Skype has announced Skype for SIP Beta, a service that allows you to connect your existing standards-based (SIP) communications infrastructure to the Skype community and, at the same time, take advantage of Skype’s competitive global calling rates. Shoretel has become the first IP PBX vendor to be approved by Skype, with Shoretel customers entitled to register for the beta version of Skype for SIP.
Skype for SIP is a simplified version of Skype Asterisk that allows businesses and employees to receive inbound calls through SIP-enabled UC systems from its 400 million-plus users. ShoreTel customers can also use the product to direct outbound calls from devices on ShoreTel’s UC system to landlines and mobile phones at Skype rates. Both SIP products are an effort to build on Skype’s presence in the enterprise, where the company’s success has so far been limited.
Ultimately, one could put Skype for SIP to work in many ways;
* With click-to-call buttons customers can contact you directly from your site or email.
* Customers can call you on a local online number.
* Your business will have a presence within the community of over 440 million registered Skype users.
* Free Skype calls to the office when travelling.
* Business as usual for home workers – the office is one click away.
* Your business will be globally accessible and visible to the Skype community and potential partners.
* Improve long distance business relationships with free inbound calling.