Online Channel Provides Easier Access to Skype Certified Hardware for Enhanced Skype User Experience
SAN JOSE, CA, March 15, 2007 – Skype, the global Internet communications company, today is relaunching its online Skype Shop (skype.com/shop) in the United States to offer Skype Certified™ devices and accessories that can be used to enhance consumers’ Skype user experience. This is the first of several steps around the world that Skype will be taking to improve access to Skype’s paid-for services and its partners’ hardware.
Skype has teamed up with Digital River, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRIV), a global leader in e-commerce outsourcing, to create a fresh new look and feel for the Skype Shop, which now features the ability to search by product or to browse by category. Digital River is also providing order management and fulfillment and 24x7 customer service for the new online store.
In conjunction with the relaunch, a broader selection of devices and accessories is now available in the Skype Shop, including plug-in and cordless phones (some that can be used without a computer), plug-in and cordless headsets, webcams, speakerphones, and WiFi phones. One particularly unique and popular package that Skype is reintroducing includes everything you need to make Internet calls: the sleek SMC WiFi Phone for Skype (WSKP100), FON’s “La Fonera” wireless router, 500 minutes of SkypeOut™ credit and Skype Voicemail for a year. Priced at just $159.99, this is a stylish and practical platform that makes it easy to enjoy Internet calls without any need for a PC (skype.com/go/smcwifi). Moving forward, additional exclusive product bundles will be made available only online through the Skype Shop.
“Skype Certified hardware enhances a Skype user’s experience by broadening how and where they use Skype. Our goal in relaunching the Skype Shop is to make our online store the best and most convenient place for Skype users in the U.S. to purchase these devices and accessories,” said Dave Beckwith, Director, Skype Global Stores. “It also provides an authorized sales channel for our growing ecosystem of Skype partners that have developed more than 160 different products with which our growing user community can experience Skype at home, at work and on the move – either with or without a PC.”
A new guided recommendation engine is also now available to help users find the most appropriate Skype devices and accessories based on how they actually use Skype. Lists of new and best selling products are also made available to help guide shoppers in their buying decision.
To celebrate the relaunch of the Skype Shop in the US, Skype is offering free shipping on orders of $80 or more. In addition, discounts and mail-in rebates on some of the hardware available through the store are being offered for a limited time, including:
- $30 off the Logitech® QuickCam® Pro 5000 (regular price: $79.99);
- $10 off the Logitech® Premium USB Headset 350 (regular price: 49.95);
- $50 mail-in rebate, plus an additional discount, on the NETGEAR Skype WiFi Phone (SPH101) (regular price: $229.99);
- $20 mail-in rebate, plus an additional discount, on the NETGEAR Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype (SPH200D) (regular price: $169.99); and
- $10 off on the D-Link DPH-50U Skype USB Phone Adaptor (regular price: $59.99).
People looking to purchase these or other Skype Certified devices, accessories and bundles that provide everything a Skype user needs to set their conversations free at home, at work or on the go should visit the new Skype Shop online at skype.com/shop.
About Skype
Skype is the world’s fastest-growing Internet communication offering, allowing unlimited free voice, video and instant messaging communication between users of Skype Software. With over 171 million registered users, Skype is available in 28 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, voicemail, call forwarding and personalization including ringtones and avatars. Skype also has relationships with a growing network of hardware and software providers. Visit Skype at www.skype.com.
Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). To learn more visit skype.com.
Access to a broadband Internet connection is required for Skype and all Skype Certified devices and accessories. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.
Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts, associated logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
