Avaya unified comms systems to integrate Skype

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 30 September 2010 08:42

IT Industry - Strategy

Avaya and Skype have announced a strategic agreement to integrate Skype VoIP call services into Avaya unified communications systems.

In the first phase, Avaya customers in the US will have access to Skype Connect, Skype's recently launched service that enables a business' IP PBX or unified comms systems to make and receive calls via Skype.

The moves suggests rumours that private equity company Silver Lake Partners - which owns both Skype and Avaya - is negotiating to sell Skype to Cisco ahead of a planned IPO of Skype are unfounded, given the rivalry between Avaya and Cisco in the UC market.

According to Avaya, "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."

In the second half of 2011, Avaya and Skype plan to deliver integrated unified communications and collaboration solutions by establishing federation between Avaya Aura and Skype communications platforms and the user communities of both systems, enabling an Avaya end-user and Skype user to engage and interact via presence, instant messaging, voice and video.

According to Avaya: "A business, for example, could use Skype to access an Avaya-based contact centre 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."

The two have given no indication when the agreement might extend beyond the US. A month ago Skype announced a channel partner programme, but again in the US only and with no indication of when it would be offered elsewhere.