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Skype has announced the beta version of Skype for SIP for Business users. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is an open standard and the leading Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) used in business telephony networks at millions of locations around the world, according to Skype. With Skype for SIP, SIP public branch exchange (PBX) owners can benefit from Skype’s low-cost calls to fixed phones and mobiles around the world and to receive calls from Skype users directly into their PBX system, Skype says.

Businesses now can be reached by more than 405 million registered users through click-to-call from their business Web sites. The calls will be received through the businesses’ existing office system at no cost to the consumer. At the same time, Skype says that businesses can benefit from Skype’s low-cost global calling rates when placing calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide from devices connected to their PBX systems. Also, businesses can purchase online Skype numbers in more than 20 countries to receive calls from business contacts and customers who use traditional fixed lines or mobile phones.

With the beta version of Skype For SIP, business users will be able to receive and manage inbound calls from Skype users worldwide on SIP-enabled PBX systems, connecting the company Web site to the PBX system via click-to-call. Businesses also can manage Skype calls using their existing hardware and system applications such as call routing, conferencing, phone menus, and voice mail. No additional downloads or training are required.

Businesses can apply to participate in the beta program at www.skypeforsip.com. Applicants must be businesses with an installed SIP-based IP-PBX system, and they must have the technical competency to configure their own SIP-enabled PBX. All calls during the beta period will be charged at standard Skype rates. Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.