IT Cost Reduction

Partners Skype (News - Alert) and iSkoot announced a major deal on Thursday that will enable 3, a mobile operator, to launch a service which includes a pre-loaded version of Skype's software on Nokia and Sony Ericsson (News - Alert) handsets, as well as iSkoot's mobile client and network servers.

The 3 Group has recently built a new mobile broadband network. The company has marketed the network globally under the 3 brand. The group provides dual-mode 3G services.

iSkoot’s client software allows mobile customers to use Skype’s service on-the-go. iSkoot’s servers are integrated into the operators’ network so that seamless calling and billing can be offered to their users. The partnership will also enable users to make and receive Skype calls from any mobile phone by using the existing cellular voice network.

“Skype on mobile will quickly become a must-have feature. By combining Skype with iSkoot’s mobile solution, users will never be out of touch with their online Skype contacts,” said iSkoot’s CEO Jacob Guedalia in a statement. “3 is first out the gate, reaffirming the company’s cutting-edge, pioneer reputation. By utilizing existing network resources iSkoot enables maximal availability with minimal software investment. Now mobile operators can satisfy user demand for Skype and expand average revenue per user, it’s a clear win-win situation. With iSkoot-enabled Skype calls, 3 has a clear differentiator to offer mobile users.”

iSkoot’s Skype client combo for mobile operators allows the use mobile handsets for Skype calls, without the need for PCs, special hardware, mobile broadband or WiFi (News - Alert); the ability for users to take their Skype Contact Lists with them on their mobile phones; and the chance to let contacts know if users are available by using Skype status icons such as Online, Away, and Not Available.

Cambridge, Mass. iSkoot had announced its partnership with Skype back in August. The companies announced back then that they would co-market mobile-PC calling products. The partnership would enable iSkoot to mass market Java-phones, as well as high-end smartphones, to place and receive Internet calls through Skype's software via handsets, without the need for PCs, special hardware, or WiFi hot spots.

The agreement also called for Skype to certify iSkoot’s products for making and receiving Skype calls on mobile phones. Once certified, iSkoot’s software will be available online from Skype.

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Johanne Torres is contributing editor for TMCnet and Internet Telephony magazine. To see more articles by Johanne Torres, please visit Johanne's columnist page.