Online tool to help biz manage Skype deployments

LUXEMBOURG, GERMANY: Skype has announced the launch of Skype Manager, a web-based management tool that enables businesses to harness the power of Skype to achieve greater communications flexibility, cost savings and control in their organization.

Skype Manager replaces Skype’s Business Control Panel, which was originally developed to provide small and mid-size businesses (SMB) the ability to organize Skype usage among their employees.

Skype Manager (skype.com/go/skypemanager) makes it simple for businesses of all sizes to deploy Skype efficiently and effectively in the workplace, said a press release.

It incorporates a centralized payment system and real-time analysis and reporting capabilities. It also gives companies the ability to manage Skype user accounts across an organization and assign Skype features through an administration dashboard.

“We looked at how Skype is being used in the workplace and specifically designed Skype Manager to make it easier for businesses to centrally manage how Skype is used, managed and paid for by an organization,” said David Gurle, VP and general manager of Skype for Business.

He added, “We want to empower businesses to exploit the full power and value of Skype so they receive all the benefits of enhanced collaboration and cost savings.”

Skype Manager is being offered as a free trial until the end of October 2010. Skype for SIP is currently available in Open Beta to all businesses.