Skype lures developers with software giveaway

Voice-over-IP software maker Skype starting today will include the beta of its Skype API (Application Program Interface) with its Skype for Windows product.

The API allows third-party hardware and software developers to create products that work with Skype's VoIP software.

Skype CEO Niklas Zennström told silicon.com: "We are opening up the platform so others can develop for it. If you're making CRM or PIM software or a cordless phone, you can use the API and get the Skype functionality in your software or on your phone."

One example, according to Zennström, is a Siemens cordless phone that can place and receive Skype calls. Skype routes voice data over the internet so users can make free phone calls to each other anywhere in the world. Its SkypeOut service allows Skype software users to make calls to standard telephones for a small, per-minute fee (around 1.1p).

The benefits for Skype releasing the APIs are twofold. Zennström said: "When more people are making applications, we can get more users." The company says more than 14.5 million people use Skype and around 295,000 use SkypeOut.

In addition, should third-party developers create a commercial product based on Skype "there's a revenue opportunity for us", he said.

The company currently makes money from its SkypeOut service and from the sale of Plantronics headsets which are necessary for using Skype on a computer. It plans early next year to roll out more pay services such as voicemail and videoconferencing.

A software development kit is available on Skype's website.