Here is a scenario posed to me by a Canadian company.

A company has four offices each with a local PBX. These PBXs are interconnected via SIP. (Of course the PBXs could have been interconnected with Skype, but that would be a boring story.)

This company would like to have any remote Skype Client have access to the corporate telephone infrastructure and as well, have any phone connected on any PBX access the Skype infrastructure, i.e. receive SkypeIn calls, place SkypeOut calls and place calls to any Skype Client. As well, all voice mail would handled by the PBX. When the remote client (e.g. a remote employee in San Diego) is unattended, all incoming calls are to be Call Forwarded so as to terminate at the PBX.

Here is a possible solution-

I find this offers exciting opportunities to decrease costs and increase value particularly for companies connecting internationally. Think small travel agencies needing to compete with Expedia. Think of Hotel’s who might want offer lower costs to their guests to call home while making a buck at the same time.

The technology driving Skype 2 PBX was covered here.

When evaluating USB devices that connects your Skype Client to your landline for interconnecting Skype 2 PBX check out this technical pdf.

I tested this Skype 2 PBX out a couple of weeks ago. I am in Western Canada. The PBX and Gateway in Taiwan.

Using Skype I called the Skype Gateway, my call was answered by the IVR Automated Attendant. I used the Dial Pad in Skype to select the individual I wanted to connect with. I also requested to be transferred to another individual. It all worked seamlessly.

Next, I had the manufacturer of the device acquire a SkypeIn number in the US (area code 415). I used SkypeOut at 2 cents per minute and again connected to the PBX with the Automated Attendant in Taiwan. Perfect.