July 16, 2004. Taipei — Hung-Tze Jan, PChome Online's chairman, and Niklas Zennström, Skype's CEO and co-founder, today announced the official release and availability of PChome-Skype version 0.98. PChome Online is the first company to offer their users a co-branded version of Skype, the world's most popular Internet telephony software.
The chairman of PChome Online, Mr. Jan said “The potential of the Internet as a voice communications platform is finally being recognized, and it is going to radically change the telecommunications industry as we know it,” said Mr. Jan. “Just like e-mail changed our behavior on mail by post, Skype can definitely change our concept and behavior about how we view telecommunications. In addition, Skype will also help to speed up broadband penetration in Taiwan.”
“PChome Online is at the forefront of offering next generation services to their customers and we couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to introduce Skype to their millions of users,” said Niklas Zennström.. “Skype gives people new power to affordably stay in touch with their friends and family as well unparalleled flexibility in how and when they communicate.”
Free features from Skype include PC to PC voice calls with superior voice quality, conference calls with up to 5 members, instant messaging, the capability to add photos to personalize your online presence and a global directory. The latest version of PChome-Skype is available for download starting July 15th at skype.pchome.com.tw by simply clicking on the PChome-Skype logo. Once they have downloaded the software for their Windows PC, users will immediately benefit from free voice calls worldwide using either a headset or handset plugged into their computer, or the PC's built-in speakers and microphone.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
