Workspace Blog

Video is the Intelligent Choice for Business Collaboration

Online video, once thought of a "nice to have" for businesses, is now fast becoming a crucial "need to have" tool for day-to-day business -- due in large part to better technologies, quicker Internet speeds and networks that can transmit increasing amounts of data. We believe that video conferencing is the intelligent choice for business collaboration, whether you need to collaborate internally with colleagues or externally with partners and customers.

While voice is important, texting is important, and email is still popular, it's video that offers a more engaging, rich and more productive way to communicate. According to Skype's recent Living Workplace survey (link to previous blog on survey), 42 percent of technology-empowered workers feel that the workplace is suffering from information overload and over 1/3 of these respondents (35 percent) put the blame on e-mail. Among those surveyed who currently use video, many of them experienced benefits including increased productivity, better collaboration, saving time and money.

Certainly people will utilize relevant forms of communication for the given need. Say you're running late for a meeting, then a quick call, text or instant message is appropriate. But, if you are presenting to a prospective client or collaborating over a new product design or interviewing a prospective candidate for a job, then video is the intelligent choice and will help you be more collaborative and productive today and into the future.

How Do I Add More Skype Accounts To Skype Manager?

Hello. It is Mart "Tram" Abramov here again to continue our discussions about Skype Manager.

Last week, we discussed business accounts and how they differ from a personal account. In this post, we'll discuss how you can add more Skype accounts through Skype Manager.

When you first create your Skype Manager, it has only one member: the administrator. To add more members to your company's Skype Manager, you will need to create some Skype business accounts. This is a very easy process and can be handled in one of two ways.

The first option is to begin by going to "Members" ---> "Add Members" --> "Create Business Accounts" and entering the email addresses of the employees you would like to add. Once you have done that, each person added will receive an email informing them that a Skype account has been created for them. They will be prompted to click on a link to create their account and to set a password, if one has not already been created by the administrator of your Skype Manager.

Important: If you create an account using this method, the system will attempt to propose the Skype name for your employees based on the email addresses you have entered. It is not uncommon to discover that there are other users with the same name and it is possible that the proposed Skype name may already be taken. In that case, the new proposed Skype user will be prompted to enter a different Skype name. Be aware of this and think about alternatives that are creative, but easy to remember, such as a user's first initial and last name or adding certain symbols, such as an underscore.

A second option, and one which is much quicker for creating more than one Skype business account, is to upload a Comma Separated Values (.CSV) file that contains all the details necessary for creating a Skype business account, such as employees' names, addresses, etc. This is a very common way to exchange information. When uploading a .CSV file, you can pre-define important information.

Below is a good example of how to upload a CSV file. Remember, it is very important to verify the format.

For Skype Manager accounts that are registered outside of the United States, it is also possible to invite existing personal accounts to join the Skype Manager. Keep in mind that this places restrictions on the amount of control you, as an administrator, have over those accounts and the Skype features that you can allocate to them.

Next week's topic: What is Auto-Recharge and how do I set it up?

For more information on adding Skype accounts to your Skype Manager and the benefits of creating Skype business accounts please refer to the Skype Manager User Guide.

In the meantime, we want to hear from you. If you have any additional questions about Skype Manager that you'd like me to address in future columns, please leave a comment below.

Getting to Know Skype Manager: What Are Business Accounts?

Hello. It is Mart "Tram" Abramov here again to talk about Skype Manager.

Last week, we reviewed how you can set up your Skype Manager account. This week, I will examine what business accounts are, how you can use them in your business and the key differences between a business account and a personal account.

Business accounts are Skype accounts that your company's Skype Manager administrator creates. Once it is created, these accounts can be given to your employees.

One of the main differences between personal accounts and business accounts is that your company owns the business accounts and has full control over them through Skype Manager. The company controls who uses the account and all the features and Skype Credit allocated to it. Your Skype Administrator can change the password or email of any account or permanently delete the account when it's no longer required. This differs from a personal account which is controlled by the person that created the account.

To better manage Skype usage in your business, create business accounts within Skype Manager. This provides control over the account and gives it to the administrator. This can be particularly useful for security and for accounting controls, to name two key areas.

It is also important to note that Skype Manager accounts that are registered in the United States are not allowed to invite and add personal accounts to Skype Manager. The only option is to create business accounts.

For more information on this feature and other aspects of Skype Manager, see the Skype Manager User Guide. You'll find several ways you can leverage the ability of Skype in your business.

Next week's topic: How do I add more Skype Accounts to my Skype Manager?

In the meantime, we welcome your thoughts and questions. If you have any additional questions about Skype Manager that you'd like me to address in future columns, please leave a comment below.

LifeSize your Skype experience

For the most part, video calling has long been the domain of the consumer. Expensive cameras and video equipment have proven to be significant hurdles for businesses. Even the most lucrative companies have struggled to justify the investment. That however, could change.

We're seeing more and more interest from companies looking for affordable and perhaps more importantly, accessible video solutions. A recent Skype survey showed a decline in legacy technologies as businesses embrace technologies like video conferencing and desktop video. While email and landline phone usage are expected to decline in the year ahead, video calling is expected to experience the biggest gain.
 
That's why we're pleased to announce that LifeSize, a division of Logitech, is bringing Skype to its room-based, business - class HD video conferencing solution, the LifeSize Passport.  The LifeSize Passport's integration of Skype adds the ability for its users to conduct video calls with Skype users worldwide via their desktop, mobile and televisions.  We think this is very cool, and a great example of a developer partner accessing our APIs to be plugged into Skype!
 
For Skype users in the enterprise space, this means a solution that finally breaks down the walls that once stood in the way of effective collaboration. Now it's even easier for employees to connect with colleagues, partners and customers irrespective of device or software- making face-to-face meetings a reality, regardless of an attendee's physical location.

For more information please take a look at the full press release here.
 

Getting to Know Skype Manager: How To Get Started

Hello. It is Mart "Tram" Abramov here again to talk about Skype Manager. Last week, I told you about Skype Manager and how it can assist you in your business. This week, I am going to tell you how you can set up your own Skype Manager in just a few easy steps to better control expenses and implement accountability with your users.

Skype Manager is an administrative web portal. The good news for you is that it means it is simple to set it up. The whole process can be done in as little as five minutes and requires going through three steps on our website:

1. Create an administrator for your Skype Manager.


2. Register your company by entering its information.


3. Verify your email address

It is really that simple. Just follow this link to start the process.

Note that since any Skype account can be administrator of a Skype Manager, you will be asked if you already have one. My recommendation is to click on the "No, I don't have a Skype Account" and create a new dedicated Skype Manager administrator account by doing so. It is likely that you will want to use your admin account only for managing Skype Manager. Of course, if you already have created a Skype Account beforehand for this purpose, you can use this account and skip the first step of the setup.

At the end of the registration for Skype Manager, an email is sent to the email address you provided. This will require verification of your email address. Be aware that you'll get two emails from Skype --- one which will welcome you to Skype and explain the basics. Usually it is the second email that contains the verification link. Watch for this one. When you receive it, just click the verification and you're ready to go!

That's it! If you've gone through these simple steps you should now be able to Skype Manager to manage Skype employee accounts and features from one administrative interface.

Don't forget about the very useful Skype Manager User Guide that describes the functionality of Skype Manager in much more detail and should answer many of your questions. And of course, feel free to login to your account and contact customer support.

Next week, we will talk more about Business Accounts - what are they and are whether they are right for you.

In the meantime, we would love to hear from you. If you have any additional questions about Skype Manager that you'd like me to address in future columns, please leave a comment below.

Getting to Know Skype Manager

Hello. My name is Mart "Tram" Abramov, and I am one of the product managers here for Skype Manager. Since the launch of Skype Manager in May 2010, we have received a lot of feedback and responses from our users. The feedback is invaluable as we constantly strive to find new ways to make Skype Manager even better.

Over the coming weeks, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions we've received during this past year about Skype Manager. We will also include relevant links and user guides to help you get the most out of this helpful piece of software.

First off, I wanted to take a moment to answer the question "what is Skype Manager?
In short, it is a Web portal for managing Skype in your company.

1. It will allow you to create new Skype accounts for your employees and manage them from one administrative interface


2. It allows you to have a central company balance of Skype Credit - which can be distributed to Skype accounts in your company


3. It allows you to purchase and manage features such as Voicemail and Group Video Calling subscriptions

Of course, there is much more to Skype Manager than just these three points, but this should give you a fairly good idea of the immediate benefits a business will experience in using it. There is a very useful Skype Manager User Guide that describes the functionality of Skype Manager in much more detail and it should answer many of your questions. In addition, check out the following introductory video about Skype Manager:

Check back on this blog each Friday for the next few weeks for more discussion about Skype Manager. Each week, we will dive in deeper and talk about how businesses can easily set up a Skype Manager account and cover different basic to advanced options.

In the meantime, we would love to hear from you. If you have any additional questions about Skype Manager that you'd like me to address in future columns, please feel free to leave a comment below.

A Cost-Effective Way To Gain a Competitive Advantage for the Enterprise

Businesses are always looking for a way to gain a competitive advantage.  When it can be done at a huge savings in cost --- and increase in employee morale --- it is a real winner.  

One way that many businesses today are gaining a strong competitive advantage is by being open to remote workers.  

Previous Thinking

In the past many employers felt they needed to "keep an eye on those people."  This view is exemplified with employers who want to make sure that people are at their desks, working hard during company time.  Punching a clock was a big part of this mentality and regimen.  As long as someone was at their desk and appeared to be working, the boss would relax.  

The problem with that approach is that what is measured is an activity, not customer-oriented results.  Yes, someone can be at their desk for the specified time but not get as much done.  In fact, when a great part of work is dependent upon being creative, being at the desk can be an impediment to that.  

What Business Needs Today 

Today, in a world of "insanely great" products (think Apple), or the always-connected Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube tools, creativity and connection are critical.  In addition to that, real work often gets done through collaboration.  Successful collaboration is measured by results achieved, not mere activity.  Work gets done through effective collaboration.  

Peter Drucker told us about the concept of knowledge workers back in the 1950's.  Today's successful business needs not only knowledge workers but creative innovators who come up with dazzling products and services to delight customers and keep them loyal. Somehow having a galley of workers chained to their desks doesn't necessarily create delighted customers.  

Competitive Advantage Today 

By embracing the concept of the remote worker, businesses can get a serious competitive advantage.  First, there is the cost savings of less office space needed.  And if this is coupled with encouraging people to use their own technology tools and access what is needed "in the cloud" work can be managed better, training time decreases, support costs drop and other benefits emerge.  A strong benefit is a happier workforce who realize they are responsible for productivity and results.  

Today there is fierce competition among tech companies to find and keep the best and brightest brains.  Often the smartest and most innovate workers want and need that ability to operate remotely --- at least some of the time.  Being open to remote workers can reflect in serious bottom-line benefits.  

This doesn't mean that employees live completely away from everyone all the time.  Usually the best results come from flexibility that allows workers to operate remotely some of the time.  Other times they travel to the office for company and department meetings, employee collaboration, office socializing and other activities from time to time.  

Tools like Skype provide the ability to not only talk with others (we've had this since telephones were invented!) but to see each other through the value of video, screen sharing and on-going text chats about projects.  Much of what was done only at the office can now be done through video collaboration.  More work gets done, workers are more productive and the cost-savings can make even the most frugal accountants smile!  

How to Measure Success

I can hear some old-school bosses saying, "Yes, that sounds nice, Terry, but if they are on company time, I want to know what they are doing."  

Really?  Does it matter what they are doing at any given time as long as they are meeting the results and goals you have established?  Do you really care how much time it took to develop that great software which saves you time and gets more done?  Do you really care how long it took to build that new car you really like?  Most people are interested in the quality of the final product and the value they get from it at the right price.  Well, if that is what customers are interested in and it is why they buy, that is where successful businesses focus their efforts.  

Success is measured by mutually-agreed upon goals and objectives.  Think deliverables within a given time frame.  How those deliverables come about is up to the creativity of the worker.  A remote workplace provides flexibility to meet real-world demands from life.  Think about emergencies that come up for all of us.  Think about lifestyle choices and work/family balance.  Supporting remote workers facilitates this for employees and allows them to act like adults!  

No, this is not a laissez-faire approach.  Being serious about results and time frames for development is critical.  Occasionally employers will need to remind employees that a given task needs to be completed by a given time and date or that employee might want to find success with another employer.  Being "hard on results and easy on people" has been a good management principle for a long time.  Treating people like adults with both freedoms and responsibilities makes a lot of sense when working with creative, innovative employees.  

Successful companies measure success by achievement of specific results within a specific timeframe --- not by time spent sitting at a desk.  

Living Workplace = Bottom Line Benefits and Competitive Advantage 

Being more open to remote workers provides a competitive advantage in a world where brainpower matters more than ever.  It is a proven cost-saving approach to business.  It is a powerful way to attract and retain the best employees.  

Being open to remote workers can be the secret sauce to propel your company forward to the next level.

Using Skype For Your Next Presentation

Skype is great for connecting one to one. However, many people don't realize the benefits of using Skype as a tool for professional business presentations.

This past week I had the opportunity to speak to a group of professional speakers, coaches and authors in New York City. I didn't have to get on a plane or go through the "TSA dance" either! I stayed comfortably in my home and had an error-free, smooth-flowing presentation to the group.

They got lots of information on how to use Skype for making professional business presentations (something they can use in their own work). They also had the opportunity to ask direct questions. We had a great time laughing and learning. At the conclusion the audience loved the opportunity --- and I did too!

Think about how you can present using Skype when you have a sales presentation, or a team meeting. I was using the one-to-one connection from me to the one location where they had a few hundred people. You can also use Skype's new Group Video Calling (GVC) feature to connect up to 10 parties (including the host) via video. This premium service requires at least one party have a subscription of US$8.99/ month so it is a great value.

There are other reasons to have this tool ready for business. Skype can save the day in the event of delays, mishaps, disasters and anything that can prevent you from physically being in a given location. We are acutely aware of natural disasters which can and do prevent travel. We also know about inevitable mechanical problems, weather delays and cancellations. Having a tool like Skype "in your hip pocket" for those "just in case" times can save the day!

Here are a few tips that can help as you prepare for your next presentation using Skype (all born out of battle-hardened, real-world experience!):

1. Plan and Prepare. Don't wait till the day of your presentation to test. Check it out at least one day before --- from the actual room where the event will be, if possible. Sometimes connections can be good in one place and abysmal in another.
2. Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi. If you have the choice, go with Ethernet. It is a stronger, more reliable connection in most cases. Yes, you can do it with Wi-Fi in some cases but I've had too many where it crashed because everyone else was also using Wi-Fi for their laptop computers, Smartphones, etc. etc. and the Wi-Fi signal was drained to precious little for the presentation computer.
3. Position a Chair Up Front By The Computer. You want interaction with the group. Invite participants to come up to the computer and talk with you through the webcam. This changes the dynamics from a "Watch the video on the screen" to a lively interactive and more rich experience.
4. Use Skype's Screen Share Option. This will give you the ability to have your PowerPoint or Keynote presentation slides for the group. Practice these in advance as they can hang up in some cases. However, when they work, they are dazzling! Skype can give your business a strong competitive advantage. Not only that, if you have the ability to make a powerful, successful presentation without the time, money and effort of travel, everyone wins.

An Exciting Keynote for Skype at Enterprise Connect and News with Citrix

I'm David Gurlé, vice president and general manager of Skype Enterprise. Today, I'm here at Enterprise Connect 2011 in Orlando, Florida, and I've just finished my keynote address about Skype's game-changing role in doing business, as well as the changing landscape of the enterprise communications ecosystem.

What it comes down to is this. Technology is changing the way we do business. Employees are bringing their own technology into the workplace, mobility is creating a lot more flexibility than ever to be wherever you want to be to get work done, and the advent of cloud-based computing is also breaking down barriers and enabling people to communicate, access information, and be more productive in new and powerful ways. This is the new way of doing things in business.

Skype is helping to lead this shift in the workplace as more and more people are using and adopting Skype for business purposes. Business is about 'doing' and 'doing' is about collaboration, and that is what Skype is all about. Skype creates connected ecosystems of colleagues, clients, vendors, and partners. We help you overcome the traditional barriers of communication and allow you to access your network of the important people you have real relationships with to get work done.

These are some of the important points I made today at Enterprise Connect, which is an exciting place to be. Skype Enterprise has made some big strides forward over the last year in expanding its enterprise offering. In May 2010, we rolled out Skype Manager, a Web-based management tool that helps businesses harness the power of Skype in an enterprise. At the end of August 2010, we rolled Skype Connect 1.0 out of beta to enable IP-PBX or UC-based systems to connect to Skype. We announced a strategic partnership with Avaya in September 2010. And, most recently, in January 2011, we launched a new Skype Business client for Windows with Group Video Calling.

Today at Enterprise Connect, we took another big step forward by announcing a strategic partnership with Citrix, a global leader in virtual computing and Web collaboration and the provider of one of the most popular, easy-to-use Web conferencing solutions on the market today. We think our business customers will be excited about this because it means toward the end of this year, we will be adding Citrix's GoToMeeting capabilities to the Skype Enterprise desktop experience. This will further enhance Skype's collaboration solutions with a variety of new Web conferencing and audio features.

Already, Skype users can experience high-quality and cost-effective instant messaging, voice and video calling, group video calling, file sharing and more. The addition of GoToMeeting capabilities will allow Skype's business users to quickly set up online meetings with an audio conferencing bridge that enables users to join via Skype or through public switched telephone network (PSTN) phone numbers.

Joining me to talk about this announcement today - Brett Caine, senior vice president and general manager of Citrix's Online Services Division. Check out this video of us sharing the news:

Group Video Calling Demo - Terry Brock Interviews Matt Jordan

Group Video Calling (GVC) will transform your business. Watch this video to see it as Matt Jordan explains to Terry Brock what GVC can do for you and your business.

Enjoy!

Terry Brock
Chief Skype Enterprise Blogger

Dan Burrus Interviews Terry Brock about Transformation vs. Change

Transformation is about more than change. It is about a revolution in what you're doing and how you're doing it. In business we leverage technology to accomplish not only the same thing faster but different objectives to serve and help customers.

In this interview best-selling author Dan Burrus interviews me about the differences between transformation and change. Note how you can change the way you do business and serve your customers easier, more profitably and better. This is an interview you want to watch all the way through for the gems that can help you in your business.

Chris Brogan Talks with Terry Brock about Collaboration with Technology

Collaboration among people is what get work done. Recently I had the opportunity to interview one of the smartest --- and nicest --- guys I know, Chris Brogan. He has insights that are down-to-earth and profound. Listen to this very wise man as he talks about what he is using now to get his work done.

Chris is a best-selling co-author of the book Trust Agents (with Julien Smith). I've read their book and loved it. In it, they lay out practical ways you can implement social media for business and grow your business. The world is different today from what it was even a few short years ago. Watch this video and learn specific ways you can improve what you're doing by embracing hte right technologies and implementing sound decisions.

Peter Parkes on his Top 3 Skype Tools For Business

Watch this video where Peter Parkes, Skype Blogger-in-Chief shares his preferred top 3 Skype tools. Peter knows Skype. Peter helps a lot of people to get more out of Skype. Watch this short video and discover how you can blend these tools into your life.

Thanx, Peter!

Terry
Skype Chief Enterprise Blogger

Tech Tools For International Business Success

Watch this video interview as I interview Wayne Berry from Melbourne, Australia about success in international business. Wayne talks about the technologies he is using to help train salespeople in countries around the world.

Take notes on this as Wayne lists some specific tools he is using in addition to Skype. Think about what he is doing and how you could use similar technologies in your business to get a competitive advantage.

We look forward to getting your comments.

Terry

Terry Brock
Chief Skype Enterprise Blogger

Terry Brock talks about Skype and More Tech with Chris Brogan

There are a lot of technologies you can use to run your business and generate more sales. I use a number of them and (surprise!) Skype is a huge part of my tool chest.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (January 2011) I got a chance to meet one of my heroes, Chris Brogan. Chris is a consummate professional who uses social media and technology to reach his audience. I have to tell you Chris is not only genuine and real when ON stage but he is a gentleman OFF stage. That is important --- particularly today.

Get your pen & paper (or document entry system) ready to go and take some notes as the one and only Chris Brogan interviews me about Skype and other technology tools which can help you! Terry, Chief Skype Enterprise Blogger

Leverage Skype Mobile Tools For a Competitive Advantage

Skype mobile gives you the power to operate from just about anywhere at just about any time. In a fast-paced, competitive business world, this gives you a distinct advantage over the competition.

In this interview I had the opportunity to interview Alex Abrahentes, the Creative Director for Lucha Libre USA. This a a TV show on MTV2 that features Mexican Wrestling. It is fun, entertaining and demands a lot of those involved to produce it. Alex relies on Skype mobile applications to get this done.

As you watch this video "listen between the lines" to what he is using and think about how you could use this in your own fast-paced work schedule. By leveraging the right technology, in the right place, at the right time, you get a strong competitive advantage. Alex knows what to do and how to do it. In this video he shares with you how to make it happen.

Pay particular attention to what Alex says about how they used Skype in the hiring process. This one tip can make your time investment worth it whether you are looking for a job or in the process of hiring someone.

Enjoy!

Terry Brock, Chief Skype Enterprise Blogger

Avaya and Skype announce strategic agreement

Avaya and Skype have signed a strategic agreement to provide businesses with real-time communications and collaboration solutions.

In October, Avaya will start offering Skype Connect to Avaya’s community of customers based in the United States, allowing them to make outbound calls at Skype’s low rates through their existing least-cost routing setup. Skype’s connected users will in turn be able to make inbound calls at no cost to Avaya customers in the US market – and calls can be handled by the conferencing, messaging mobility and contact center capabilities of the Avaya systems, which include Avaya Aura Session Manager or Avaya Aura SIP Enablement Server, CS1000, Avaya IP Office, or BCM systems.

And there’s more to come – in the second half of 2011, Skype and Avaya plan to launch integrated unified communications and collaboration solutions for businesses within the US, which will be designed to allow Avaya and Skype users to engage and interact via presence, IM, make voice and video calls with each other. Skype and Avaya will also offer tools to allow IT administrators to manage access and privileges.

Watch this space for more details on the Avaya Skype Connect rollout in October.

Business calls to the US for less than a cent a minute

You probably already know about Skype Connect, which works directly with your company’s existing phone system (IP PBX) allowing you to reduce costs, increase sales and take control of your business communications.

Well, today it just got even better. From 28th September to 31st December 2010, calls made via Skype Connect to landlines and mobiles in the US* will be charged at just 0.8¢/minute – with no commitment required.

It’s easy to get your business set up with Skype Connect. We have a range of guides and technical information to help you – and if you’re based in the US, one of our trained Channel Partners may be able to offer you advice, configuration, installation, maintenance and support.

* United States excluding Alaska, Hawaii, American Samoa and Caribbean destinations as well as 1-800 and other toll-free numbers. The minimum duration of a billed Skype Connect call is 30 seconds. After the first 30 seconds, Skype Connect calls are billed at increments of 6 seconds thereafter. Fractions of less than 6 seconds will be rounded up. Skype Connect calls do not incur a connection fee.

Skype Connect 1.0 is Officially Launched

Since its inception, Skype has been used by many businesses wanting to reduce communications costs by using a computer and Skype software. Our team's goal is to further develop the Skype for Business products and provide solutions to continue to support businesses of all sizes and types. By doing this, we are seeking to help you improve the way you connect with your friends, colleagues, partners and customers around the globe, and ultimately help you improve your bottom line.

Today, we are proud to announce that Skype Connect (formerly Skype for SIP) is now officially out of beta. With Skype Connect, we're delivering a solution that connects Skype to IP-enabled private branch exchange (PBX) or Unified Communications (UC) systems. Many of your businesses will already have IP-enabled PBX or UC systems installed to enable voice calling across your organizations.

By using Skype Connect with an existing PBX or UC system, your business can now:

• Make outbound calls from desktop phones to landlines and mobiles worldwide billed at Skype's standard per-minute calling rates;


• Receive inbound calls from Skype connected users worldwide by placing Skype's Click & Call buttons on their Web sites;


• Receive calls from landlines or mobile phones in the corporate PBX using Skype's online numbers that have been purchased separately; and


• Manage Skype calls using your existing PBX or UC systems' features such as call routing, automatic call distribution, conferencing, auto-attendant, voicemail, call recording and logging.

It is easy to get started and experience the benefits of Skype Connect. We have a set of tools and documentation to help you interface your IP-enabled PBX with Skype. Alternatively, we'd be glad to put you in touch with one of our competent certified Channel Partners.

Since the beta launch of Skype Connect in March 2009, we've accomplished the following:

• Skype Connect already has over 2,400 active global customers;


• Skype Connect is now certified to work with PBX and UC products from Avaya, Cisco, SIPfoundry, ShoreTel and other OEMs (see supported models here).


• Skype Connect also works with older TDM PBXs or Key Systems which can now add Skype calling capabilities through third-party IP gateways from AudioCodes, Grandstream and VoSKY (see supported models here).


• Launched Skype Manager, a simple web-based tool to centrally manage and control Skype usage in a company, and which enables a business to set-up Skype Connect;


• New dedicated customer support, including real-time chat, is now available for Skype Connect customers and Skype Manager administrators directly through Skype Manager;


• In addition, we've been enrolling VARs and system integrators in our new Skype Channel Partner Program and training them to support our business customers. We will share more details on this program soon.

To find out more about Skype Connect, check out the following video or visit us here.

Our new tool to manage Skype in your business

You already know that using Skype can save your business time and money, but how about managing all those different accounts?

If your company uses Skype, you’ll love Skype Manager. It lets you centrally manage Skype in your business, create accounts for your employees, allocate Skype Credit and assign features for them to use.

With Skype manager, you can:

• Create accounts – easily set up accounts for every employee; you can even do this in bulk by importing a CSV file of employees
• Allocate Skype Credit – centrally manage balances and automatic top-ups; it’ll automatically convert into your employees’ local currencies
• Assign features – turn features like online numbers, call forwarding, subscriptions or voicemail on or off by individual accounts
• Analyse usage – get real-time reporting about Skype usage and costs

and of course, all of your employees can use the features they love, including IM and file transfer.

We’re offering everyone a trial of Skype Manager until October 2010 – just head this way to get started.

You can also see some screenshots of Skype Manager in action over on our Flickr account.

AudioCodes, Grandstream and VoSKY awarded Skype for SIP interoperability

Skype continues to gain momentum with its Skype for SIP Open Beta programme, which now adds IP PBXs and gateways for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) from AudioCodes, Grandstream Networks and VoSKY to the list of those leading hardware solutions that are now certified as interoperable with Skype for SIP.

The following are these vendors' products to have recently passed the Skype for SIP interoperability testing conducted by TekVizion Labs, the independent and objective verification and testing service which has been selected to run the Skype for SIP Interoperability Certification Program:

• AudioCodes Mediant 1000 Multi-Service Business Gateway.
• Grandstream GXE502x IP PBX
• Grandstream GXW4xxx Analog Gateway
• VoSKY SSG

The Skype for SIP Interoperability Program is part of Skype's efforts to ensure that small and mid-sized businesses already running an IP PBX, analog PBX or key system can integrate Skype for SIP into their present communications solution.

For more information on Skype for SIP and to sign up for the Skype for SIP Open Beta, please visit our business website. There's also a short video explaining how businesses can use Skype for SIP.

Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows - pay for WiFi with your Skype Credit with Skype Access

The beta version of Skype 4.2 is now available to download – you can find out more on the main blog, but I wanted to focus here on Skype Access, a great new feature which arrives on Windows for the first time in 4.2.

What can Skype Access do for my business?

Ever been in a café, airport or on a train, wanted to get online and had to fiddle around with credit cards and login details for WiFi networks? Or been in a situation where you want to make a quick Skype call or send a couple of emails, but didn’t want to fork out for an hour’s WiFi access?

Here’s the solution: Skype Access – pay by the minute for WiFi access using your Skype Credit with a single click.

It’s not a substitute for a monthly WiFi subscription, but if you travel a lot, being able to pay by the minute could bring substantial savings. And don’t forget – if your business uses the Business Control Panel, employees can use the credit they’re allocated to pay for WiFi, eliminating the need to put it on expense claims.

Where can I get Skype Access?

Skype Access is available in over 100,000 places around the world through partnerships with local WiFi hotspot network operators. You’ll know you're in a Skype Access area when you open Skype, connect to a public WiFi network, and a pop-up window appears informing you that Skype Access is available.

How does it work?

Click Start in the Skype Access window to kick things off – and that’s it. You only pay per minute for what you use, and there are no hidden charges. When you’re finished, click the Stop button in the Skype Access window, or exit Skype.

Skype Access provides full access to all internet services – no blocking or filtering, though you’ll have to comply with the hotspot provider’s terms of service.

How much does it cost?

A very reasonable €0.14 / $0.19 / £0.11 per minute (€0.16 / $0.22 / £0.13 including Luxembourg VAT at 15% where applicable). You can keep tabs on how much you’ve spent by signing in to your account on the Skype website. When you stop Skype Access, the amount will be deducted from your Skype Credit balance. Simple.

Download 4.2 Beta now – and don’t forget to let us know what you think. Leave a comment below, or fill out our feedback survey.

Skype for SIP beta program opens up to all businesses

Following the introduction of the Skype for SIP beta program in March, we heard from nearly 10,000 businesses of all sizes and service providers who were interested in connecting their existing SIP-based communications solutions to Skype.

With today's opening up of the Skype for SIP beta program, those companies on the waiting list and any other businesses that are interested can try out Skype for SIP. It could help your business save money on calls to suppliers and partners abroad, and also give your customers around the world new ways to get in touch with you.

Just visit www.skypeforsip.com to learn more and to register your company for a Skype Business Control Panel. After following the instructions to configure your existing SIP-enabled PBX to work with Skype for SIP, you can then start making calls and experience how Skype can help save money on outgoing calls. Not only that, but you'll also be enabling your business to accept free incoming Skype calls from the more than 520 million registered Skype users around the world.

Outlook Toolbar updated

I am delighted to announce that we today updated the Skype Toolbar for Outlook. Among the news in this version are: Graphics updated to comply with the new 4.0 standard Improved performance, especially when the user has lots of contacts in Outlook MSI-based installer Lots of big and small bugs fixed, among them some freezes on incoming calls Renewed support for Outlook 2000!

We are continuing to work on this and among the changes and improvements you will see in the upcoming months are:

• Removal of the Task pane - we will use the ribbon better instead
• Support for Microsoft Outlook Contact Manager
• Rules Wizard
• Support for Outlook 2010

Best regards
Peter Kalmström
Product manager Skype Toolbars, Screencasts about Skype Toolbars

Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series for Small Business now interoperable with Skype for SIP

The Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series for Small Business has now been certified as interoperable with Skype for SIP.

If your organisation is already running a Cisco UC500, you can save money by directing your outbound calls to mobiles and landlines via Skype, and also receive inbound calls to your SIP-enabled PBX from Skype users.

We’re on a roll with the Skype for SIP beta programme, which has already announced interoperability with ShoreTel's unified communications (UC) system, SIPfoundry's sipXecs open source enterprise IP PBX unified communications solution and Nortel's Software Communication System (SCS). This is part of our effort to ensure that small and mid-sized businesses already running an IP PBX from one of the leading manufacturers can integrate Skype for SIP into their present communications solution.

For more information on Skype for SIP and to sign up for the Skype for SIP beta, please visit our business website. There's also a short video explaining how businesses can use Skype for SIP.

SIPfoundry next in line for Skype for SIP interoperability

SIPfoundry's sipXecs open source enterprise IP PBX unified communications (UC) solution has now been certified as interoperable with Skype for SIP.

If your organisation is running a sipXecs IP PBX, you can save money by directing your outbound calls to mobiles and landlines via Skype, and also receive inbound calls to your SIP-enabled PBX from Skype users.

For more information on Skype for SIP and to sign up for the Skype for SIP beta, please visit our business website. There's also a short video explaining how businesses can use Skype for SIP.

ShoreTel lands first Skype for SIP interoperability

This morning, Skype announced that ShoreTel has become the first OEM to secure interoperability between its Unified Communications (UC) system and Skype for SIP. This will allow roughly 11,000 Shoretel SIP enabled systems to register to try Skype for SIP in beta and to connect their UC system directly to Skype.

Skype for SIP allows businesses which have a SIP-enabled PBX to:

• Receive and manage inbound calls from more than 400 million registered Skype users worldwide at no additional cost to the Skype user through their existing PBX
• Also, when a business with the ShoreTel system places a Skype click-to-call button on their website, Skype users will be able to call that business directly for free
• Businesses may also complement their existing communications services and leverage Skype's very low rates by placing outbound calls to landlines and mobile phones worldwide via Skype for SIP
• Separately, businesses will be able to purchase Skype online numbers (aka SkypeIn) to enable callers to contact them from landlines and mobile phones. Skype online numbers are available in over 25 countries around the world
• ShoreTel users still enjoy the benefits of their ShoreTel UC system, including the use of the Call Manager application

For more information on Skype for SIP and to sign up for the Skype for SIP beta, please visit www.skypeforsip.com. There's also a short video explaining how businesses can use Skype for SIP.

Skype for Asterisk available to all

Businesses around the world can take advantage of Skype’s low-cost calling to landlines and mobile phones and free calling to more than 400 million registered Skype users around the world using Skype for Asterisk.

If you already use an Asterisk-based phone system, you can add Skype as a complementary form of communications by downloading Skype for Asterisk, without additional costly hardware. If you’re an existing Skype user, you can benefit from the advanced call features of Asterisk, including call transfer, interactive voice response, automated call distribution, flexible call-routing and much more.

In addition, with Skype for Asterisk you can:

• Manage corporate Skype accounts with the Business Control Panel
• Get low Skype global rates on outbound calls and make it easy for customers to reach you with local Skype online numbers
• Route calls according to Skype profile fields, online status and privacy settings
• Streamline customer contact by allowing your website visitors to make free Skype calls directly to your business with global click-to-call buttons

What you need

Skype for Asterisk is compatible with:

• Asterisk 1.4
• Asterisk 1.6
• AsteriskNOW™
• Asterisk Business Edition™

and supports both G.711 and G.729a calling.

How to get it

Skype for Asterisk is available to download now from Digium for $66 USD per concurrent call or from Digium Authorized Resellers and Distributors worldwide, and comes with 90 days of installation support from the time of purchase. No additional hardware is needed.

Skype name recognition in 4.1

Have you seen small presence icons while browsing the web lately? If so, then you have probably experienced the Skype name recognition feature in action. With that feature enabled you will be able to see if your friends are online on Skype even when you are not actively using Skype. For example you will see the Skype presence in Facebook as in this video:

Skype For SIP now available in Beta

Today, Skype takes another step towards greater interoperability with the launch of the beta of Skype For SIP.

SIP is the leading voice over Internet protocol used in businesses telephony networks – there are millions of installations across the globe. According to IDC^†, 438,000 IP PBXes were shipped worldwide in 2008, so this represents a significant opportunity for Skype, and for small, medium and large businesses around the world.

What Skype For SIP can do for your business

With Skype For SIP, your business can:

• Receive and manage inbound calls from the 405 million Skype users worldwide on SIP-enabled PBX systems, connecting the company website to the PBX system using Skype click-to-call buttons
• Place calls via Skype to landlines and mobile phones worldwide from any connected SIP-enabled PBX, saving your business money with Skype’s low rates
• Purchase Skype online numbers to receive calls to the corporate PBX from landlines or mobile phones
• Manage Skype calls using your existing hardware and system applications such as call routing, conferencing, phone menus, voicemail and call recording and logging – no additional downloads or training are required

Skype For SIP is the perfect way to integrate Skype with your existing PBX, allowing the communications from your PBX to be complemented by Skype functionality.

The beta programme

The beta programme will allow Skype to test Skype For SIP in real-world environments and secure critical feedback from business users like you.

Registration for the Skype For SIP beta programme is now open. To participate in the beta program, your business will need to have an installed SIP based IP-PBX system as well as the technical competency to configure you own SIP-enabled PBX. The number of beta testers will be limited so that we can provide you with the appropriate level of support during the trial.

During the beta period, the Skype for Business team will be on hand to provide support and gather feedback, and we hope to be able to launch the full version of Skype For SIP later in 2009. During the beta programme, we’ll be able to provide support in English only, but we’ll announce our plans for other languages when Skype For SIP launches fully.

^† Source: IDC, Worldwide IP PBX and Desktop Hardware IP Phone Market Forecast, 2008-2012: Using the PBX as the Foundation of Unified Communications, Doc #210695, February 2008.

New flat-rate calling subscriptions from Skype are great for business

Today we have announced some new flat-rate calling subscriptions which provide great value calling to regular phones. The new subscriptions offer unlimited* calling to landlines in 34 countries as well as mobile phones in selected countries such as the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and China.

Skype to Skype calls continue to be free and unlimited, but now you can also call landlines without having to worry about time or cost. The new subscriptions cover almost a third of the world's population. See a full list of countries. Depending on your location and calling destination, there are several subscription levels to choose from:

Continue reading "New flat-rate calling subscriptions from Skype are great for business" »

New features added to the Business Control Panel

I'm pleased to announce some valuable new features have been added to the [Business Control Panel]( http://www.skype.com/intl/en/business/features/controlpanel/)

In case you are not already aware, the [Business Control Panel]( http://www.skype.com/intl/en/business/features/controlpanel/) is a free tool for managing Skype in your business. It is the easy way to purchase and manage [Skype Credit]( http://www.skype.com/intl/en/business/allfeatures/skypecredit/) and [SkypeIn numbers]( http://www.skype.com/intl/en/business/allfeatures/onlinenumber/) within your company. And now it also makes it easier for you to help set up the rest of your co-workers on Skype.

Based on feedback from our business community we have added the following features:

• Easily invite co-workers (using a company email list).


• Create a members directory so employees know who else belongs to the same company.


• View itemised call reports for your members.


• Purchase up to €1,000 of Skype Credit at once.


• Automatically top-up your Control Panel credit balance

Please read on to find out more about each of these....

Continue reading "New features added to the Business Control Panel" »

Conference calling and video usage amongst European SMEs.

We’ve just [published the results](http://about.skype.com/2008/03/more_than_half_of_european_sme.html) of research commissioned by Skype, which looks at the behaviour and attitudes of European SME’s with regards to conference calling and video conferencing.

We have always felt that [video calls](http://www.skype.com/intl/en/business/allfeatures/videocall/) and [conference calls](http://www.skype.com/intl/en/business/allfeatures/conferencecall/) are great features for business users, but it was pleasing to hear it directly from the horse’s mouth. The businesses surveyed felt that the main benefits of these technologies include minimising travel, facilitating communication, improving communication and reducing costs. With video calling, the addition of non-verbal communication such as body language is also an important factor.

Many of the businesses surveyed who were not current users of video conferencing said they would be more likely to use it if it was better quality and not expensive. Again this was good to hear as Skype has been putting a lot of effort in to developing [High Quality Video](http://www.skype.com/intl/en/business/allfeatures/videocall/#high-quality-video) which launched earlier this year and apart from the cost of a webcam and a broadband internet connection, Skype video calls are free.

SkypeIn available in Germany and France again

I am happy to announce that it is now again possible to purchase online numbers in Germany and France. This service has been unavailable for some time, but now we have solved the technical complexities. With a SkypeIn online number, you can always be reached wherever you are. Why have a number that only rings the phone at your desk? Bring it with you instead - all over the world.

Improved Business Control Panel to start off the year.

As many of you have already experienced, we have recently made some improvements to the Control Panel to help you further manage the use of Skype in your business. A lot of these features are a direct result of feedback from you – so keep on telling us what you want. We have more improvements underway during 2008 and hope that you enjoy using Skype in your business.

Here is a short list of the things we have updated.

• Allocation reporting: see allocations per group, person or administrator for each month.

• User-centric management: Click on a user and all available settings are shown for that user on one single page.

• Start screen to help new users get up and running

• Improved grouping functionality and credit allocation for large groups of people at the same time.

• Users can now detach themselves from the Control Panel on their MyAccount page.

• E-mail notifications: administrators are notified if credit is running low within the Control Panel and other events

• Show CLI settings for SkypeIn numbers allocated within the Control Panel. (Coming soon)

• Ability to re-invite users who have not yet accepted.

• …and other minor changes that will improve load times and usability.

A reminder to all businesses based within the EU - by entering your EU VAT number, your purchases are VAT exempt.

High Quality Video now available with Skype 3.6 for Windows

If you are a business user already using Skype Video calling, or indeed if you are thinking of using Video calling, then now is a good time to upgrade to the latest version of [Skype 3.6 for Windows](http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/business.html) which includes a key new business feature – High Quality Video.

What is High Quality Video?

In simple terms it means that video calling with Skype is now sharper, smoother and better. This means you can see more detail than ever before. With High Quality Video, the video window on Skype has grown to 640x480 pixels, delivering up to 30 frames per second.

What do you need to get High Quality Video?

To experience free High Quality Video, this is what both sides of the conversation will need:

• [Skype 3.6 for Windows]( http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/business.html)
  
• a Logitech webcam that has been optimized and certified for High Quality Video (the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000, the Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks or the Logitech QuickCam Sphere AF (Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF in the U.S.)
  
• Logitech QuickCam software, version 11.5
  
• a dual-core PC
  
• a broadband internet connection (384 kbps and above).
  

For more, please see the [High Quality Video page](http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/videocall/) on the Skype website.

Where to get the webcams

The three webcams are already available worldwide, in retail as well as the Skype web store. In Europe, the Skype shop has a [special offer](http://www.skype.com/go/shop.accessories.hqwebcam) for the webcams. The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 or the Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks will normally cost €99.99, but if you head for the Skype webstore, you’ll also get a free headset, free shipping, and SkypeOut credit worth up to three hours of calls to landlines and mobiles. In the US, Skype [offers]( http://us.accessories.skype.com/store/skype/DisplayCategoryProductListPage/categoryID.11041900) a $20 rebate on either of these products ($99.99 before the rebate).

Why is video good for business?

If you use Skype at work or if you work from your home, free video calls will allow you to do more business face-to-face. You’ll build better relationships with clients and suppliers wherever they are in the world. You’ll save on travel (and do your bit for the environment, too) as you no longer have to leave your office to meet your contact ‘in person’.

Improve the bottom line at work

Kitting your office out with video conferencing technology can be very expensive, but not with Skype. With Skype you can easily set up a video connection between all your offices wherever they are in the world – and all your video calls will be free.

Plus, by providing staff with their own webcams, they can make free video calls from their desks to colleagues or contacts anywhere in the world for nothing.

Call transfer now available with Skype

The latest versions of Skype for both [Windows]( http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/business.html) and [Mac]( http://www.skype.com/download/skype/macosx/) include a key new business feature that many customers have been asking for. You can now transfer Skype calls simply and easily to other Skype contacts. Plus, if you’re a [Skype Pro]( http://www.skype.com/go/skypepro/) subscriber, you can transfer the call to a landline or mobile phone too.

If you receive calls on behalf of a colleague you can screen these calls by placing them on hold and then checking that your colleague is available before transferring.

See the [Call Transfer User Guide]( http://www.skype.com/help/guides/calltransfer/index.html) for more information on how to transfer Skype calls.

We’ve also introduced another new feature; auto-redial. Meaning if the number being called is busy, Skype can automatically redial it every two minutes, until the call is answered.

So make sure you have the [latest version of Skype]( http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/business.html) to take advantage of these new business features/

Introducing the Small Business Pack

Everything a business needs to get started on Skype.

Is your business expanding? Save costs by purchasing the Small Business Pack for just €99 (excl. VAT) - total pack value €150.

What does it include?

• Skype for Windows (business version).


• €50 of Skype Credit.


• 10 five-month subscriptions to Skype Pro (worth €100) .


• Tips and tricks for using Skype for Business..

Where is it available?

The Small Business Pack can be purchased directly from the Skype website at [www.skype.com/shop](http://www.skype.com/shop) (in the Small Business section)

It is only available in the following 12 European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and the UK.

Reseller Opportunities

Resellers have the opportunity to purchase the Small Business Pack directly from Skype at a discounted rate (dependant on volumes). They can also sell additional vouchers when the customer needs to top up their account with Skype Credit.

To read more about the Reseller program go to [www.skype.com/go/resellers](http://www.skype.com/go/resellers) or send an email to [resellers@skype.com](mailto://resellers@skype.com)

Enhancements to the Business Control Panel

We have just released some enhancements to the [Skype for Business Control Panel](http://www.skype.com/products/skypegroups/).

Key new features include:

* Improved usability with an updated interface
* Invite people from your Skype contact list to join, directly from the control panel
* Ability to remove pending users
* Control Panel managed SkypeIn numbers (see below for description)
* Ability to register blocks of sequential SkypeIn numbers for the company

Control Panel managed SkypeIn numbers

This is one of the main things business users have been asking for. In the past if you assigned a SkypeIn number to someone via the control panel, the service then lived on the individual’s account rather than the Control Panel account. Obviously this was not ideal for businesses. So we have fixed it…..

Any SkypeIn numbers purchased through the control panel now belong to the control panel. This means that if someone leaves the company, you can simply reassign their SkypeIn number to another employee. Please note; this only applies to the SkypeIn numbers purchased through the Control Panel. If the number was purchased through the user’s personal account, then the it belongs to them and it is not manageable through the Business Control Panel.

Sequential SkypeIn numbers for businesses

Another great new feature for business users is that you can now purchase blocks of sequential SkypeIn numbers for the company. These numbers can then be assigned or reassigned to different employees, creating a more professional image for the company e.g. employee a: XXX XXX 1234, employee b: XXX XXX 1235 etc.

You can purchase up to 33 sequential numbers per purchase (dependent on availability). SkypeIn numbers are currently available in the US, UK, France, Hong Kong, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Estonia, Australia, Brazil and Japan.

How to join

These changes are now live for all Control Panel users.

If you are not already using the control panel, you can [Sign up for Free](https://secure.skype.com/business/info/login.html?)

Or [Existing users can log-in](https://secure.skype.com/business/info/login.html)

Enterprise Compatibility with Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows

The latest releases of [Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows]( http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/skype3beta.html) and [Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows – business version with MSI](http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/business.html) make Skype Enterprise Compatible and address one of the main concerns previously expressed by administrators of corporate and enterprise networks.

With this release of Skype, IT Administrators now have much greater control over the behaviour of Skype in a corporate network.

If you manage networks that support Skype users, read our updated [network administrator’s guide]( http://www.skype.com/security/guide-for-network-admins-30beta.pdf) It contains configuration and operational information relevant to IT managers and network administrators.

Continue reading "Enterprise Compatibility with Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows" »

Skype 3.0 Beta - Business version (with MSI)

With the latest beta release of Skype for Windows, we are for the first time offering a [Business version]( http://skype.com/download/skype/windows/business.html)

The business version of 3.0 Beta includes the same new features as the [standard Windows version]( http://blogs.skype.com/sites/en/2006/11/introducing_skype_30_beta_for.html), however it also includes some special business features for enterprise users, namely:

* Includes Windows Installer (commonly known as MSI).
* Increased security for business users.
* Easy deployment to multiple machines in your company.
* More control for IT administrators.

[DOWNLOAD Skype 3.0 Beta – Business version]( http://skype.com/download/skype/windows/business.html) to start taking advantages of these enterprise features.

Continue reading "Skype 3.0 Beta - Business version (with MSI)" »