Skype Selects Acme Packet’s Session Border Controllers to Ease Interoperability with IP PBXes for Skype for SIP Beta Offering

Enables Skype for SIP interoperability with IP PBX features

LUXEMBOURG - Skype today announced the selection of Net-Net® OS-Enterprise (OS-E) session border controllers from Acme Packet® (NASDAQ: APKT) for its Skype for SIP beta offering. Acme Packet is the leader in session border control (SBC) solutions and the sole SBC partner for the Skype for SIP beta program.

Skype’s deployment of Acme Packet’s SBC simplifies the interoperability and feature compatibility of the Skype for SIP beta offering with enterprise IP-PBX equipment and next-generation unified communications (UC) platforms which utilize the SIP standard. As a result, Skype for SIP will allow those enterprises with an on-premise IP PBX to take advantage of an innovative IP-enabled communications tool and to benefit from end-to-end interoperability. The implementation of an SBC by Skype as part of the Skype for SIP beta program also enables the delivery of high-quality, real-time interactive communications, while minimizing the exposure to risks for those companies who sign up for the trial.

“Deploying session border controllers from Acme Packet will help ensure interoperability between Skype for SIP and native SIP or SIP-enabled PBXes from leading hardware manufacturers,” said Stefan Oberg, VP and General Manager of Skype for Business. “This step simplifies our interoperability testing process and makes it easier for us to begin rolling out Skype for SIP to the many interested organizations. Furthermore, by using the Acme Packet SBC in conjunction with the Skype for SIP certification program, potential customers with PBXes that have already been certified as interoperable can be assured that their existing systems will be fully compatible with Skype for SIP.”

Skype for SIP will allow many companies to reduce their costs by making outbound calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide at low Skype rates from devices connected to their existing SIP-enabled PBX systems. It will also allow organizations to receive inbound voice calls to their PBX from the more than 400 million registered Skype users around the world via a global click-to-call button on their Web site. In addition, if they buy and associate local online numbers with their PBX, they can receive inbound calls to the PBX from landline and mobile phones via Skype.

“The ability for Skype to seamlessly integrate with existing IP PBX and UC platforms is a critical business requirement for enterprise customers,” said Andy Ory, president, CEO and co-founder of Acme Packet. “To satisfy this requirement, Skype is leveraging our extensive, large-scale deployment experience making interactive IP communications work between heterogeneous networks, vendors and products.”

For more information on Skype for SIP, please visit www.skypeforsip.com.

About Acme Packet, Inc.
Acme Packet, Inc. (NASDAQ: APKT), the leader in session border control solutions, enables the delivery of trusted, first-class interactive communications--voice, video and multimedia sessions--and data services across IP network borders. Our Net-Net family of session border controllers, multiservice security gateways and session routing proxies supports multiple applications in service provider, enterprise and contact center networks--from VoIP trunking to hosted enterprise and residential services to fixed-mobile convergence. They satisfy critical security, service assurance and regulatory requirements in wireline, cable and wireless networks; and support multiple protocols--SIP, H.323, MGCP/NCS, H.248 and RTSP--and multiple border points--service provider access and interconnect, and enterprise access and trunking. Our products have been selected by more than 830 customers in 95 countries. They include 48 of the top 50, and 89 of the top 100 service providers in the world; and 8 of the Fortune 25. For more information, contact us at +1 781.328.4400, or visit www.acmepacket.com.

About Skype
Skype is software that enables the world’s conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY).

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling. Skype for SIP is meant to complement existing traditional telephone services used with a corporate PBX, not as a stand-alone solution. Skype for SIP users need to ensure all calls to emergency services are terminated through traditional telephone services.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.