Skype Kills Extras Program 104
Several different sources are reporting that Skype is shutting down their "Extras" program. The program was designed to help developers release third-party applications for the VoIP service. "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. You'll still be able to install existing Extras through the Windows desktop client, and you'll still see them featured in the Skype shop. Skype will also continue to maintain its public API. Since many Skype Extras are sold to users as premium content, the shut down also has a financial impact for profiting developers. They'll have [...] until December 11, to continue using Skype Credit. Developers will need to submit a final invoice by January 25th; after that Skype will shutter its third-party shop."
Re:Another software service with no way to make $$ (Score:5, Informative)
Are you kidding? Lots of people, me included, pay for skypeout minutes so we can call landlines and cell phones. Other pay for skypein numbers so they can get a number you can call in to from outside lines.
They probably make a heft amount of cash. Ebay recently sold them for quite a bit.
Re:Skype is for gays (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Another software service with no way to make $$ (Score:5, Informative)
I have never understood how Skype intends to make money.
They make money on people who need to talk with people who use regular phones.
You know... Like calling overseas to family that don't own computers.
Re:Another software service with no way to make $$ (Score:4, Informative)
If you have a reason to have a physical land line number but dont want to pay $30 a month to the local phone company its great!! $60 a year gives me a physical number people can call in from a normal phone. The calling out feature is handy at times as well. Say you need to have a 4-5 way call. Most phones area a pain to start that on. With skype i just right click the contact and add to conference. They can be using skype as well or in the case of the technically challenged they can use a land line.
Although i am unsure if ill say with all the shifts that are happening with it. Killing off features is a great way of giving the finger to your paying customers
Re:KGB considerations? (Score:4, Informative)
Skype traffic is already encrypted and law enforcement agencies around the world hate that. Not just the KGB (which doesnt exist anymore btw its FSB now).
Call records can be subpoenaed. This is how pranknet was broken up.
Never write a plug-in (Score:5, Informative)
From a business perspective, never write a "plug-in". You're too vulnerable to the whims of the vendor into which your plug-in plugs. If you want to write one for fun, fine, but it's not a sound basis for a business venture.
Re:KGB considerations? (Score:3, Informative)
There's no need to reinvent the wheel, and you can use open protocols too. May I suggest you apply zfone, from the inventor of PGP, to encrypt your SIP phone calls?
http://zfoneproject.com/getstarted.html [zfoneproject.com]
Re:Another software service with no way to make $$ (Score:4, Informative)
EBay bought Skype in 2005 for $2.6B.
EBay sold 65% of Skype in 2009 for $1.9B (so the new value is $1.9B/.65 = $2.9B).
So - no, not "quite a bit more".