The new Skype-based Web conferencing and audio features for business are expected to be available toward the end of the year.
Skype chose Enterprise Connect 2011 in Orlando this week to announce its new strategic partnership with virtual computing innovator Citrix Systems Inc. The partnership has long been anticipated in the channel.
According to Skype, the partnership will enable it to introduce new Web and audio conferencing tools enabled with GoToMeeting technology from Citrix. The new Skype-based Web conferencing and audio features for business are expected to be available toward the end of the year.
According to Skype, adding GoToMeeting functionality to its Web-based communications offerings enables the company attract SMBs looking to host or join business meetings via Skype or through public switched telephone network (PSTN) phone numbers.
Skype already offers instant messaging, voice and video calling, group video calling, conferencing, file sharing, and more. Now, with Citrix’s GoToMeeting capabilities, it will enable rich and interactive screen sharing, whereby meeting hosts can easily walk through, annotate, and highlight whatever they would like to show on their computer screen.
“Web and audio conferencing has been among the top requested features by our business users,” says David Gurlé, vice president and general manager of Skype Enterprise. “This represents a significant step toward broadening our enterprise offerings, while adding features that will enable business people to collaborate even more efficiently and effectively.”
