VoIP and ENUM

Skype finally did it: implementing call forwarding to SkypeOut. The feature is somewhat hidden in the new Skype for Windows 1.4 Beta release. For more info see Skype Downloads or for extensive info see Skype Journal.

I was always wondering why call forwarding was not implemented in Skype earlier, because this is a no-brainer. It will boost SkypeOut earnings, especially if forwarded to mobiles. On the other hand Skype may expect troubles with long distance carriers and regulators because it offers the possibility for simple by-pass: you offer you friends living in another country (or yourself if abroad) a local SkypeIn number (say in Washington) and forward it to your local home number (say in Vienna).

There is only one problem which needs to be fixed: there is no indication in the buddy list that you may still reach the subscriber if not logged in, e.g something similar to the voice-mail icon.

Next thing I have to check is SkypeZones BETA. The basic problem here is that there is no SkypeZone in Austria and only one in Germany (in Bad Nauheim ;-). On the other hand, there is even one in Liechtenstein: at the McDonalds in Triesen, which may cover the whole country ;-)

So I have to wait two weeks for the VON in Boston to check it out: there are 23 in Boston, three of them near the VON: Barnes & Noble, Mariott Copley Place and The Collonade.