A beta technology from voice over internet protocol
(VoIP) firmSkypecan bring cheaper voice calling to corporate PBX systems
based on session initiation protocol (SIP).
The beta version of
Skype For SIP for
business users is now available from the provider.
SIP is an open standard and the leading VoIP protocol used in
businesses' telephony networks.
Skype For SIP allows SIP PBX owners to benefit from Skype's
low-cost calls to fixed phones and mobiles around the world, and to
receive calls from Skype users directly into their PBX system.
With the technology, businesses can be reached by the community
of over 405 million registered Skype users through click-to-call
platforms from their business websites, said Skype.
Calls can be received through existing office systems at no cost
to the customer. At the same time, businesses can benefit from
Skype's low-cost global calling rates when placing calls to
landlines and mobiles worldwide from devices connected to their PBX
systems.
In addition, they can choose to purchase online Skype numbers
available in over 20 countries to receive calls from business
contacts and customers who are using traditional fixed lines or
mobile phones.
"The introduction of Skype for SIP is a significant move for
Skype and for any communication-intensive business around the
world," said Stefan Oberg, vice-president and general manager of
Skype for Business.
"It effectively combines the obvious cost savings and reach of
Skype with its large user base, with the call handling
functionality, statistics and integration capabilities of
traditional office PBX systems, providing great economical savings
and increased productivity for the modern business."
Rebecca Swensen, an analyst at IDC, said, "Businesses have been
waiting for Skype to make a concerted push into the business space
for a while.
"Connecting to existing standards-based SIP PBXs is a good way
for Skype to start doing so. It will be interesting to see how
large companies change their thinking about the deployment of Skype
within their network."
The basic security of Skype is not in doubt, as the European
Union is
sponsoring research into how law enforcement agencies can crack
the encryption system of the service, to enable them to tap the
voice traffic of an increasing number of criminals using Skype.
The initial SIP beta is available to a limited number of
participants. Full pricing details will be announced when the
product is fully launched later this year.
| The beta version of Skype for SIP will enable business users
to: |
|---|
- Receive and manage inbound calls from Skype users worldwide on
SIP-enabled PBX systems; connecting the company website to the PBX
system via click-to-call
- Place calls with Skype to landlines and mobile phones worldwide
from any connected SIP-enabled PBX; reducing costs with Skype's
low-cost global rates
- Purchase Skype's online numbers; to receive calls to the
corporate PBX from landlines or mobile phones
- Manage Skype calls using their existing hardware and system
applications such as call routing, conferencing, phone menus and
voicemail; no additional downloads or training are
required
|
Source:
Skype |