Panasonic and Skype Collaborate

Panasonic Communications have teamed up with Skype to develop Panasonic Internet calling products. As its initial offering, Panasonic plans to launch a Skype-compatible cordless telephone product that will enable select Panasonic cordless telephones to interface directly with Skype. With the new product, consumers will be able to make and receive Skype and traditional calls using the same Panasonic cordless phone. Panasonic’s future Skype-compatible products will give consumers access to Skype services including SkypeOut, SkypeIn and Skype Voicemail using a cordless phone and a computer running Skype. 

“This collaboration with Skype will take Internet calling beyond early adopters, making it the preferred means of calling for a broader market,” said Frank Lasorsa, vice president, product and marketing, communications division, Panasonic.

“This alliance with Panasonic marks another milestone in the growing ecosystem of Skype compatible products,” said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype. “Our collaboration with major consumer electronics brands like Panasonic enables the expansion of Skype services beyond the desktop, and helps us to meet the needs of our growing consumer base.”

COMMENT: It’s only a matter of time before we see the Skype client on Panasonic mobile phones — Eds. Full PR here.