Skype "Unified Directory" web service APIs slated for Q1-2008 release
Over the last few weeks, Skype developer relations evangelized the new Skype Public platform roadmap. Peeter "wolli" Mõtsküla presented it at the September 2007 Prague developer days. His slides:
Highlights:
- Skype uses the term "plug-outs" for apps that use Skype's web services. "think virtual walkie-talkies in a multi-user first-person-shooter game"
- Peeter refers to a Skype "naked" client as if it is really going to happen.
- Plans for Q4-2007 development:
- Web services for a "Unified Directory" - users, SkypeFind businesses, Skype Prime services, public chats/casts - est. Q1-2008 release
- Client Conversation API - one API for all media (sms, chat, voice, video, file transfer), privacy modes (public, private) - specs in Q4-2007, release in Q1-2008
- Non-interactive login on Linux - progress to "headless" UI-free Skype - release in Q4-2007
- Releasing Skype4COM as Open-source - working the way developers work
Pros:
- On the right track on all counts. I'm grinning about the Skype roadmap for the first time in ages.
Cons:
- Missing: Call controls via web services. The roadmap doesn't include the ability to start, join, leave or answer conversations via web service API, not even in the "maybe, someday, no-promises" section.
- No discussion of innovation around groups of people. Vital for social network and enterprise workgroup applications and integration.
Paul Amery, director of Skype's developer relations program, spoke last week to developers and press at a Skype Inn open house in San Jose, California. His slides:
Paul 
introduced his team (clockwise from top-left): Ants, Mirje, Wolli, Avo, Kristo, Lester, Paul, Caitlin, and Halina.
Highlights:
Paul 
announced two new initiatives:
- Skype Technical Press - publications for Skype developers.
- Skype Approved Integrator program - certification for engineering firms that build on the Skype platform for clients. The first round of SAI partners should be announced this week.
Paul defines three measures of SDP success
- Is the platform rich and extensive?
- Is there a large, energetic community?
- Is there a big, rapid pipeline of complementary end user solutions?
Paul makes SDP's case:
- the platform is better now than last year and growing rapidly
- the SDP has 6000 community developers with 50 software partners
- Skype's "Extras" program drove 20 million downloads for partners in its first nine months
Paul listed SDP's four core activities:
- Platform and API
- TechEd and Communications
- Relationship (R&R) and Events
- Publishing and Tech Services
