Skype invites third parties to call on its API

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 9 Nov 2004 at 12:28

Skype is letting other companies get to grips with its Net telephony technology by publishing an API.

The application programming interface (API) will allow third parties to develop products that hook into the Skype service. For example, an instant messaging or email program could access the service to add in Skype contacts and allow Skype user searches from within that program. It will also be useful for allowing mobile phones to call Skype users - a service that Skype intends to offer in the future.

The API is currently in beta. It is free to use for non-commercial projects, as long as the project adheres to the EULA (End User Licence Agreement). Commercial development proposal are negotiated on a case-by-case scenario. A software development kit is available from the company website.

'We offer the Skype API to expand quality voice and messaging communications around the globe, said Niklas Zennström, Skype CEO and co-founder. 'With this API, Skype is now an open platform and we are keen to watch the world's innovative developer community integrate the Skype application to extend the potential of global communications.'