Skype is offering an interpreter service in more than
150 languages to users of its voice over IP (VoIP) phone
service.
To offer the service, Skype has teamed up with language services
firm Language Line Services, as well as Voxeo, which supplies
interactive voice response technology. Skype says that a live
professional Language Line Services interpreter could be on the
line in minutes for users needing help to communicate with each
other.
The service could be of particular value for business users
communicating with others outside their own countries, or when
travelling.
Skype, owned by eBay, recently started a big push for its
service into the business market.
Language Line Services's Personal Interpreter Service uses
Voxeo's Prophecy voice platform to automate the transfer of calls
from the Skype network.
The round-the-clock service costs £1.75 a minute.