Skype Selects Acme Packet's Session Border Controllers to Ease Interoperability with IP PBXs for Skype for SIP Beta

Enables Skype for SIP interoperability with IP PBX features

LUXEMBOURG, October 23, 2009 -- Skype today announced the selection of Net-Net® OS-Enterprise (OS-E) session border controllers from Acme Packet® (NASDAQ: APKT) for its Skype for SIP beta offering. Acme Packet is the leader in session border control (SBC) solutions and the sole SBC partner for the Skype for SIP beta program.

Skype's deployment of Acme Packet's SBC simplifies the interoperability and feature compatibility of the Skype for SIP beta offering with enterprise IP-PBX equipment and next-generation unified communications (UC) platforms which utilize the SIP standard. As a result, Skype for SIP will allow those enterprises with an on-premise IP PBX to take advantage of an innovative IP-enabled communications tool and to benefit from end-to-end interoperability. The implementation of an SBC by Skype as part of the Skype for SIP beta program also enables the delivery of high-quality, real-time interactive communications, while minimizing the exposure to risks for those companies who sign up for the trial.

"Deploying session border controllers from Acme Packet will help ensure interoperability between Skype for SIP and native SIP or SIP-enabled PBXs from leading hardware manufacturers," said Stefan Oberg, VP and General Manager of Skype for Business. "This step simplifies our interoperability testing process and makes it easier for us to begin rolling out Skype for SIP to the many interested organizations. Furthermore, by using the Acme Packet SBC in conjunction with the Skype for SIP certification program, potential customers with PBXs that have already been certified as interoperable can be assured that their existing systems will be fully compatible with Skype for SIP."

Skype for SIP will allow many companies to reduce their costs by making outbound calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide at low Skype rates from devices connected to their existing SIP-enabled PBX systems. It will also allow organizations to receive inbound voice calls to their PBX from the more than 400 million registered Skype users around the world via a global click-to-call button on their Web site. In addition, if they buy and associate local online numbers with their PBX, they can receive inbound calls to the PBX from landline and mobile phones via Skype.

"The ability for Skype to seamlessly integrate with existing IP PBX and UC platforms is a critical business requirement for enterprise customers," said Andy Ory, president, CEO and co-founder of Acme Packet. "To satisfy this requirement, Skype is leveraging our extensive, large-scale deployment experience making interactive IP communications work between heterogeneous networks, vendors and products."

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

Source: Skype