TMCnews Featured Article

Communications software company Skype is expanding the number of SIP-based IP-PBX solutions to its interoperability list with the addition of the Cisco Unified Communications (News - Alert) 500 Series for Small Business.

 

The technology will help small and medium-sized businesses who manage their networking and communications needs with the UC solution communicate more efficiently. The solution lets users direct outbound calls to mobile phones and landlines via Skype (News - Alert). In addition, companies can also receive inbound calls from any of the more than 480 registered Skype users.

 

“In today's tough economy, executives of smart small and medium-sized companies realize that effective communications with customers, partners and employees are a key to helping them grow their business," said Stefan Oberg, vice president and general manager of Skype for business, in a statement. "By certifying Skype for SIP as interoperable with the Cisco (News - Alert) Unified Communications 500 Series, we are providing a single offering that will help many SMBs around the globe save money, save time and stay ahead of the competition."

 

Skype for SIP, which launched earlier this year, lets IP-based PBX (News - Alert) owners place low-cost calls to fixed and mobile phones worldwide, and receive inbound calls directly into their PBX system through SIP-enabled UC systems from Skype’s more than 480 million users.

 

SIP trunking is a service offered by Internet telephony service providers that lets businesses adopt VoIP using their Internet connection. The technology lets them communicate with others who rely on the PSTN.

 

Cisco officials said Skype for SIP will give users additional options

 

“Cisco is committed to delivering easy-to-use technology to small businesses to help them run their business better and gain a competitive advantage,” said Mark Monday, vice president and general manager, small business solutions business unit, Cisco, in a statement. “We are excited about Skype for SIP interoperability since it adds a very cost-effective choice to the many other options within the Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series.”

 

The Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series platform is part of Cisco’s Smart Business Communications System. The all-in-one device provides telephony, messaging and mobility within a single, compact and easily-administered device. Recently, the company added a new set of IP phones offering high definition audio, a unified threat management device, and support for third-party application integration.

 

Richardson, Texas-based testing facility tekVizion (News - Alert) Labs handled the certification testing, company officials said.

 

Cisco is the latest company to become certified interoperable with Skype for SIP. This month, Skype announced it tapped ShoreTel, an IP Unified Communications provider, as the first vendor for its so-called “Skype (News - Alert) for SIP” solution.

 

The news follows a recent announcement that Skype-owner eBay signed a deal to sell the popular unit for $2.75 billion to group of buyers. Investor group Silver Lake will control 65 percent. Other investors include Index Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.