Starting in November, MySpace’s 110 million active users will use Skype-enabled MySpace’s instant messaging client, MySpaceIM for free calling. This is the first time that Skype has allowed its technology to be integrated with a 3rd-party application.
MySpace users with a Skype account will be able to call members with a single click. Standard PC-to-PC phone calls will be free but users will have to pay for ‘premium’ options like their own personal phone number, voice mail, call forwarding, and the ability to make calls from a computer to land lines or cell phones. In addition, the integration of MySpace and Skype will allow MySpace users to transfer information, such as portraits, from their profiles to their Skype accounts. Users who have set their MySpace profile in ‘private’ will not receive any Skype call from someone who is not on their friend list.
MySpace will share its revenue from the deal with Skype. The service would be available in 20 countries. In addition, MySpace signed an agreement with Sony BMG Music Entertainment to allow the site’s users post videos and music from Sony artists on their personal profiles.
