Goodbye Skype Business Control Panel Hello Skype Manager!

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Goodbye Skype Business Control Panel Hello Skype Manager!

Skype today announced the launch of Skype Manager, a web-based management tool that replaces Skype Business Control Panel (BCP). I noticed the GUI has been slightly revamped, but essentially it's the same admin panel as BCP. It does have a new Dashboard feature and shows your monthly allocations as a graph. Of course, just like BCP, Skype Manager can also be used to set up and manage Skype for SIP , which lets you connect a SIP-enabled PBX to Skype. Here's a snapshot of my Skype Manager account which I use to manage TMC's Skype for SIP account:
skype-manager.jpg
Skype Business Control Panel (BCP) was a mouthful, so shortening it to Skype Manager was a smart move. The idea behind Skype Manager is to make it easier for businesses to deploy and monitor Skype accounts efficiently and effectively in the workplace. It incorporates a centralized payment system and real-time analysis and reporting capabilities. It also gives companies the ability to manage Skype user accounts across an organization and assign Skype features through an administration dashboard.

"We looked at how Skype is being used in the workplace and specifically designed Skype Manager to make it easier for businesses to centrally manage how Skype is used, managed and paid for by an organization," said David Gurle, VP and General Manager of Skype for Business. "We want to empower businesses to exploit the full power and value of Skype so they receive all the benefits of enhanced collaboration and cost savings."
Key features of Skype Manager
  • Skype usage within a company is centralized. The company's Skype administrator can set up as many individual Skype accounts as required for its employees and create additional accounts as needed.
  • Skype Credit is purchased and allocated by the administrator, who also assigns features to users, such as online numbers, subscriptions, voice mail and other options.
  • Renewal of Skype Credit and subscriptions can be automated.
  • The flexible reporting dashboard enables real-time analysis of Skype usage across the organization, as well as monthly spending reports, at company, department or individual employee level.
Skype Manager is being offered as a free trial until the end of October 2010. Skype for SIP is currently available in Open Beta to all businesses. According to Skype, it is estimated that 37% of Skype users use Skype for business purposes.

P.S. Check out the video promo for Skype Manager:



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