SIPfoundry sipXecs IP PBX now interoperable with Skype for SIP

Companies using open source IP PBX system can now place voice calls using Skype

LUXEMBOURG, 17 September 2009 — Skype and SIPfoundry, (www.sipfoundry.org), a not-for-profit open source community, today announced that sipXecs, its open source enterprise IP PBX unified communications (UC) solution, has now been certified as interoperable with Skype for SIP. This will enable many organizations running a sipXecs IP PBX solution to save money by directing their outbound calls to mobiles and landlines via Skype, while also enabling them to receive inbound calls from Skype users.

"At a time where small and medium-sized businesses are dealing with tighter budgets, many of them are considering open source alternatives to traditional IP PBX systems," said Stefan Oberg, VP and General Manager of Skype for Business. "By certifying sipXecs as interoperable with Skype for SIP, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to open source and standards like SIP and SIPconnect. Furthermore, we are giving IT administrators the opportunity to leverage a very cost-effective solution, combining the low upfront cost of an open source IP PBX with the low-cost global calling rates that Skype is known for."

Interoperability with Skype for SIP means that businesses which have deployed native SIP or SIP-enabled PBXes, like the sipXecs IP PBX solution, can take advantage of the cost savings provided by Skype's low-cost global calling rates when their employees call landlines and mobiles around the world. In addition, companies running a sipXecs IP PBX can be called directly by any of the more than 400 million registered Skype users who might click on the Skype button that has been placed on its corporate Web site(s). These Skype calls are then received through the existing PBX and can be handled or directed in the same way as any other inbound caller. Companies can also choose to purchase an online Skype number. This will enable them to receive calls via Skype from business contacts and customers calling from traditional fixed lines or mobile phones.

"Achieving interoperability with Skype for SIP means it is now easy for companies that deploy the sipXecs IP PBX solution to route their outbound calls via Skype," said Martin J. Steinmann, member of the board of directors at SIPfoundry. "The ability for the many companies around the globe that are already using a sipXecs IP PBX system to now get the many benefits which Skype for SIP delivers further enhances the ease-of-use and low total cost of ownership of our open source solution."

Skype for SIP is also interoperable with Nortel's Software Communication System (SCS), a commercial version of the SIPfoundry sipXecs IP PBX unified communications solution that is sold with full commercial support through Nortel, as well as Dell, IBM, and other distribution partners worldwide.

For more information on Skype for SIP, please visit www.skypeforsip.com.

Source: Skype