From a jack to a ring: why VoSKY's new features will push enterprise Skype forward

I am referring to the  $999.99, Actiontec VoSKY Exchange 9040 and 9080 PBX gateways. In new four and eight-port rackmountable versions, that are significant improvements over the earlier Exchange 9000.

VoSKY Exchange now has form factor and statistical analysis capabilities that will enable Skype to compete more effectively against traditionally more enterprise-centric solutions from the VAR and system-integrator worlds.

In addition to the ease of simply plugging in a traditional phone into a jack (no more headphones, yay!) the new software enhances Skype by providing:

Call log statistics and associated reporting capabilities. These include date, duration, geographical destination, and Skype or non-Skype phone number.

The system is also configurable to require end users to input a special ID number for reporting purposes.

Control of all Skype lines from a single screen. This lets sysadmins deterinine line status without opening separate windows for each line.

Remote management capabilities, which let admins manage Skype over muoltiple offices by adding or removing users, adjust settings and troubleshoot VoSKY Exchange devices iwhen necessary.

I think that for those small to medium size users- say 10 to 300 employees- who are not all that concerned about QoS, functionalities such as those included in the 9040 and 9080 gateways will make Skype that much more attractive a telephony option.