MagicJack iPhone App Debuts

MagicJack iPhone App http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

Welknown and also well used magicJack, the VoIP service that is offered with a USB device providing free calls for the cost of the device and a yearly fee of $19.99 to users in the U.S. and Canada. Each device purchased Magicjack or Magicjack Plus includes one year service. So the free calls is a kind of misnomer.
It is also very difficult to find any pricing information at the Magicjack site easily. Positive side of this is the happy users. I have a coleague who uses Magicjack and you would not know he is calling you via a VOIP service.
But the news today is that Magicjack has released an iPhone app. magicJack app came to the iTunes App Store this week and lets users make free calls to numbers in the U.S. and Canada and to other magicJack users anywhere in the world at no charge. The app works on all iDevices provided that have iOS 4.0 or higher.

magicJack is not alone in the Free VOIP calling space on the iTunes App store, it  joins the likes of Skype, Viber, netTALK.
Unlikewith the Magicjack devices described above, magicJack App does not require you to create an account before you can start making those free phone calls, (out going only). The App offers you the option to skip account creation and go right to the dialer shown above. By creating an account to get voicemail and a designated magicJack phone number, or information from an existing account one can receive calls through magicJack without using minutes on your cell phone plan. In the U.S. incoming calls count against your cell phone plan).
I have not tried the app yet and many of those who tried praise the app and it's abilities. Many have made calls over wifi and 3G and seem to be satisfied.
iTunes App Store

Skype Launches An Appstore, Calls It App Directory!

Skype Launches An Appstore (App Directory) http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

Perhaps influenced by the soon to be parent company, Microsoft, Skype is getting friendly with developers again. A few years ago, they wanted to have everything for themselves and canned the Skype Developer Extra program. Skype App Directory, or the Skype version of the Appstore is live now supporting regular and business customers. The developers seem to be happy about having a place to publicize their apps the the vast Skype community.

There are, as usual, free and paid apps in various categories and I found a few apps to write home about. We will certain to cover some of the more appealing Skype Apps, like VodBurner Video call recorder, which is free.

Just like any other appstore, Skype App Directory provides a landing page for apps and there you will find more information about the app. These include screen shots, features comments and ratings by other users. If you select to get / buy the app, one is sent to appropriate place, like in the VodBurner case above, to their home page.

Like an appstore should be, Skype App Directory allows you to search by Platform (OS), price, language and keywords.

GroupMe, Group Calling Service To Be Acquired By Skype.

GroupMe, To Be Acquired By Skype http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

A year old GroupMe, which was born at a Techcrunch Hackathon, has become the target of acquisition by Skype.

Pricing and the terms of acqisition was not revealed but GroupMe got $850,000 in round one funding and later $10.6 Million from Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst and previous investors. Skype CEO Tony Bates have indicated the GroupMe acquisition was in the talks even before the Microsft's interest on Skype. (The Skype Microsoft deal is still pending)

"“The group messaging space in general is one of the most important markets for Skype, GroupMe creates a very sticky instant feeling. Like Skype, it is an everyday interactive form of communication. Skype’s goal is to get to 1 billion users. Mobile is the place to do that.”" told TechCrunch

Hackathon

Group Chat, New Design, Video Chat (Skype) Makes Facebook Awesome! Mark Says

Awesome, Facebook, Group Chat, New Design, Video Chat,Skype http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Mark Zuckerberg says that three things announced today will make the Social Infrastructure that he built solid, and will pave the way forward for years to come.
The tree things announced today, Group Chat, New Design, Video Chat (Skype) are not new nor awesome. But all of them plus the Facebook will make it awesome.
During the event Mark shared that people on Facebook are sharing 4 Billion things a day and certainly that is a lot of sharing.
Video calling demoed by the Facebook Seattle team and we were told that it is deployed to millions of users. They were pretty happy about one click video calling. The combination of Skype and Facebook is certainly a plus for millions of users of either service or both.
The Group Chat will have a new feature to your usual Facebook chat feature, you can add friends tot he chat and that is not much different from Group Chats we have seen over the years like GoogleTalk Group chat.
The new design, yes I am yet to see if it makes my Facebook experience awesome.
Now the Microsoft's Skype purchase seem less crazy!

Facebook "Awesome" Is It Facebook Skype?

Facebook Skype Googleplus http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Looks pretty awesome the anticipation of the crowd waiting to hear the real thing behind the Facebook Awesome and everyone seem to think it is some thing to do with Facebook on screen communication / messaging developed with Skype, which was acquired by Microsoft recently.
May be it is a jab at Google+, But wait for 10 min and we will see.

FTC Approves Microsoft Skype Deal!

FTC Approves Microsoft Skype Deal! http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
The long waited and most discussed tech deal in the recent past has got approval from The U.S. Federal Trade Commission today. The unprecedented $8.5 Billion dollar deal has made people wonder about the feasibility of the deal. Most thought this will be the end of M$ big honcho Steve Ballmer. Well now we have to wait and see.
Microsoft already got the blame for Skype's recent spotty service, even though it had nothing to do with Microsoft.
We can in any case expect Skype to pop up in all things Microsoft like XBox, outlook and possibly it's partners.
We will just have to see, if Microsoft can Kill Skype but who is there to take the place? Google Voice? Possibly.
Reuters

Skype Down Again, "For Small Subset Of People"

Skype Down http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
The multi Billion dollar Microsoft purchase seem to affect Skype, at least according to Skype users on Twitter. Skype of course is telling, as always, it is a small subset of users.
The last message from the Skype Heartbeat is that they have sign in issues but other components are working;

We are continuing to address today's problems, and are seeing indications that the situation is improving.

If you were disconnected from Skype earlier, you shouldn't need to manually sign back in to Skype - it should reconnect automatically when it's able to do so.

We apologise for the disruption to your conversations.

Well I hope this will not be like the last December Skype outage, (Supernode failure) there are too many users who depends on the service.
If you are affected, keep on monitoring the Skype heartbeat.

How Not To Be A Skype / Microsoft Supernode, Updated

How Not To Be A Skype / Microsoft Supernode http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
We have updated one of our favorite posts;  "How to be or not to be a skype supernode?" has been given a long due update to reflect the Skype 3.0 or newer capability to disable the supernode capability. You still need to go about hacking the registry.  It is simple though. Follow the link to get information as how to change your registry.

How to be or not to be a skype supernode?

Skype (Microsoft) Drops Asterisk Support, Ending Skype For Asterisk

Skype ends Asterisk for Skype Agreement http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Within two weeks of acquiring Skype, Microsoft is set out to cut all Open Source ties to Skype, begining with Asterisk, the best open source IPPBX in the world.

According to a letter from Digium to it's customers, Skype will not renew its agreement with Digium that allowed Asterisk to be integrated with the Skype service through Asterisk for Skype, a product by Digium..

"It includes proprietary software from Skype that allows Asterisk to join the Skype network as a native client. Skype has decided not to renew the agreement that permits us to package this proprietary software,” according to the letter.

Skype for Asterisk sales and activations will end on July 26, but Skype has promised to continue supporting and maintaining the software for two more years. Skype may extend this time period “at their discretion.”
But I love what Digium's Danny Windham has to say about the whole issue of Skype;

Is the acquisition good for Skype? Given the valuation, it’s certainly good for the Skype shareholders. But what about the service itself? In a word, no. History suggests that Microsoft’s tendency towards notoriously proprietary tactics will slow the development of Skype as a business tool. Will Microsoft wall-off Skype from competing products, completely? Or, at a bare minimum will Microsoft ensure their products work much better with Skype than those from competitors? Time will tell.

This transaction has attracted speculation from around the globe regarding the future of Skype, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, incumbent phone companies, VoIP, video communications, Apple, the Iphone, Andriod, and I’m sure even pork belly futures. Regardless of your view on how the merger will ultimately shake out, it’s hard to deny at least this one fact: disruptive communications companies and technologies are changing the world at a rapid pace – and in this case, they are generating gigantic value for their shareholders in the process.

Digium Blog

Microsoft Agrees To Buy Skype For $8.5 Billion!

Microskype ? Makes me wonder! http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
The deal was good for US stock market as it drew encouragement from Microsoft's $8.5 billion deal for Skype Technologies and from signs of strength in the U.S. economy and overseas.

But on the whole I wonder what Microsoft will do to Skype, 8.5 Billion or not because first thing I heard about the deal was that M$ was going to integrate Skype capabilities with XBox. Time will tell.

Skype Outages And MAC Client Woes!

Skype http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Yesterday I watched a video (See Below) interview of a Game developer CEO, Jason Asbahr from Montrous . It was all about why the game developers dropped Skype for MAC 5.0 and went back to Skype for MAC 2.8. Since I use my Skype mostly on PC's and Mobile phones, I have not experienced the problem nor I knew what the real problem was. Until I read VoIP Watch that is.
The MAC client problem seem to lead to an departed exec who could not get MAC right and wanted Skype for MAC to be like windows client. Well now you know where that went. I hope Skype will come up with a new client. 'Cos I will be ditching my windows / Linux note boot to a MACbook pro with MAC OS X and windows. The current notebook will stay on my desk and run Linux only.

Then there was signing in and call receiving problems on 30th. I was not very happy but Google Voice was there to save the day, It is not as big as the Supernode Crash. In any case I stopped being a Skype supernode long time ago, ever since I started paying.

Skype Available On Verizon Vireless Palm Pre 2

Skype Available On Palm Pre 2 http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Skype just announced that it's service is available on  the Palm Pre 2 from Verizon Wireless.

To get Skype on your Palm Pre 2 from Verizon Wireless, visit skype.com/m on to find out how to get started.

Low Bandwidth Skype For Mobile Markets With Low 3G Penetration.

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
This week, Skype announced a low-bandwidth version Skype, for mobile markets in parts of the world where 3G service is not available or sparse. Skype describes it's mobile solution as a simple carrier solution utilizing purpose built client-server solution. The optimization of software for low bandwidth is certainly a plus for VoIP IP Telephony provider.

"We see a growing demand for differentiated services from mobile operators across the world , Our mobile operator program will give operators in emerging markets the possibility to tap into the global Skype community while providing a great user experience on a variety of mobile handsets." said Russ Shaw, vice president and general manager of Mobile at Skype.

Even though we complain at slightest dip in our bandwidths, be it mobile or land line, there are many parts in the world where getting a service is the issues rather than the bandwidth. With wired lines being costly to deploy in far interior villages, like in certain parts of Asia and Africa, mobile networks are pushing forward in providing much needed communication services.

LUXEMBOURG, 14 February 2011 – Skype today announced a Mobile Partner Program for operators in markets with low 3G broadband penetration. The program aims to bring the Skype experience to a broad range of mobile users and will enable carriers to differentiate their offerings in a competitive market environment. This program follows the successful operator partnerships that Skype has already launched with Verizon, KDDI and Hutchison 3.
The Mobile Partner Program from Skype is a simplified operator program that utilises a purpose built client/server solution. The solution developed specifically for operators, enables use of Skype on a broad range of handsets including smartphones and feature phones. Optimised for efficient bandwidth usage, it keeps users connected with minimal impact on battery life and data usage.
Operators taking part in this program will be able to offer their customers a fast, easy Skype experience that runs on a range of OS platforms covering more than 100 different smartphone and feature phone handsets. Through Skype their customers will have the ability to make free calls and send instant messages to other Skype users. In addition, their customers can take advantage of Skype’s low rates to make affordable calls to mobile phones and landlines virtually anywhere in the world.

“We see a growing demand for differentiated services from mobile operators across the world,” said Russ Shaw, VP and GM of Mobile at Skype. “Our mobile operator program will give operators in emerging markets the possibility to tap into the global Skype community while providing a great user experience on a variety of mobile handsets.”
Operators interested in this program can contact Skype’s mobile business development team at: mpp@skype.net.

Skype

Skype Quickly Completes Qik Acquisition!

Skype Quickly Completes Qik Acquisition! http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
When we informed our reader that Skype intended to acquire Qik, we did not think that it would take some time to complete. So we were bit surprised when Skype announced that the acquisition is complete. Yes it was quick indeed!Qik is now under the ownership of Skype.
Skype

One Out Of Four International Calls Is Made Over Skype!

Skype Back In Numbers http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Looks like despite the massive failure of Skype supernode network due to faulty windows client software, people still love skype and using it to call, locally and internationally. Skype simultaneous call numbers have gone up from 25 to 27 Million as of January 10th.
According to Telegeography, Skype accounted for 102.5 Billion minutes of International long distance calls. The culmulative International long distance calls fell by 4% in 2010 from previous year. The total ILD call voume was 413 Billion for 2009.
So according to the report, nearly a one of every four International Long Distance (ILD) calls is made over Skype. Where ever there is broadband penetration, the voice calls are dropping as people find that they can make VoIP calls by passing telcos, and Skype is the most popular VoIP service provider in the world.
If the those televisions with Skype (internet capabilities) and othe video calling gadgets at CES 2011 was any evidence, people will swap voice calls to Video calls. Skype is ready for that with it's regular Video client and Mobile video call clients like Skype for iPhone.that brings video over 3G. I am sure the recent Qik aquisition will go long way in the way of video business. With this much of growth, I think Skype might be ready for that Skype IPO. Then I wonder why my remove Skype get so many hits, perhaps to uninstall old Skype clients to install new clients.

Telegeography

Panasonic VIERA CAST Blu-Ray Players Bring Skype Video Calling To Living Room

#Panasonic #VIERACAST http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Looks like Panasonic is bringing Skype to many things and the best seem to be Blu-ray payers with VIERA CAST technology enabled.
Even though there are many TVs that come with Internet and thus technologies like Skype incorporated, many people have invested in their current high definition TVs. Instead of buying a new TV, people will be able to invest in a Panasonic blu-ray player and have all the technologies available to them.

Press Release;

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2011) – Panasonic, a worldwide leader in High Definition technology and built-in TV web entertainment, and SkypeTM, announced today that Skype voice and video calling will be available on 2011 Panasonic VIERA CASTTM-enabled Blu-ray DiscTM  Players.  Skype-capable Panasonic VIERA CAST-enabled Plasma HDTVs were first introduced in 2010.  The new technology will be demonstrated at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show this week.
The addition of Skype to Panasonic’s new DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, and DMP-BDT110 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players allows consumers to make Skype voice and video calls on virtually any HDTV using a Skype-compatible camera1 (sold separately).
Skype on VIERA CAST delivers many familiar Skype features including:

    * Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
    * Calls to landline or mobile phones at Skype’s low rates
    * The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
    * Voicemail (set-up required)
    * Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties

With 124 million average monthly connected users* Skype is known for providing free voice and video calling for people on Skype around the world and for low cost calls from Skype to non-Skype users .
In addition to providing a larger screen for video calling, SkypeTM on VIERA CASTTM gives the user a range of benefits including:

·         High definition video at up to 1280x720 resolution at a maximum frame rate of 22 fps (conventional Skype use on a PC has a resolution of 640x480).

·         The ability for callers to leave Skype video or voice messages when the recipient is not available which are stored in the Blu-ray Player for playback.  An indicator light on the front of the Blu-ray DiscTM Player’s display alerts recipients to the waiting message(s).

·         VIERA CAST’s easy-to-use GUI that is operable from the Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Player’s remote.

·         Wi-Fi capability– the BDT310 and BDT210 come with built in Wi-Fi, while the BDT110 requires a wireless adaptor (sold separately).

“The addition of Skype on VIERA CAST video and voice calling capabilities to our 2011 Blu-ray Disc Players really takes things to a whole new level of versatility and connectivity for our Blu-ray consumers,” said Alex Fried, Senior Product Manager, Video, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.  “Now owners of our 2011 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players can connect with family and friends via Skype on our VIERA HDTVs or any HDTV in their home.  Through VIERA CAST on our Blu-ray Disc Players, Skype users can feel more connected with family and friends than ever before by communicating in big-screen high definition in a setting that truly replicates a face to face conversation..”
“Skype on Panasonic’s Blu-ray Disc Players represents the evolution of our continued partnership to deliver TV-based communications solutions to Skype users and Panasonic consumers,” said Manrique Brenes, Director of Business Development for Skype. “Consumers now have a more affordable way to share connections with family, friends and colleagues on HDTVs using Skype.”
Since its launch in 2008, Panasonic’s IPTV features have grown to include2 Skype voice and video calling, Netflix, Hulu, VUDU, Twitter, Pandora, Amazon Video on Demand™, You Tube™, Google’s Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg News, and more.  VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC3 and is accessed via a single button on the television remote control.  There is no fee to use the VIERA CASTTM functionality4.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs.  Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

About Skype

SkypeTM is software that enables the world’s conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com.

Skype Acquires Qik, A Mobile Video Calling Company!

#Skype Acquires #Qik http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Well CES usually brings surprising news but I guess this is still out of the blue for many! Skype announced today that it has entered in to agreement to acquire QIK, a rival video calling company, saying that the the acquisition will bring deeper video device compatibilities.

"The Qik team has delivered exceptional video experiences for its mobile partners and millions of end users across a range of devices, Skype's software enables an estimated 25 percent of the world's international long distance voice calling minutes*, and approximately 40 percent of those Skype-to-Skype calls are happening over video. Qik's deep engineering capabilities and strong mobile relationships will be an impressive complementary fit with Skype." said Tony Bates, Skype's Chief Executive Officer.

Qik mainly covers mobile world and available on Android, iPhone, Symbian, Blackberry and Windows Mobile platforms. I have been using Qik on iPhone and know a few who uses Qikroam.

Skype To Acquire Qik
Combined companies bring deeper video capabilities across devices

LUXEMBOURG, 6 January 2011 - Skype today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Qik, a provider of mobile video software and services that enable individuals to capture, instantly share and preserve great moments on video from anywhere. Qik has 60 employees, and is headquartered in Redwood City, California and has an office in Moscow, Russia. The transaction is expected to close in January 2011. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Qik was founded in 2006 and offers innovative and flexible solutions to capture and share video with anyone across mobile devices, the web, and desktop platforms. Videos can be shared in real time or stored so moments can be viewed later, allowing for video messaging, sharing and archiving. The Qik service is available on over 200 mobile phones across the Android, iPhone, Symbian, Blackberry and Windows Mobile platforms, and comes pre-loaded on a wide variety of mobile handsets through partnerships with leading handset manufacturers and carriers.

Both Skype and Qik have a common purpose of enriching communications and sharing with video, across any device. The acquisition of Qik helps accelerate Skype's leadership in video by adding recording, sharing and storing capabilities to Skype's product portfolio. Through this acquisition, Skype will also be able to leverage the engineering expertise that is behind Qik's Smart Streaming™ technology, which optimizes video transmission over wireless networks.

"The Qik team has delivered exceptional video experiences for its mobile partners and millions of end users across a range of devices," said Tony Bates, Skype's Chief Executive Officer. "Skype's software enables an estimated 25 percent of the world's international long distance voice calling minutes*, and approximately 40 percent of those Skype-to-Skype calls are happening over video. Qik's deep engineering capabilities and strong mobile relationships will be an impressive complementary fit with Skype."

Together, Skype and Qik will focus on providing a richer, more integrated experience that will allow people globally to share experiences in real-time video across different platforms, as well as, store those moments so they can be viewed anytime later.

"Qik has worked very hard to solve complex problems that allow millions of people everyday to take advantage of sharing their lives with those people who are most important to them," said Vijay Tella, Chief Executive Officer of Qik. "Joining Skype allows Qik's team to unite with Skype's talented team to develop new and innovative products for our customers and partners."

* 2010 TeleGeography Research issued on January 6, 2011; 24.7% of total international PSTN and international Skype-to-Skype calling minutes.

About Skype
Skype is a communications platform provider whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart. Skype was founded in 2003 and is based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.

About Qik
Qik is a leader in the mobile video space enabling smart phone users around the world to capture special and spontaneous life moments from anywhere and instantly share those moments with friends, family and followers. Qik's comprehensive solution meets all consumer video needs including video calling, video sharing, video messaging and the ability to sync and save videos to the web and desktop. The Qik service is available on over 200 mobile phones across the Android, iPhone, Symbian, Blackberry and Windows Mobile platforms. Qik has headquarters in Redwood City, California and an office in Moscow, Russia.

Skype Demands Nimbuzz To Remove Support For All Skype!

Skype Demands Nimbuzz To Shutdown Skupe Communications. http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
There seem to be a some kind of row between Nimbuzz, the mobile service provider and the Skype, the VoIP behemoth.
Nimbuzz seem to be saying that Skype is shedding all third party connections ahead of the impending IPO but Skype is saying it is not true. The decision to stop the service is because Nimbuzz failed to continue communications with Skype regarding Nimbuzz’ compliance with Skype API Terms of Use and End User Licence Agreement.
Skype did play the same game or gave the same or similar reasons when Skype blocked fring, another player in the mobile VoIP field. Coincidentally both companies, Nimbuzz and fring, recently offered their own versions of paid calling services, Nimbuzzout and fringout. Techcrunch thinks that to be the real reason than load of bull Skype is dealing.
Nimbuzz has offered following to make lives easier for it's users;

• We’re offering you a 15% bonus credit to use on NimbuzzOut. That’s 15% extra on top of the credits you want to purchase. To access the 15% bonus credit, go to http://www.nimbuzzout.com and once logged-in, use this code NIMBUZZ15 (valid until end of November 2010).
• NimbuzzOut now lets you call mobile phones and landlines in 45 countries for only 2 cents per minute!
• NimbuzzOut is supported on more than 115 Symbian devices, all iPhone / iPod Touch, and all of the Android handsets.

We will be watching but at the same time, follow the link if you want to uninstall Skype
Nimbuzz

Avaya Skype Announce "Skype Connect" And A Business Partnership.

#Skype Connect http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Skype and Avaya announced today that they have agreed to jointly present business collaboration and communications solutions.
In October,  Avaya will offer Skype Connect to Avaya's customers. This will enable Avaya customers to call through Skype Connect. The actual connections will be setup based on the least cost routing and all Skype callers will be able to make free inbound calls to enabled Avaya customers within USA.
Avaya Aura and And Avaya Aura SIP enablement server, CS1000, Avaya IP Office and BCM systems will be able to handle the calls. In 2011, the two companies will  launch integrated unified communications and collaboration solutions for businesses within the US, bringing together, presence, IM, voice and video call.
I am sure there are other companies, wondering if they are late, to the Skype Game.



The Press Release;

BASKING RIDGE, NJ and LUXEMBOURG, 29 September 2010 – Avaya, a global leader in enterprise communications systems, software and services, and Skype today announced a strategic agreement to deliver innovative, real-time communications and collaboration solutions to businesses of all sizes. The multi-phase deal includes both go-to-market and an industry-first, joint technology integration that seeks to enable businesses to lower costs and expand how employees, customers, partners and suppliers communicate and collaborate with greater convenience and efficiency.
In the first phase of the agreement, Avaya customers in the U.S. market will have access to Skype Connect™, a product which adds Skype calling to IP-based enterprise communications systems, providing a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) communications channel between Avaya communications systems and Skype. Customers with Avaya Aura™ Session Manager or Avaya Aura SIP Enablement Server, CS1000, Avaya IP Office, or BCM systems can use Skype Connect to place calls globally for increased reach, while aiming to save on international calling. Enterprise-level security and features such as tracking, recording, regulatory compliance, and more are provided by the Avaya system.
Skype reported 124 million average monthly connected users during the second quarter of 2010. Now, Skype users can make inbound calls to Avaya customers in the U.S. market for free or at a low cost. Calls will be treated with Avaya’s routing, conferencing, messaging, mobility and contact center capabilities, as well as other collaboration services. For example, businesses can:

• Establish Skype Click & Call buttons for inbound calling from Web sites
• Establish Skype Online Numbers for inbound calling from landline and mobile phones
• Route inbound calls from a Skype user to an enterprise extension

Avaya customers in the U.S. market who are interested in Skype Connect can speak with their Avaya sales representative or an Avaya Connect channel partner contacts beginning in October.
In the second half of 2011, Avaya and Skype plan to deliver integrated unified communications and collaboration solutions for enterprises within the U.S. The integration is intended to establish federation between Avaya Aura and Skype communications platforms and both user communities, so that an Avaya end-user and Skype user can engage and interact via presence, instant messaging, voice and video. A business, for example, could use Skype to access an Avaya-based contact center in a simple and highly integrated way to quickly and efficiently resolve customer service issues. The integrated solutions will also allow enterprise IT managers to manage and control the inter-connectivity between end users to meet their corporate IT policies.
“Avaya and Skype have been working along parallel paths to offer, innovative, scalable, low cost, SIP-based communications to our respective markets,” said Alan Baratz, senior vice president, Avaya and president, Avaya Global Communications Solutions. “Now, the two companies will work together, striving to improve collaboration and customer service by federating Avaya and Skype solutions for a common user experience that delivers unique benefits for businesses and their customers who are Skype users.”
“Our relationship with Avaya is expected to expand the footprint for Skype Connect into more enterprises in the U.S. market, while allowing us to help Avaya’s customers benefit from Skype’s cost savings and access to Skype’s global user base,” said David Gurlé, vice president and general manager of Skype for Business. “We believe our integrated solution in the second half of 2011 is expected to offer the benefits of Skype to a growing number of businesses and open up new ways for people to communicate and collaborate.”

On-The-Go Video With Joost Client For iPhone and iPad

Joost on iPhone,iPod and iPad http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Everyone knows that we have been fans of Joost, ever since the beta came out. I think we gave out enough Joost invites, then. But lately people have been complaining about the content. Guess Joost is not Skype!
We enjoyed streaming videos from Joost, long before the streaming videos without set top boxes. I am glad now you can enjoy Joost content on your iPhone or iPad and also on iPods.
With the app, you will be able to find what you want to watch by:

• Browsing by category
• Viewing the "most popular" videos
• Watching our favorites
• Or searching for a specific video

Happy streaming of on-the-go video.
Free Joost App, Apple Appstore