Why I doubt Skype for Enterprise's short-term chances for large-scale success

Although I will reserve final judgement, I'm highly skeptical that large numbers of security-conscious, large enterprises will bolt the current professional model of VoIP they are using (think Cisco, Avaya, and others) for a large enterprise offering Skype is planning.

Not so much because the new service will be inferior, but because the preponderance large enterprise and institutional users have never given Skype a second thought. Or a first. And that's SIP or no SIP. Skype is for the common folk, you see, and many IT folks are as snobby about that as a gourmet chef would be about using a recipe associated with a fast-food restaurant.

But that isn't blocking Skype from  starting an early test for an "enterprise-class" offering. YOu have to give them credit for trying.

No, this won't be a reconstituted "Skype for Business," which I have noted for some time now, has traditionally- and still lacks- distinguishing characteristics in its feature set and UI.

This enterprise-class service will be for businesses with more than 1,000 employees. 

"At this time, we are at the very beginning of testing an enterprise offering and Skype is inviting a limited number number of businesses to be part of an early adopter program. We look forward to hearing from business users at the early stages so we can make sure that we create a really great product that people love using," according to a statement Skype issued last week.

No, you won't find the statement on Skype's public website. This one is being handled via private communications. 

Skype says if you are interested, send an email to enterprisesolutions@skype.net with details about your company and how they plan to use Skype.

Do you picture your company as willing to try out an enterprise-flavored Skype?