Skype hangs up on developer plug-ins

VoIP company pulls the plug on Extras programme

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By Jessica Dolcourt, 15 September 2009 11:45

NEWS

On Friday Skype pulled the plug on its Extras programme, which was designed to help third-party developers create add-ons for Skype's VoIP service - like emoticon enhancements, backup services, and music player plug-ins.

Unlike Firefox's similar third-party extensions, not enough people were installing Skype Extras, Skype said in an email and in a blog post to developers.

Developers and users will have some adjustment time, though. Skype won't certify any new submissions, but it won't yank support for existing Extras either, that is, until their certificates expire. Users will still be able to install existing Extras through the Windows desktop client, and see them featured in the Skype shop. Skype will also continue to maintain its public application programming interface.

Since many Skype Extras are sold to users as premium content, the shutdown also has a financial impact for profiting developers. They'll have until 11 December to continue using Skype Credit. Developers will need to submit a final invoice by 25 January; after that Skype will shutter its third-party shop.

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