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Tag: skype

  • Skype Launches Channel Partner Program in the U.S.

    Skype has announced the introduction of the Skype Channel Partner Program to help businesses who are looking to use Skype for their collaboration and communication needs.

    According to Skype, the goal of the program is to establish a qualified network of channel partners in the United States that can assist companies interested in using Skype “to improve their productivity and optimize their communication costs.”

    Through the Skype Channel Partner Program, qualified Channel Partners will receive training, sales and marketing collaterals, customer tracking and reporting tools, as well as support and account management from Skype.

    Once trained and certified by Skype, the partners will be equipped to provide their own consulting, installation, configuration, maintenance and support services to business customers who wish to use Skype’s business solutions, including the Skype Business Client, Skype Manager and Skype Connect.

    Channel Partners will help businesses set up Skype and buy and use Skype products. For example, they will help Skype Manager customers use and manage the Skype Business Client on their desktop and mobile phones via business accounts or connect their existing private branch exchange (PBX) or Unified Communications (UC) systems to Skype using Skype Connect.

    They may also sell third-party hardware and software for use with Skype. Channel Partners will not be reselling any Skype products to customers; all Skype products will be bought directly from Skype.

    According to Skype, already twenty VARs and system integrators have been enrolled in and trained as part of the program and have started marketing and selling their own services and third-party hardware and software for use with Skype’s business solutions.

    Skype said will also work with manufacturers of the IP-enabled PBX and UC systems that have already been certified as interoperable with Skype Connect to introduce the Skype Channel Partner Program to their existing channel partners.

    Related news
    Skype Connect 1.0 Officially Launched
    Skype Now Available on Verizon Multimedia Phones on the BREW Platform
    Skype for iPhone Now Supports Multitasking, No Charges for Calling Over 3G
    Skype For SIP Now Available in Beta

  • Skype Connect 1.0 Officially Launched

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

    According to the company, 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.

    David Gurlé, VP and general manager of Skype for Business said that 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.

    "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. […] Skype Connect seeks to enable our customers to reduce their phone bills, while protecting their investment in existing telecommunications equipment,” said Gurlé.

    Skype Connect already has over 2,400 active global customers and it’s now certified to work with PBX and UC products from Avaya, Cisco, SIPfoundry, ShoreTel and other OEMs.

    The solution 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.

    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.

    Relating articles
    Skype Now Available on Verizon Multimedia Phones on the BREW Platform
    Skype for iPhone Now Supports Multitasking, No Charges for Calling Over 3G
    Skype Names David Gurle to Lead Skype for Business Team
    Skype For SIP Now Available in Beta

  • Skype Now Available on Verizon Multimedia Phones on the BREW Platform

    Skype is taking another step forward with Verizon and expanding the Skype mobile application onto a variety of Multimedia 3G phones with an app based on the BREW platform, including the LG enV TOUCH, LG Chocolate Touch and Samsung Reality.

    According to Skype, their mobile app for Verizon Wireless 3G Multimedia phones works the same way it does on the carrier’s smartphones, “letting you make free calls to friends and family on Skype, great value calls to landlines and mobile phones overseas, and send IMs to people on Skype anywhere in the world.”

    On Skype blog, Peter Parkes explains how charging works:

    Skype-to-Skype calls, to or from your mobile, computer or TV
    These calls are completely free (you’ll need a data plan in order to use Skype mobile on your Verizon phone.). They don’t count towards your Verizon minutes allowance.

    Calls to another mobile number or landline number in the US
    These calls count towards your Verizon minutes.

    Calls to an international mobile number or landline number
    These calls are great value – pay for these using Skype Credit or one of our subscriptions.

    “Additionally, as the app runs in the background, you’ll never miss a call,” says Parkes.

    Six months ago, Skype announced a strategic relationship between them and Verizon Wireless to create the Skype mobile application and make it available on a variety of Verizon Wireless’ Android and BlackBerry smartphones.

    Skype mobile is also available for DROID and selected BlackBerry smartphones on Verizon Wireless.

    Related articles
    Skype for iPhone Now Supports Multitasking, No Charges for Calling Over 3G
    Click & Call Advertising with Skype Now Available
    Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless Now Available

  • Skype for iPhone Now Supports Multitasking, No Charges for Calling Over 3G

    In May, Skype upgraded their iPhone app to allow users to make calls over 3G data connections. Yesterday, the company introduced a new version of the app that now supports multitasking.

    This means users can receive Skype calls while other apps are running, even when the iPhone is locked. And during a call, users can keep the conversation going while they switch to another task, such as checking a movie listing or reading an email.

    Skype has also updated the app’s graphics to support iPhone 4’s Retina Display.

    “At Skype, we believe that better call quality and better availability (which is achieved with an app capable of multitasking and/or making calls over 3G) lead to increased call frequency and longer calls. We also believe that the mobile world is in a period of significant change, for example, with some operators starting to move to tiered pricing models,” said Peter Parkes on Skype’s blog.

    In light of that, Skype no longer have plans to charge a supplement to make calls over 3G. “We’re delighted to make it easier for you to talk for even longer and do even more together using Skype,” a post reads.

    Skype’s multitasking requires iOS 4 and an iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, or a third-generation iPod touch.

    Related articles
    Click & Call Advertising with Skype Now Available
    Skype 2.0 Brings 3G Calling to the iPhone
    Skype Introduces New Monthly Calling Subscriptions and Group Video Chat
    Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless Now Available

  • Click & Call Advertising with Skype Now Available

    Skype 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, a call advertising company, which will help manage, operate and sell Click & Call Advertising with Skype.

    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 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. The service is currently not available on Mac or mobile versions of Skype software.

    Skype has informed that Click & Call Advertising 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 company says 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.

    “Working together with Marchex, our objective for Click & Call Advertising 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,” he added.

    How it Works

    There are four 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.

    Related articles
    Skype 2.0 Brings 3G Calling to the iPhone
    Skype Introduces New Monthly Calling Subscriptions and Group Video Chat
    Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless Now Available
    Grandstream Now Skype for SIP Interoperable

  • Skype 2.0 Brings 3G Calling to the iPhone

    A long after its competitors had brought 3G VoIP calling to the iPhone, Skype has finally announced the launch of the new version of its iPhone app that allows to make and receive Skype-to-Skype calls, and to call mobiles and landlines over 3G data connection.

    The company informed that 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. Skype-to-Skype calls over WiFi will still remain free.

    Russ Shaw, General Manager for Mobile at Skype said that using Skype on 3G “has been the number one request among our iPhone customers”.

    According to the company, 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

    Unfortunately, the app doesn’t support Bluetooth audio and call waiting.

    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.

    Related articles
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    More and More iPhone Apps Support VoIP over 3G
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  • Skype Introduces New Monthly Calling Subscriptions and Group Video Chat

    Starting tomorrow, Skype is rolling out new calling plans to more than 170 countries.

    1-month, 3-month and 12-month calling plans will be available in 60-, 120-, 400-minute and unlimited packages.

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

    According to Skype, this provides customers with a savings of up to 60 percent compared to Skype’s standard Pay As You Go rates.

    Skype also announced that it will be releasing the new beta of its Windows software next week. It will feature video conference calls for up to five callers.

    Related articles
    Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless Now Available
    Skype Goes Symbian
    Skype’s On-Net International Traffic Growing Fast

  • Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless Now Available

    At the CTIA WIRELESS 2010 in Las Vegas, Verizon and Skype announced that Skype mobile is already available with nine Verizon 3G smartphones.

    Skype mobile uses the Verizon voice network for the wireless connection of the Skype-to-Skype calls.

    Verizon customers with Android 3G smartphones and BlackBerry 3G smartphones can now call international phone numbers at Skype calling rates.

    They 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.

    The service will be available initially on BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition, and Tour 9630, as well as Motorola’s DROID, DROID ERIS by HTC and Motorola DEVOUR.

    According to John Harrobin, Senior VP of Digital Media and Marketing at Verizon Wireless, "Skype mobile will change the way mobile consumers in the United States make and receive calls."

    "With an ‘always on’ capability, Skype mobile on your 3G smartphone means you never have to miss a call or make an appointment to connect with Skype users around the world. With Skype mobile, we’re untethering Skype users from their PCs and enabling them to stay connected – on the best wireless network in the country,” he said.

  • Grandstream Now Skype for SIP Interoperable

    Grandstream, a manufacturer of IP voice/video telephony and video surveillance solutions and Skype announced that Skype for SIP interoperability testing and certification of Grandstream’s IP PBX and gateway has been completed successfully.

    Grandstream says that “with this interoperability, the thousands of SMBs using Grandstream’s GXE502x series IP PBX and related gateways can start to reap significant cost savings by directing their outbound calls to mobile phones and landlines worldwide via Skype at very competitive rates.”

    SMBs can also allow their customers and remote employees to make FREE inbound calls to their corporate PBX system using Skype from anywhere in the world.

    According to Grandstream, businesses can leverage the investment in their corporate website even further by enabling Skype users to click on a global click-to-call button on the website to place immediate calls to sales or support via Skype.

    Skype calls received through the Grandstream IP PBX are handled by the PBX in the same way as other inbound calls.

    David Gurle, VP and General Manager of Skype for Business said, "By certifying its PBX and gateway equipment as interoperable with Skype for SIP, Grandstream is enabling its thousands of business customers to easily connect their existing PBXs and gateways to Skype and to receive the same financial and productivity benefits that businesses already get when using Skype software on their desktops.”

  • Nokia Announces Skype for Symbian

    Skype and Nokia today jointly announced the release of Skype for Symbian, a Skype client for Nokia smartphones based on the Symbian platform.

    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).

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

    "Skype, the king of Internet communications, running on Symbian, the world’s dominant smartphone platform, makes for an explosive combination," said Larry Berkin, Head of Global Alliances and GM USA, Symbian Foundation.

    "With Symbian’s global reach, Skype is that much closer to becoming the ubiquitous real-time communications platform for hundreds of millions of Symbian-based mobile users."

    According to Informa Telecoms and Media more than 200 million users of Symbian-powered devices now have Skype at their fingertips.

    Jo Harlow, Senior Vice President for Smartphones, Nokia, said, “We’re seeing around 1.5 million downloads a day on Ovi Store now and believe that the Skype client for Nokia smartphones will have wide appeal to Symbian users."

    Check out special Skype page for the full list of compatible handsets.