- The chan_skype module allows Asterisk to connect to Skype, enabling calls between Asterisk and Skype users with no special programming required. - This provides a practical gateway between Asterisk and Skype's large user base, removing the "ugly hack" factor and scaling appropriately for business use by connecting Asterisk and Skype users. - Use cases include business call centers using Skype minutes for low-cost PSTN integration, inter-office communications without routing costs, and consistent reachability for road warriors utilizing Skype minutes from any device.

2. Asterisk and Skype: BFF! Mark Spencer - CTO, Digium eComm 2009-3-4

3. What is it? chan_skype - like chan_sip, but different Generic channel for Asterisk - no special programming required Supports Skype: usernames encryption endpoints

4. Why is it useful? First practical X-to-Skype gateway Huge connected userbase on Skype, huge connected userbase on Asterisk Removes “ugly hack” factor from Skype interactions Scales appropriately for business use Connects users to Skype minutes network

5. chan_skype Use Cases Business call centers Single username for large numbers of inbound simultaneous calls Simple integration with existing Asterisk call queueing systems No cost for customers, low cost for business owners

6. chan_skype use cases Business PBX Use SkypeIn/SkypeOut minutes for low priced PSTN integration Create zero-cost inter-office communications, no routing required Full encryption for road warriors

7. Use Cases, Consumer End customers Utilize SkypeIn/SkypeOut from any phone Maintain consistent reachability on Skype username at all times Creates interest in Skype as it becomes more ubiquitous on all devices Zero cost calling from any * device

8. State of the Beta Closed beta Started Jan 2009 >100 but <1000 users in Beta Public Beta “real soon now” Few problems! So far so good.

9. Future Final changes Usernames will change! BCP use for all accounts Chat, video, etc. - your input needed for next revisions

10. Details Dialing method: exten => 1234,1,Dial(Skype/austin_powers) Presence is supported AMI events are generated for Skype presence/calls/etc.

11. Details Variables available: skype_languages - A space-separated list of language identifiers skype_topic - User-generated topic (i.e.: skype:austin_powers?call&topic=secret_plans) skype_token - Similar to skype_topic skype_about - 'about' profile entry skype_birthday - Birthday skype_gender - Gender skype_homepage - Home page URL skype_homephone - Home phone number skype_officephone - Office phone number skype_mobilephone - Mobile phone number skype_city - City name skype_province - State/Province name skype_country - Country name

12. Questions? Mark Spencer - CTO, Digium eComm 2009-3-4 Sign up for the Beta! http://bit.ly/skypeforasterisk