have been available to both fring users and open 3rd party networks including GoogleTalk, SIP, Twitter and, until now, Skype. However, despite fring expanding its network capacity over the last days to serve its enlarged user base, Skype is refusing to allow fring to restore connectivity to Skype. Accordingly, fringsters will no longer be able to communicate with their Skype friends the way they want, but can invite their Skype friends to join fring and enjoy unrestricted mobile video calling from any mobile phone, chat and voice services without restriction to a user’s mobile operator and the freedom to choose internet connectivity (3G/4G/WiFi).

“We are disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness, is now attempting to muzzle competition, even to the detriment of its own users” said Avi Shechter, fring’s Co-Founder and CEO “We apologize to our users for the impact of Skype’s bullying and we will be happy to reconnect with Skype once Skype reverses their decision.” Avi continued, “We believe in communication openness and know that users will continue to vote with their mobile phones – opting for fring’s innovation, clarity, honesty and openness”.

fring’s newest version is now available for download from fring’s website here and from appstores.

Skype’s New iPhone App Introduces 3G Calling Functionality

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:23:31 GMT

Skype announces the launch of the new version of its iPhone application. Available to download from the Apple App Store today, this update allows iPhone users to make and receive Skype-to-Skype calls, and to call mobiles and landlines around the world at very low rates for the first time over their 3G data connection.

Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G will be free for a trial period which will run until the end of 2010. Details of pricing will be announced in the coming months and will be in line with Skype's commitment to providing customers with great value. Skype-to-Skype calls over WiFi will still remain free.

Additional new features of the Skype for iPhone application include:

Near CD-quality sound for Skype-to-Skype calls using wideband audio on iPhone 3GS or 2nd generation iPod touch and onwards.
Enhanced call quality indicator, which will help customers choose the best moment to call.
Improved start-up time
Rapid access to the dial pad from the home screen

The new version is compatible with the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch and iPad. Skype requires iPhone OS version 3.0 and above.

Calling functionality is available on iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and 2nd generation iPod touch onwards. iPod touch requires a compatible headset with a microphone.

The Skype for iPhone application is available to download for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch.

Panasonic and Skype Go Live with Voice and Video Calling on 2010 VIERA CAST-Enabled HDTV Models

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:49:55 GMT

Panasonic and Skype announce the activation of Skype on your VIERA on 2010 Panasonic VIERA CAST enabled HDTVs as well as the availability of Panasonic's Skype-enabled communication camera (TY-CC10W). The collaboration with Skype, a leading provider of Internet communications software, was announced in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show.

The addition of Skype to Panasonic's VIERA CAST IPTV offerings allows owners of 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs (VT25, VT20, G25, and G20 Series) to make voice and video calls to family and friends from the their living rooms directly through their Panasonic VIERA HDTV using Panasonic's Skype-enabled camera which is sold separately (SRP $169.95).

The launch of Skype on your VIERA on 2010 Panasonic VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs will also be supported as part of Panasonic's new VIERA HDTV advertising campaign. The Skype on your VIERA television ad is expected to air beginning in early June on local Network TV, national Cable TV and DirecTV.

Skype on your VIERA delivers many familiar Skype features including:

Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
Calls to landline or mobile phone at Skype's low rates
The option to receive inbound calls via a user's online Skype number
Skype voicemail (set-up required)
Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties

With more than 560 million registered users, Skype is well known for providing free voice and video calling for people on Skype around the world. Calling on Skype now accounts for 12 percent of the world's international calling minutes according to TeleGeography.

Skype on your VIERA, in addition to providing a larger screen, gives the user the benefit of high definition video at up to 1280x720 resolution at a maximum frame rate of 22 fps. Skype on your VIERA also features VIERA CAST's easy-to-use GUI that is operable from the TV's remote.

The Panasonic TY-CC10W Skype-enabled camera is the only camera that enables access to Skype on your VIERA video calling features. The camera features four unidirectional microphones, echo canceling system, and audio processing for collecting voices in the living room environment. The camera also features beam-forming technology to record clear audio over typical TV viewing distances of 3-4 meters. The TY-CC10W delivers a wide viewing angle, making it possible for more people to take advantage of the Skype application. The camera plugs in to VIERA CAST-enabled 2010 Panasonic VIERA HDTVs via a USB port. To further increase the versatility of the camera it can either be placed in the center on top of the VIERA HDTV or the camera's stand can be used to place it on a table or wherever the user would like to place the device.

Skype Rolls Out Calling Plans to More than 170 Countries

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:42:36 GMT

Skype is rolling out calling plans to more than 170 countries that provide customers with a savings of up to 60 percent compared to Skype's standard Pay As You Go rates. Customers will also have more choice with subscription plans available in 60-minute to unlimited packages, and the ability to buy 1-month, 3-month and 12-month calling subscriptions.

Skype's range of subscriptions start from as little as €0.89* ($1.09/£.69) per month and offer effective rates as low as €0.01 ($.01/£.01) per minute to almost any destination around the globe.

With the new subscriptions, Skype users have the flexibility to customize their calling plans in just three easy steps:

1.Select the countries you want to call

2.Decide whether you want to call mobile phones, landlines or both

3.Choose the plan that best suits your needs from 1-month to 12-months or 60 minutes to unlimited

Skype is well known for providing free voice and video calling for users around the world. Since October of 2005, the company has also offered low-cost options for Skype users who want to call landline or mobile phone numbers. Calling through Skype now accounts for 12 percent of the world's international calls according to TeleGeography Research.

Skype users can continue to call mobile phones and landlines globally without subscriptions by purchasing Skype Credit and using the Pay As You Go option. Skype will also continue to offer its popular unlimited world monthly subscriptions.

UM Labs Announces Skype for SIP Support

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:27:13 GMT

UM Labs announces support for Skype for SIP. This means that Organisations can now use the UM Labs SIP Controller to simplify the task of linking their corporate PBX to the Skype for SIP service. Skype for SIP offers a number of compelling benefits, including free inbound calls from any Skype user and low cost local numbers for inbound and outbound calls in over 25 countries. A Skype for SIP link requires that the corporate PBX accepts inbound SIP calls over the Internet. The UM Labs SIP Security controller monitors these calls protecting the corporate PBX from a wide range of security threats, many of which are not blocked by a standard Firewall.

UM Labs SIP Controller's current product release 1.4 has been successfully tested - inbound and outbound calls - with Skype's SIP beta program. Current customers can download a Skype for SIP application note from the UM Labs website.

The UM Labs SIP Controller provides significant benefits to any enterprise looking to Skype-enable their PBX. These include:

The UM Labs controller simplifies the process of setting up a Skype for SIP connection. Its service enablement features ensure that SIP requests are presented in exactly the format that Skype needs.
The UM Labs controller means that a company with any SIP capable PBX is now able to connect to Skype for SIP even if that PBX cannot itself meet Skype's connection requirements.
Skype for SIP requires that the company's PBX is connected to the internet, so the SIP specific security provided by the UM Labs product is essential. Standard firewalls cannot block the wide range of SIP security threats that can compromise a corporate PBX.

UM Labs is a pioneer and leader in Voice over IP and Unified Messaging security. The company markets a family of cost effective SIP Security Controllers that easily and securely connect VoIP systems used by enterprises, government, and communications service providers to the public internet. Confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of VoIP are critical considerations for most businesses. Driven by lower bandwidth costs and the promise of increased flexibility, VoIP is quickly becoming a critical tool in the business-to-business landscape. Significant growth in SIP

Trunking and consolidation of voice and data traffic over the public internet are raising new security and interoperability concerns that were previously overlooked. To solve these problems, UM Labs has developed a family of cost effective SIP Security Controllers which can be easily plugged into existing networks to enable SIP connectivity, security and voice encryption.

gateProtect Releases New Skype Blocker Security Patch

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:26:26 GMT

gateProtect released a security patch for its Unified Threat Management appliances that allows companies to block the use of Skype. This gives them a reliable way of stopping dangerous malware from entering the network via a potential security vulnerability, while preventing unwanted messaging and chatting during working hours. The patch, called HU-01050, is available immediately and will be installed automatically on all gateProtect firewall systems from Version 8.6 via the update server.

In almost all companies, the use of instant messaging programs like Skype, ICQ and AOL Instant Messenger is unwelcome. As they enable people to share files, they can pose a risk to corporate networks while distracting staff from their work. Skype is a particularly tough instant messenger as it is based on proprietary protocols that escape detection by proxies and firewalls in various ways, including encryption.

“Skype’s ability to slip through firewalls and NAT gateways is well known,” says Dennis Monner, CEO of gateProtect. “Administrators have long had an ongoing battle to block Skype. As no administrator permissions are needed to install it, many employees are unaware of their company’s security policies and use it without informing their IT department. As a result, companies have virtually no control over the data users share via Skype.” The Skype service uses Port 80 (HTTP) and Port 443 (HTTPS) for its internet connection, and in most companies these ports are open as they are needed for web use. Skype can also use higher ports (above1024) for its internet access.

Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless Available Thursday

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:49:10 GMT

Verizon Wireless and Skype announced Skype mobile will be available this Thursday, March 25, starting with nine Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones. Skype mobile uses the Verizon Wireless voice network for the wireless connection of the Skype-to-Skype calls, providing Verizon Wireless customers with a superior experience and top-notch call quality.

Beginning Thursday, new and existing Verizon Wireless customers with Android 3G smartphones and BlackBerry 3G smartphones can get Skype mobile in a number of ways. Visit www.verizonwireless.com/skypemobile or www.skype.com/go/mobile from a PC to enter the mobile phone number to receive a text message with a link to the application. Verizon Wireless customers can also text “SKYPE” to 2255 to receive the link. In addition, Android customers will be able to download the app from Android Market. New BlackBerry customers will find the application on their 3G smartphones’ home screens in the Downloads folder when activated.

Skype mobile gives Verizon Wireless 3G smartphone users with data plans a simple new way to stay in touch with friends, family and business colleagues around the corner and around the world while on Verizon Wireless’ network. Skype mobile users can:

◦make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype contact around the globe; ◦send and receive unlimited instant messages with other Skype users; ◦manage the Skype contact list directly from the mobile application; and ◦call international phone numbers at competitive Skype calling rates. Customers need a Verizon Wireless smartphone and data plan to use Skype mobile. Skype-to-Skype calls will not be charged against their monthly minute allowances or data plans. Verizon Wireless customers can visit http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2196197-10422641 to purchase Skype Credit to make Skype Out calls and make calls to international landline or mobile numbers.

Skype and Verizon Wireless have been working together to create this application specifically for Verizon Wireless customers and to take advantage of the most reliable wireless network in the United States.

Skype mobile will be available initially on millions of best-selling Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones, including the BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition, and Tour 9630 smartphones, as well as DROID by Motorola, DROID ERIS by HTC and Motorola DEVOUR.

Skype Selects tekVizion Labs to Manage Skype for SIP Interoperability Certification Program

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:13:57 GMT

Skype announces it has selected tekVizion Labs as the independent and objective verification and testing service to run the Skype for SIP Interoperability Certification Program. In addition, Skype and tekVizion Labs together announced a number of third-party IP PBX and gateway solutions to have been newly awarded Skype for SIP interoperability certification.

The following are some of the recent IP PBXs and gateways for small- and medium-sized businesses to have passed tekVizion Labs’ testing and been certified as interoperable with Skype for SIP:

AudioCodes Mediant 1000 Multi-Service Business Gateway: This gateway offers the ultimate flexibility and modularity, supporting the use of Skype for SIP with many types of TDM PBXs, Key Systems and IP PBXs. It can be integrated with a company’s routing, firewalling, enterprise session border controllers and application hosting capabilities..
Grandstream GXE502x IP PBX: This all-in-one IP PBX delivers a converged business communication solution to SMBs, especially those companies with less than 30 seats per location.
Grandstream GXW4xxx Analog Gateway: Designed for compatibility with traditional analog PBX/key systems, as well as for full interoperability with leading IP-PBXs, softswitches and most SIP-based environments, this gateway will enable SMBs to integrate traditional communications systems with Skype for SIP and efficiently manage communication costs.
VoSKY SSG: This PBX-to-Skype for SIP gateway will enable SMBs to connect any legacy analog PBX or key system to Skype.

SMBs can now take advantage of the cost savings provided by Skype’s low-cost global calling rates when employees call landlines and mobiles around the world through their IP PBX, legacy PBX or key system or UC solution that has been certified as Skype for SIP interoperable. A company can also receive inbound voice calls from any of the more than 521 million registered Skype users around the world via a global click-to-call button on its Web site. These Skype calls are received by the existing PBX or UC system and are handled or directed in the same way as any other inbound caller. If a company buys and associates online Skype numbers with their interoperable PBX or UC system, it can also receive inbound calls through Skype from business contacts and customers calling from landline and mobile phones.

Hardware or software vendors interested in scheduling Skype for SIP interoperability testing for their IP PBXs and gateways or UC systems should visit the tekVizion Labs Web site. Businesses interested in learning more about Skype for SIP should visit www.skype.com/business/products/pbx-systems/sip/.

VoSKY SSG Gateway Achieves Skype for SIP Certification

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:37:33 GMT

VoSKY announces that its PBX-to-Skype for SIP Gateway, the VoSKY SSG, is the industry’s first gateway to be certified as interoperable with Skype for SIP. Skype for SIP interoperability with the new VoSKY SSG will enable small- and medium-sized businesses to connect their legacy PBX and Key systems to Skype. This way, SMBs can maximize the functionality of their current communications system to reduce communications costs, while also enhancing their business communications by enabling over 520 million Skype registered users to call their organization for free over Skype.

The VoSKY SSG is available in two versions, supporting either 4 or 8 channels. It offers seamless integration with Skype for SIP Open Beta with any analog PBX or key system, connecting via a conventional analog port. It allows businesses to take advantage of Skype’s cost savings and enhanced business features without restructuring their existing communications network and infrastructure.

The VoSKY SSG also allows businesses using the Skype for SIP Open Beta to place click-to-call buttons on their corporate Web site. These click-to-call buttons enable customers using Skype to call the business directly for free with just one click. Having received a call via a click-to-call button, the VoSKY SSG directs this inbound call to the company’s legacy PBX system for it to be routed to the intended recipient.

Skype for Symbian Now Available for Nokia Smartphones in Ovi Store

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:07:11 GMT

Skype and Nokia jointly announce the release of Skype for Symbian. Skype for Symbian will allow Nokia smartphone users worldwide to use Skype on the move, over either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G). It is now downloadable for free from the Ovi Store, Nokia’s one-stop shop for mobile content.

Skype for Symbian enables Nokia smartphone users to:

Make free Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world*
Save money on calls and texts to phones abroad.
Send and receive instant messages to and from individuals or groups
Share pictures, videos and other files.
Receive calls to their existing online number
See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or IM
Easily import names and numbers from the phone’s address book

Skype for Symbian will run on any Nokia smartphone using Symbian ^1, the latest version of the Symbian platform. Skype will soon introduce this client to Symbian mobile devices from other manufacturers, including Sony Ericsson.

The initial Skype for Symbian application is compatible with the following Nokia touchscreen models: Nokia N97, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia X6, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and Nokia 5530 and the following non-touch devices: Nokia E72, Nokia E71, Nokia E90, Nokia E63, Nokia E66, Nokia E51, Nokia N96, Nokia N95, Nokia N95 8Gb, Nokia N85, Nokia N82, Nokia N81, Nokia N81 8 Gb, Nokia N79, Nokia N78, Nokia 6220 classic, Nokia 6210 Navigator, Nokia 5320.

Samsung to Unveil Broadband HDTVs with Embedded Skype Capability

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:39:25 GMT

Skype announces that the new Samsung LED 7000 and 8000 series models of 2010 high-definition televisions will feature embedded Skype software allowing Skype users to make video and voice calls through the TVs. Samsung, the global market leader in televisions, will begin shipping TVs with Skype software in the Korean market today, and worldwide in the first half of 2010.

The debut of Samsung’s Skype-enabled televisions reinforces Skype’s commitment to making its video and voice calling capabilities available on a full range of Internet-connected devices, including TVs. Televisions with built-in Skype software were first introduced at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January 2010.

The Samsung LED 7000 and 8000 series televisions include Samsung’s free Internet@TV service, which allows access to select online content. Consumers who connect the TVs to the Internet can easily attach a low-profile FREETALK TV Camera for Samsung provided by In Store Solutions, available at www.skype.com/store, making it possible to place and receive voice calls and High Quality Video calls. Voice calls will use Skype’s SILK audio codec, which enables super-wideband audio quality.

Using the TVs’ remote controls, consumers can create free Skype accounts, log into their existing accounts and navigate via a simple Skype interface accessible on the televisions’ screens. Skype video calls will be free, as will voice calls between Skype users. Using Skype to call traditional landline and mobile phones will cost just pennies per minute.

Partnership Brings Skype to Verizon Wireless Smartphones in March

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:18:04 GMT

Skype and Verizon Wireless announce a strategic relationship that will bring Skype to Verizon Wireless smartphones in March. The new Skype mobile product enhances Verizon Wireless' smartphones for users who have data plans by offering a new way to call around the globe, while also giving hundreds of millions of Skype users around the world the opportunity to communicate with friends, family and business colleagues in the United States using Verizon Wireless.

The two companies have created an exclusive, easy-to-use Skype mobile offering for 3G smartphones. Verizon Wireless 3G smartphone users with data plans can use Skype mobile to:

make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on America's most reliable wireless network;
call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates;
send and receive instant messages to other Skype users; and
remain always connected with the ability to see friends' online presence.

Initially, Skype mobile will be available on millions of best-selling Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones with data plans, including the BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour 9630 smartphones, as well as DROID by Motorola, DROID ERIS by HTC and Motorola DEVOUR.

John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless, said, "Skype mobile on Verizon Wireless changes the game. For Verizon Wireless' more than 90 million customers, Skype mobile adds great value because we're effectively giving customers with smartphones and data plans the option to extend their unlimited calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users around the globe. And you're not limited to using a single type of phone; we'll have nine smartphones ready right at launch in March."

Josh Silverman, chief executive officer of Skype, noted, "People want to take their Skype conversations with them wherever they go, whether it's on a PC, TV or increasingly mobile phones. Verizon Wireless will give U.S. consumers the best Skype experience on mobile phones and will truly change the way people call their friends and family internationally."

IM+ for Skype with Free VoIP Calls Comes to BlackBerry

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:53:47 GMT

SHAPE Services announces the update of its revolutionary IM+ for Skype app for BlackBerry smartphones.The update features absolutely free Skype calls in Wi-Fi zones. The present technology carries out VoIP calls in half-duplex mode, similar to a walkie-talkie.

In addition to free VoIP calls, SHAPE Services has added the support of avatars, contact list grid, new scrollbars and other great features.

IM+ for Skype will be showcased at Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona, February 15-18, in SHAPE Services' stand 7A46, Hall 7.

Skype Names David Gurle to Lead Skype for Business Team

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:54:31 GMT

Skype has hired David Gurle as the new General Manager and Vice President of its Skype for Business unit. He replaces Stefan Oberg, who will be leaving Skype in March 2010. David brings more than 17 years of telecommunications and collaboration technology industry experience to this role. He joined Skype on January 7, 2010 and reports to Josh Silverman, Skype’s president.

"We are very excited to add David to Skype’s management team and are confident that he can lead and direct the Skype for Business team’s next stage of development and growth" said Josh Silverman, Skype’s president. "He has years of experience and a terrific reputation for building and leading world-class teams. He also brings product vision, technology depth, and a track record of success in creating and selling real-time communications software to enterprises that will prove invaluable as we continue to develop our Skype for Business proposition"

David joins Skype from Thomson Reuters, where he served as its Global Head of Collaboration Services and Head of its largest business in Asia, the Sales & Trading Business Division. During this time, he built the team which was responsible for all the business and product development and support functions of Thomson Reuters’ Collaboration Services business and was responsible for turning Reuters Messaging into the de-facto collaboration service in used by the financial services community.

Prior to joining Thomson Reuters, he spent more than three years running Microsoft’s Real Time Communications business, a group that he founded. During this time, he oversaw the development of the company’s collaboration products including NetMeeting, Windows Messenger, Exchange IM, Exchange Conferencing Server, Live Communications Server and Office Communications Server, as well as Microsoft’s acquisition of PlaceWare. While at Microsoft, David co-authored several Internet Engineering Task Force standards for presence and instant messaging for SIP.

"Since its inception, Skype has been used by many entrepreneurs and small businesses to save money on their communications" said David Gurle. "Moving forward, our goal is to educate and attract larger organizations that can not only save money by using Skype to communicate, but also increase their organizational productivity and enhance the way they interact with customers around the globe"

Prior to Microsoft, David was Corporate Vice President, Business Alliances at VocalTec, the IP telephony pioneer, where he established and managed partnerships with a number of Tier I telecommunications service providers and hardware vendors, including Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom and Marconi. He also spent time at ETSI, France Telecom and started his career at Digital Equipment Corporation. David has also co-authored a number of books on VoIP and IP Telephony.

David graduated ESIGETEL with a Masters of Science degree in Computer Science and Telecommunications.

Skype Supports 720p HD Video Calls on PCs and Embeds Skype Software into Internet-connected TVs

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:20:28 GMT

Skype announces support for Skype video calls on PCs in 720p HD, as well as Skype software embedded into Internet-connected widescreen televisions from its consumer electronics manufacturer partners.

High Definition Skype Video Calling

The latest version of Skype for Windows can deliver up to 720p HD-quality video calling at 1280 x 720 resolution, at up to 30 frames per second, giving individuals an even smoother and richer video calling experience. To make an HD video call, users will need a high-speed broadband connection, a new HD webcam, a PC with a 1.8 GHz dual-core processor and Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows.

New HD webcams are due to arrive in early 2010. At CES, faceVsion and In Store Solutions introduced new HD webcams that are optimized to work with Skype. In order to make HD video calling available to as many people as possible, the new Skype Certified HD webcams handle the video encoding and processing onboard, removing the need for a high-performance computer to encode the HD video.

faceVsion developed the FV TouchCam N1, an HD encoding webcam optimized for Skype video calling. Two versions of the faceVsion webcam will ship, beginning in February 2010: one with a microphone ($99) and one without ($69). In Store Solutions introduced two new HD encoding webcams, the FREETALK® HD PRO ($120) and FREETALK HD PRO PLUS ($140), which will be available in March 2010. Both the faceVsion and FREETALK webcams will be available for purchase online via the Skype Shop.

Skype-enabled Televisions

Skype is already renowned for popularizing video calling and bringing people closer together through rich, real-time communication. With Skype embedded into Internet-connected HDTVs, the company is creating a new experience that will allow people to communicate from the comfort of their living rooms.

The new HDTVs will deliver familiar Skype features including:

Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
Calls to landline or mobile phones at Skype’s low rates
The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
Skype voicemail, if it is set up
Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
Support for up to 720p HD video calls, depending on the availability of high-speed broadband and a HD webcam

At CES, Skype announced partnerships with LG and Panasonic to offer Skype–enabled HDTVs. Skype software will be embedded into Panasonic’s line of 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs and LG’s 26 new LCD and plasma HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access. Both lines are expected to be available in mid-2010. Both LG and Panasonic will offer specially-designed HD webcams that are optimized for Skype video calls as separate accessories that can be plugged into the televisions. These webcams support 720p HD and include special microphones and optics that can pick up sound and video from a couch-distance.

Skype recommends uninterrupted high-speed broadband of at least 1 Mbps symmetrical bandwidth to achieve 720p HD-quality video calls on either a PC or television.

For more information about Skype-enabled televisions, please visit skype.com/go/tv or view a demonstration during CES at the Panasonic (Central 9405) or LG (Central 8205) booths. Further details, multimedia, and partner press releases are also available at our virtual press office on the CES website.

Skype Expands Skype for SIP Beta Program

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:53:45 GMT

Skype is opening up the Skype for SIP beta program to allow businesses of all sizes to utilize Skype for SIP with their existing SIP-based PBX or Unified Communications systems. By using Skype for SIP, companies can save money on calls around the world, while also changing how customers globally reach them.

A company’s IT administrator just creates and registers a Skype Business Control Panel for the organization and then follows the instructions to configure Skype for SIP to work with its existing SIP-enabled communications system. This Web-based tool allows a company to control its Skype usage from a single point and enables centralized billing, easy allocation of Skype Credit, subscriptions and online numbers to users, as well as reporting about both usage and spending. Furthermore, it gives companies the ability to manage internal employee accounts, including who uses Skype and who doesn’t and what features they can use.

Key Features

Skype for SIP beta enables businesses with interoperable PBXs to:

Place calls to landlines and mobile phones worldwide from any device connected to a SIP-enabled PBX or UC systems via Skype;
Receive and manage inbound calls from Skype users worldwide on SIP-enabled PBXs by either connecting the company Web site to the PBX via Skype click-to-call buttons or purchasing online Skype numbers; and
Manage Skype calls using existing PBX or UC system features, such as call routing, conferencing, phone menus and voicemail; no additional downloads or training required.

Pricing and Availability

Companies using Skype for SIP must purchase a monthly channel subscription from Skype based on the number of concurrent calls being made or received. Each channel allows for one inbound or one outbound call at any given time. Incoming Skype calls to the SIP-enabled PBX or UC system are free of charge to the Skype user. Calls to landlines and mobiles made using Skype for SIP are billed at Skype’s standard per-minute calling rates (a connection fee may apply).

As part of the Skype for SIP open beta program, Skype has created a low introductory price for the monthly channel subscription of just €4.95 / $6.95 per channel.

Skype Appoints Dr. Jonathan Rosenberg as Chief Technology Strategist

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:46:55 GMT

Skype has appointed Dr. Jonathan Rosenberg as Chief Technology Strategist, effective immediately. Reporting to Daniel Berg, Skype’s Chief Technology Officer, Rosenberg will be responsible for shaping and driving the company’s technology strategies and overall architecture to continue delivering a best-in-class Skype experience to users around the world.

“We are tremendously excited to have Jonathan Rosenberg join us. His experience and his track record of innovation within the industry will be a great asset for us,” said Berg. “Having someone of Jonathan’s caliber join our talented technology team will help us continue to stay ahead and build for the future.”

Rosenberg brings with him a wealth of industry experience. He is most well known as the co-author of the SIP and has authored many of the standards that are in wide use today within the telecommunications industry. Prior to joining Skype, Rosenberg was a Cisco Fellow at Cisco Systems, where he directed technology strategy for its enterprise voice product portfolio. Before that, he was CTO of dynamicsoft, one of the industry's first VoIP technology companies. In that role, he helped build products and networks for several of the earliest VoIP deployments. Rosenberg has received many industry accolades for his role as a pioneer and innovator in telephony.

Rosenberg will be based in the U.S and will work with Skype's engineering teams worldwide.

eBay and Silver Lake Investor Group Settle Skype Litigation with Joltid Limited

VoIP Monitor — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:10:35 GMT

eBay announced that the investor group led by Silver Lake, which had previously entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Skype from the company, has reached a settlement agreement with Joltid Limited and Joost N.V. that gives Skype ownership over all software previously licensed from Joltid and ends all litigation currently pending against the investor group and eBay at the closing of the acquisition.

As part of the settlement agreement, Joltid and Skype founders Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis will join the investor group, contributing Joltid software and making a significant capital investment in exchange for a 14 percent stake in Skype. As a result, Silver Lake and other investors including Andreessen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, will together hold 56 percent of Skype and eBay will retain 30 percent. As previously announced, eBay will receive approximately $1.9 billion in cash upon the completion of the sale and a note from the buyer in the principal amount of $125 million. The deal, which values Skype at $2.75 billion and is not subject to a financing condition, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Commenting on the agreement on behalf of the investor group, Silver Lake Managing Director Egon Durban said: “We are very pleased to have the litigation resolved. We remain confident in a great future for Skype, and we look forward to working with Niklas, Janus and the other investors as partners to help the company achieve its full potential.”

The investor group will no longer include Index Ventures, which has withdrawn from participation. Commenting on its decision to withdraw, Danny Rimer of Index Ventures, said: “We are pleased that Skype will now be able to put litigation behind it, and we wish Josh Silverman, his team and the Skype investors well in continuing to grow a great business. Although Skype has the potential to be a great investment, the deal terms changed for Index such that it no longer matches our investment criteria and thus we have decided not to participate in the transaction.”

Esnatech Introduces Desktop Video Integration with Skype Desktop VoIP Software

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:13:31 GMT

Esna Technologies has added Skype VoIP/Video support to its market leading unified communication desktop software, UC Link. As part of its ongoing goal for interoperability and Rich communication and collaboration tools, Esnatech has integrated its UC Link desktop software with Skype VoIP and Video services for enhanced real-time communication services. Users of the Esnatech Telephony Office-LinX UC platform will have their live Skype VoIP & Video status tied into existing office infrastructure and applications so other users can see if they are available or not, on their office telephone, or off the network. It will bridge the Skype VoIP/Video world with Enterprise telephony and Groupware status.

The benefits to enterprise users are they can integrate their daily business communications with Skype VoIP & Video and start using the popular application for daily business use. Co-workers and customers will know their true availability and status and using the Esnatech UC link desktop software communicate in the most efficient and collaborative manner. Users can in one click initiate Live Secure IM, Live desktop to phone voice calls, Ad Hoc group conference session and Live Skype VoIP and Video Session.

Skype support will be part of the upcoming UC Link desktop software for the esnatech UC server Telephony Office-LinX expected in Q1 2010. Esnatech will commence beta trials in December/January with its partners.

UC Link desktop software is a rich multi-OS desktop unified communications software that delivers Rich Presence, Mobility, messaging for the Telephony Office-LinX unified communications platform. This Esnatech UC server is already tightly integrated with all major PBX's and VoIP services as well it provides Mobile UC services to RIM Blackberry, Apple iPhone, Google Android, Windows Mobile & Symbian devices. It can be deployed as a standalone UC solution or an integrated application to existing PBX's and messaging solutions such as Octel voice mail platforms.

Voxbone's iNum Service Speaks in High Definition with Skype

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:18:13 GMT

Voxbone announces that its geographically-independent number service, iNum, now supports HD calling between dozens of VoIP networks and Skype, the global leader in Internet communications.

Greatly expanding availability of emerging HD voice technology, Voxbone will transcode, or translate, between Skype's super-wideband SILK codec and the widely deployed HD codec, G.722, Voxbone announced at eComm Europe 2009.

Prefaced with the ITU-assigned 883 code, iNum numbers refer to the Internet as the 44 country code refers to the U.K. Calls to iNum numbers are routed first to Voxbone, which delivers them to the appropriate service provider over IP.

Because iNum numbers can be dialed from PSTN phones as well as IP endpoints, Voxbone's move enables conference calls with attendees on conventional phones, who will hear within the PSTN's audio constraints, and others with high-definition IP endpoints, who will enjoy the richer sound of HD calling.

Acme Packet’s SBC's Selected to Ease Interoperability with IP PBXes for Skype for SIP Beta

VoIP Monitor — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:22:44 GMT

Skype announced the selection of Net-Net OS-Enterprise session border controllers from Acme Packet for its Skype for SIP beta offering. Acme Packet is the leader in session border contro solutions and the sole SBC partner for the Skype for SIP beta program.

Skype’s deployment of Acme Packet’s SBC simplifies the interoperability and feature compatibility of the Skype for SIP beta offering with enterprise IP-PBX equipment and next-generation unified communications platforms which utilize the SIP standard. As a result, Skype for SIP will allow those enterprises with an on-premise IP PBX to take advantage of an innovative IP-enabled communications tool and to benefit from end-to-end interoperability. The implementation of an SBC by Skype as part of the Skype for SIP beta program also enables the delivery of high-quality, real-time interactive communications, while minimizing the exposure to risks for those companies who sign up for the trial.

Skype for SIP will allow many companies to reduce their costs by making outbound calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide at low Skype rates from devices connected to their existing SIP-enabled PBX systems. It will also allow organizations to receive inbound voice calls to their PBX from the more than 400 million registered Skype users around the world via a global click-to-call button on their Web site. In addition, if they buy and associate local online numbers with their PBX, they can receive inbound calls to the PBX from landline and mobile phones via Skype.

More than 1.5 Million Skype Users Utilize InnerPass

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:05:51 GMT

InnerPass announces that the number of Skype users leveraging InnerPass to share and collaborate has passed 1.5 million. InnerPass is the only business application to combine meetings, Internet communications via Skype, and persistent file sharing and storage. InnerPass adoption using Skype has been doubling every 60 days and currently serves over 30,000 users a day with persistent business collaboration services.

Today’s Web 2.0-based business collaboration tools are highly fragmented, addressing a-la-carte business needs: WebEx, Microsoft Live and GoToMeeting for meetings, SharePoint for file sharing and Google Docs for VOIP. InnerPass is the first and only collaboration tool to bring all three services – meetings, Internet communications via Skype and file sharing – together in a fully integrated Web 2.0-based persistent service.

Skype for SIP Now Interoperable with Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:06:24 GMT

Skype announces the beta version of Skype for SIP has been certified as interoperable with the Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series for Small Business. This will enable small and medium-sized businesses who manage their networking and communications needs with this affordable UC solution to communicate more efficiently by directing their outbound calls to mobiles and landlines via Skype, while also allowing them to receive inbound calls from Skype users.

Interoperability with Skype for SIP means that small businesses can take advantage of the cost savings provided by Skype’s low-cost global calling rates when their employees call landlines and mobiles around the world. A company can also receive inbound voice calls from any of the more than 480 million registered Skype users around the world via a global click-to-call button on its Web site. These Skype calls are received in the Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series solution and can be handled or directed in the same way as any other inbound caller. In addition, if a company buys and associates online Skype numbers with their Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series solution, it can then receive inbound calls via Skype from business contacts and customers calling from landline and mobile phones.

The Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series platform is part of Cisco’s Smart Business Communications System which continues to expand having just added a new set of IP phones with high definition audio, a unified threat management device as well as support for third party application integration, including products from healthcare, automotive and insurance industries.

Certification testing of Skype for SIP with the Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series for Small Business was conducted by tekVizion Labs, an independent test facility in Richardson, Texas, which specializes in IP communications interoperability testing.

Cisco VARs will need to register for the Skype Service Partner Program and pass an online certification exam to qualify to configure the Cisco solution to support Skype for SIP, as well as to support those business customers who may already be using the Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series for Small Business and want to integrate Skype for SIP into their present communications solution.