I recently had the idea to write the following skype daemon:

- the daemon starts on demand one (or more if needed) xvfbs that are a kind of null-x servers
- for each client session, the deamon starts one skype process. the process is set up to use the xvfb as x server
- a library is preloaded to the skype program that fakes a /dev/dsp (like esddsp, artsdsp or alsadsp do)
- the skype process is controlled over the skype api
- clients would communicate with the daemon via IPC
- there would be a library to communicate with the daemon used for both signalling and sound. an asterisk module would use only this library

Technically, although not ellegant, it would be possible i guess and it would work. The only problem is it would break the following eula points:

- we are not allowed to distribute software that uses the skype api (providing source code also probably means distributing i guess) unless skype allows us to
- we are not allowed to hide the damn gui

Take a look at http://www.chanskype.com.

It's not elegant, and each instance requires a Skype session, but multiple Skype sessions are supported using VNC.

Be warned that (as of 10/31/2006) Version 1.2.X does not install cleanly on a Trixbox type configuration but it can be made to work.

Hi,

I'm currently developping it.
First beta will be released very soon.

Functionnalities are :
- Easy way to create Skype API, IAX and both protocols based apps in java.
- Skype To Asterisk call forwarding.


This solution uses a modified version of JSkype lib and IAXClient lib.

links :
- http://iax.skype2rtc.info/ (Temporary)
- http://groups.google.com/group/skype2iax 


For more information, please, contact us.

Now that there are skype devices hitting the market, maybe they could be a starting point. The netgear skype wifi phone (needs no PC) might just run linux itself?
http://tools.netgear.com/skype/

There is a following possibility: skype (several instances) installed on the server-side and connection between this skype and asterisk. It will be possible to call skype users from any device connected to asterisk and to use SkypeOut in the same manner.

Benefints: 1. Skype installed on only one computer (some kind of DMZ) - security improvements. 2. Company shouldn't upgrade end-user devices to use skype. 3. It is possible to make some kind of accounting (of skype usage).

Is this capability intrested, guys? Are you ready to pay for this project?

How about this:

http://www.icebrains-soft.com/getting_started_with_the_skype_library

Dear Sir or Madam:

This is Kevin Zhou of AlfaTec. We are the telecom hardware production company in China. We are also the member of Sino-German IT Cooperation.

We have designed and produced USB handsets and gateway for working with Skype and other web phones. We are also doing VOIP product OEMs for other telecom carriers. We also produce SIP Phones and voip gateway for Chinese telecom carriers (www.chinatelecom.com.cn, http://www.chinanetcom.com.cn).

We are looking for partners and agents to distribute our products in the wider range, please contact us if you are interest in our products and willing to establish service cooperation with AlfaTec.

Below are the some of features of the USB products are well received by our customers.
You may visit http://www.alfatec.com.cn for more information.

USB Phone (with LCD) ：A-200
This fully-featured USB VOIP Phone allows you to talk to friends or colleagues just like a normal telephone. Used in conjunction with web phone software (like skype), it offers you a complete free Internet telephony solution. The AU100 features simple plug-and play installation, integrated keypad, echo cancellation and noise reduction.

USB VOIP Phone Benefits include:
• USB 1.1 support
• LCD
• 16 bit sound card inside
• Superior sound quality (improved sound speaker)
• Turns your PC into a real Phone, talk to friends or colleagues just like a normal phone
• SKYPE* ready – talk for free with other Skype users
• Easy to install USB plug-and-play technology
• Allows PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone operation
• Echo cancellation and noise reduction
• Supports Skype, NetMeeting, Messenger, Net2phone, Sjphone, StanaPhone, X-Lite, MSN, MediaRing, and Dialpad
• Supports H.323, MGCP, SIP protocol
• Host powered – no external AC adapter required
• Full control and functionality over Skype software
• HID support
• Small and slender design - Reducing desk clutter
• Ring incoming call
• Adjustable volume for handset
• Enterprise class solutions at consumer prices
• Supports Windows® 98SE/ME/2000/XP. No driver needed for Win98 SE/Win ME/ Win 2000/Win XP/ Mac OS/Mac OS X
USB Skype Gateway：A-600
• Continue to make and receive regular calls as you normally do
• Make and receive Skype™ calls using your standard telephone
• Forward Skype calls to your mobile phone
• Make Skype calls from your mobile phone even when you are away from your computer
• Switch between a Skype call and a regular phone call

AlfaTec USB phones are manufactured in a state of the art production facility in our factories in Shenzhen under meticulous quality control. Join us now, grow your business with us.

Best regards,
Kevin Zhou
International Channel Sales
AlfaTec Technology Co., Ltd. (A member of Sino-German IT Cooperation)
Email: Kevin@alfatec.com.cn
sales@alfatec.com.cn
http://www.alfatec.com.cn
(Website in Beijing China, mirror site in H.K)
http://www.sg-itc.com.cn
Tel: (86 10) 5166 2853, 51662855, 51662856
Fax: (86 10) 6508 1026
Skype: alfatec-kevin
Address: Beijing Office (Headquarter): Suite 904, E-Tower, No.12, Guanghualu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020, P. R. China

Factory in Beijing: Address: 3C, Beijing Shi men economic development zone, Men Tou Gou District, Beijing, P.R. China 100010
Factory in Shenzhen: Address: 3F, Area 2, Block1 Xili Pingshan Honghualing Industrial Estate, Shenzhen .P.R.C Post code:518055
VOIP USB phone for Skype, Messenger, Net2phone, Sjphone, StanaPhone, X-Lite, MSN, MediaRing, and Dialpad.
www.alfatec.com.cn Your VOIP Hardware Partner!

there is second thing for development in near future - microsoft VoIP solution for windows...

The softphone http://www.jajah.com offers already jajah to Skype calling without having Skype installed. It supports SIP, IAX and POTS termination, too.

Hey i think this is possiable someone contact me

marcus_macd@hotmail.com