Skype has just announced to have released its initial non-commercial Skype API (application program interface), allowing developers and third-party companies to start designing complementary tools and applications that leverage Skype outstanding real-time communication abilities.

This announcement makes the Skype platform effectively available to developers worldwide.
Skype, which calls itself now the Global Internet Telephony Company™, has released its (beta) Skype API in the latest version of Skype for Windows, enabling hardware devices and software applications to seamlessly integrate with Skype's own real-time voice over IP technology.

According to Skype, there are currently more than 14.5 million Skype users in the world, while approximately 100,000 new ones are being added each day.

Non-commercial developers worldwide may freely integrate the Skype API in compliance with the Skype software End User License Agreement (EULA).

A software development kit which includes documentation, sample code, and other information is available here:
http://www.skype.com/community/devzone

On the other hand companies and individuals with business proposals are encouraged to contact bizdev@skype.net.

The Skype API is freely available with the latest version of Skype for Windows at www.skype.com/go/getskype