Skype announces it has selected tekVizion Labs as the independent and objective verification and testing service to run the Skype for SIP Interoperability Certification Program. In addition, Skype and tekVizion Labs together announced a number of third-party IP PBX and gateway solutions to have been newly awarded Skype for SIP interoperability certification.

The following are some of the recent IP PBXs and gateways for small- and medium-sized businesses to have passed tekVizion Labs’ testing and been certified as interoperable with Skype for SIP:

• AudioCodes Mediant 1000 Multi-Service Business Gateway: This gateway offers the ultimate flexibility and modularity, supporting the use of Skype for SIP with many types of TDM PBXs, Key Systems and IP PBXs. It can be integrated with a company’s routing, firewalling, enterprise session border controllers and application hosting capabilities..
• Grandstream GXE502x IP PBX: This all-in-one IP PBX delivers a converged business communication solution to SMBs, especially those companies with less than 30 seats per location.
• Grandstream GXW4xxx Analog Gateway: Designed for compatibility with traditional analog PBX/key systems, as well as for full interoperability with leading IP-PBXs, softswitches and most SIP-based environments, this gateway will enable SMBs to integrate traditional communications systems with Skype for SIP and efficiently manage communication costs.
• VoSKY SSG: This PBX-to-Skype for SIP gateway will enable SMBs to connect any legacy analog PBX or key system to Skype.

SMBs can now take advantage of the cost savings provided by Skype’s low-cost global calling rates when employees call landlines and mobiles around the world through their IP PBX, legacy PBX or key system or UC solution that has been certified as Skype for SIP interoperable. A company can also receive inbound voice calls from any of the more than 521 million registered Skype users around the world via a global click-to-call button on its Web site. These Skype calls are received by the existing PBX or UC system and are handled or directed in the same way as any other inbound caller. If a company buys and associates online Skype numbers with their interoperable PBX or UC system, it can also receive inbound calls through Skype from business contacts and customers calling from landline and mobile phones.

Hardware or software vendors interested in scheduling Skype for SIP interoperability testing for their IP PBXs and gateways or UC systems should visit the tekVizion Labs Web site. Businesses interested in learning more about Skype for SIP should visit www.skype.com/business/products/pbx-systems/sip/.