Skype Opens Small Business Services
Skype announced a new offering on Thursday in hopes of increasing the popular VoIP client's use among small business.
Called Skype for Business, the service would offer a dedicated Web site to manage communications for up to ten employees; the introduction of new Skype hardware from partner Plantronics and others; and new features in Skype Groups to simplify management and prepaid services, now called the Skype for Business Control Panel.
The site, located at skype.biz, would act as a clearinghouse of sorts for information regarding implementation of the product.
From there, users would also be able to log in to manage their accounts, as well as access tools for Microsoft Outlook integration and other products optimized for SMB use through Skype.
According to the company, 30 percent of its 75 million customers are already using Skype in a business environment. Of that group, over half are small businesses, the target market for this product.
"Skype is dedicated to being the champion of these companies by making it incredibly easy for them to be productive, save money and have access to a sophisticated global communications solution that helps them compete," Skype CEO and co-founder Niklas Zennstrtzm said.
The Skype for Business Control Panel would be available in 18 major languages and six major currencies, the company said. A new feature within the control panel would allow the administrator to make one credit purchase and then simultaneously distribute them to all employees, which can in turn be used for premium services.
Plantronics has also announced business-centric hardware to back up the service's launche, including the Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset. The device enables the user to switch between mobile and Internet calls seamlessly, the company said.
Other products announced for small business users included devices from Actiontec, Linksys, Polycom and USRobotics.