Skype taps Acme Packet to improve interworking with customers IP PBX

Stuart Corner
Sunday, 25 October 2009 06:53

Business IT - Technology

Skype has selected session border controllers from Acme Packet to improve interworking of the Skype for SIP beta offering with customers' IP PBX systems.

"Skype's deployment of Acme Packet's SBC simplifies the interoperability and feature compatibility of the Skype for SIP beta offering with enterprise IP-PBX equipment and next-generation unified communications (UC) platforms which utilise the SIP standard," Skype said.

"The implementation of an SBC by Skype as part of the Skype for SIP beta programme also enables the delivery of high-quality, real-time interactive communications, while minimising the exposure to risks for those companies who sign up for the trial. Skype will deploy Acme Packet's Net-Net OS-Enterprise (OS-E) session border controllers."

Skype for SIP - launched in beta in March 2009 - is claimed to enable companies to reduce their costs by making outbound calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide at Skype rates from devices connected to their existing SIP-enabled PBX systems. It will also allow organisations to receive inbound voice calls to their PBX from the more than 400 million registered Skype users around the world via a global click-to-call button on their Web site. Also, if companies buy and associate local online numbers with their PBX, they will be able to receive inbound calls to the PBX from landline and mobile phones via Skype.

Stefan Oberg, VP and general manager of Skype for Business, said: "This step simplifies our interoperability testing process and makes it easier for us to begin rolling out Skype for SIP to the many interested organisations. Furthermore, by using the Acme Packet SBC in conjunction with the Skype for SIP certification programme, potential customers with PBXs that have already been certified as interoperable can be assured that their existing systems will be fully compatible with Skype for SIP."