Impact of Skype integration with SIP PBXs
Skype integration into SIP PBXs is official now although companies like VoSKY and couple others have been at it for a couple of years now. The difference is that (1) Skype now has a configuration module that lets most users behind SIP PBXs to integrate their phone systems with Skype, and (2) The solution is software based while as previous attempts by companies like VoSKY involved a hardware based bridge. There is another little difference: (3) The solution is geared towards SIP PBXs while as previous attempts involved integration of Skype with open source PBX platforms like Asterisk.
SIP trunking is a mature market now. With this announcement Skype has positioned itself to tap into that market. What is happening is that the PSTN termination part will be handled by Skype here. As such they are increasing their footprint of handoffs for termination into PSTN.
This development will also have an impact on companies like Digium who sell small gateways that handle PSTN termination. And that is because you do not necessarily need a gateway if you are using a softclient off a PC or a Smartphone. Skype softclient takes care of the termination for you.
Those PBX vendors that have OEM relationships in place with small gateway manufacturers will find it tempting to pre-integrate Skype capability into to their PBX. Vendors like Cisco, however, may not want to jeopardize their gateway business. That however, holds for PC-to-phone and phone-to-phone applications. For PC-to-PC Skype application, integration of Skype may a competing platform because you will be selling lesser number of end user licenses.
There is another factor to consider with the PC-to-PC application: Skype PC-to-PC set up is a Peer-to-Peer application. There is some peer-to-peer push in SIP PBXs but that is in its infancy. Perhaps Skype integration into SIP PBXs will catalyse the move towards peer-to-peer voice communication in the enterprise environment.
This development may also some impact on the Freephone numbers. Now a company can put out its Skype Call-me button on site and take the call on its PBX.
This integration will also bring Skype add-ons and mashups into the enterprise realm which is always welcome.
From Skype point of view, although this will increase its share of PSTN termination business, a better strategy in my view would be to offer Virtual PBX services to small enterprises. Perhaps that is the next step. Having said that, I wonder if anyone out there has integrated Asterisk with Skype, doing a hosted offering based on top of the combined platform?
