Skype Connect 1.0 officially launched

Skype today announced the official launch of Skype Connect 1.0 (formerly Skype for SIP). Previously available in beta, Skype Connect delivers a business solution that enables IP-enabled private branch exchange (PBX) or Unified Communications (UC) systems to connect to Skype.

By using Skype Connect, businesses can now make outbound calls from desktop phones to landlines and mobiles worldwide billed at Skype’s standard per-minute calling rates. It is al possible to Receive inbound calls from Skype connected users worldwide by placing Skype’s Click & Call buttons on their Web sites, or even receive calls from landlines or mobile phones in the corporate PBX using Skype’s online numbers that have been purchased separately.

Businesses will be able to manage Skype calls using existing PBX or UC systems’ features such as call routing, automatic call distribution, conferencing, auto-attendant, voicemail, call recording and logging.

“Since its inception, Skype has been used by many businesses wanting to reduce communications costs. In fact, based on internal research, in the first quarter of 2010, approximately 37% of Skype users reported that they use Skype for some business or business-related purposes,” said David Gurlé, VP and general manager of Skype for Business. “Our team’s goal is to empower businesses of all sizes and types with rich communications tools to unleash their productivity, while reducing their telecommunications costs. Following Skype Manager’s launch in May, we are very proud to add Skype Connect to our list of specially designed enterprise solutions. Skype Connect seeks to enable our customers to reduce their phone bills, while protecting their investment in existing telecommunications equipment.”

Companies using Skype Connect are charged a monthly channel fee of €4.95 or US$6.95 per line. This is based on the number of concurrent calls being made or received. Each channel allows for one inbound or one outbound call at any given time.

Calls to landlines and mobiles made using Skype Connect are billed at Skype’s standard calling rates worldwide. See here for Skype Connect pricing details.