9 May 2009

Skype recently made an announcement that they are planning to release a beta program that will allow them to interface with VoIP telephone networks spanning the globe.

The system has been named SIP for Business Users. The acronym SIP is short for Session Initiation Protocol. Session Initiation Protocol is the standard in VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) that is used in corporate networks. In simpler terms, Skype will now be able to interface and connect to different corporate phone systems, allowing the user to Skype mobile and fixed phone lines from the traditional phone set up.

The price that Skype plans to offer this program for has not yet been specified. Until the fees are officially set, the standard rates will apply, which are a little above 2 cents per call. Even if this is not the case, being a member of the corporate network club will allow them to accumulate more volume. At present, Skype already works with corporate hardware and is integrated with both Salesforce.com and Microsoft Outlook. This latest move on the part of Skype will solidify their corporate standings and give them the advantage of more enterprise support.

The current customer base that Skype has is largely consumers, although they have been looking to reach out to businesses for quite some times. Before now, they were not able to do so simply because all of the security needed and the call quality was a huge concern. However, they have not been completely out of the business market, many Skype business calls have happened consistently on the sly.

This latest Skype venture allow skype to an integrated phone systems type product from an ancillary product supported quietly by enterprises. It will allow click to call to become a reality for the modern business. This will be accomplished when the 405 million Skype users are able to connect to corporate systems. This program will also receive supplemental revenue due to the fact businesses will give them extra trade their was in a effort to save on global calls.

One huge highlight for the businesses using the Skype for SIP program is that they will not need to purchase new equipment, but will be able to use the equipment and software that they already have. They are also going to benefit from using the current standard Skype rates, until new pricing details are set and the product is launched officially later on this year.

It isn't known at his time if Skype is going to have special pricing for its corporations that will become involved in the new program. However it should definitely mean more revenue for Skype and eBay, their parent company. Ebay may actually be able to use Skype to bring in more business from corporations.

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