Skype releases version for Mac OS X

Johannesburg, 01 Sept 2004

On the first anniversary of the formation of the company, Skype Technologies has launched the beta version of Skype for Mac OS X.

Skype, which provides free downloads of software to allow users to make telephone calls via the Internet, already has versions available for Windows, Pocket PC and Linux.

"We can now invite the millions of Mac users to connect with people with other operating systems and gain the benefits of 21st Century voice communication," says Niklas Zennstrom, Skype CEO and co-founder.

Zennstrom originally found fame as one of the team that created the KaZaa P2P music file-swapping network, and says Skype's only operating cost is for users to allow their computers to become part of the P2P network and provide processing time for the routing of other calls on the network.

He says Skype for Mac OS X beta has a number of features, including a global directory, call and message tracking, file transfer for sending and receiving encrypted files, mobility, security, instant messaging and a compatible, user-friendly interface.

"We have had steady and strong demand for a Mac version and are happy to deliver Skype for Mac OS X beta, and look forward to hearing from the Mac users, who are known to 'think different', about how we can continue to improve our product," says Zennstrom.

"Skype is helping consumers everywhere to move beyond the limitations of last century's telecommunications tools and instead experience a better quality of voice communication."

The so-called 'network bypass' software such as Skype is illegal under the Telecommunications Act, as only Telkom is currently licensed to carry and land international voice traffic, although the second national operator will have the same rights once it is granted its licence.

Skype came to prominence earlier this year when the monopoly warned that it would keep an eye on the issue of 'network bypass' software, and would seek legal redress if it felt Skype was infringing its rights.