Skype Wants Business Users To SIP From Its Service
The new service lets businesses receive and manage inbound calls from 405 million Skype users on SIP-enabled PBX systems that connect a company's Web site to the PBX using Skype click-to-call buttons, Skype said.
The Luxembourg-based company also plans to start a program to certify third parties to sell and service Skype offerings for businesses, but didn't offer further details, said The Wall Street Journal.
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) commonly used in businesses telephony networks.
The new service manages Skype calls using a company's existing hardware and systems applications, such as call routing, conferencing, phone menus, voicemail and call recording and logging.
By placing calls via Skype to global landlines and mobile phones from connected SIP-enabled PBX, corporate users can save money with Skype's discounted national rates.
In addition, Skype For SIP users can also purchase online Skype numbers in more than 20 countries to receive calls from business contacts and customers who use traditional fixed lines or mobile phones.
To use the service, companies need to have an installed SIP-based IP-PBX system. The number of beta testers will be limited so that Skype can provide support during the trial.
During the beta period all calls will be charged at standard Skype rates. Further pricing details will be announced when the product is fully launched later this year.