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Guest writer – Dick Schiferli for Pamela

We, Pamela-System team, are in touch with the SDP (Skype Developer Program) for quite a long time now and as such decided to join the EAP (Early Adapter Program) as well. The main reason we decided to build an extra for the new framework is because we had the market experience and the technical components that allowed us to quickly build a solid application.

The first extra

This was fairly quick as the functional modules where already present and tested. This will be different for others looking to build an extra. Generally you should expect the same development time for a standalone application as for an extra.

Transitioning to the Framework

The general architecture of the extras system is good and looks promising. Overall the migration task was not too difficult. We had a first build out beginning October and have refined the product since. We had on time RTM for Skype 3.0 beta release on November 8.

Expectations

Overall the Extras Framework has good potential to become something really good as it perfectly addresses the issues that add-on developers have been experiencing the past two years. Despite a Beta stage when we joined, this framework will be a very cool and also critical competitive advantage for the Skype platform.

If you have Skype add-ons currently or plan to get into this market you will want to check this out. Join the Fun!

Read Dick's story

Do More: Developer Program team in 2007

The team have been working hard to give you more in 2006, delivering a distribution platform for 3rd party products and the ability to monetise. We’ve also been hearing from several of you about what our longer term plans are. So let us explain what lies in store.

Platform team responsible for evolving and delivering the API’s and platform. Extras Platform (helping software partners create a sustainable business) Enterprise/Call Centre Platform (do more for Call Centre integrators and providers, taking forward Naked Skype. More on this soon) Documentation (doing a major overhaul of docs this year, and focusing more on use cases, and segmented channel information)

Go to Market team responsible for the Extras Gallery, DevZone, early adopter program, partners events. Platinum services (becoming a SDP Platinum partner you will get not only SLA’s, but also rich data such as Skype roadmaps and user survey information) DevZone (launching DevZone 3.0, with greater focus on community working, finding what you need quickly and a cleaner, sharper look and feel) Business development (tracking overall engagements with partners, and looking for ways to engage you in other teams) Education and events (planning a Bay area, Tokyo/Taiwan and London developer events, providing regular Skypecasts for both new and experienced developers)

Technical services team manage support, testing and certification Pro support & testing (offer partners the opportunity to purchase ‘vouchers’ for 1, 2 or 10 testing or support incidents) Unpaid support. We don’t believe in grabbing every penny we get, an ecosystem is about investment. Therefore, we will be building up the knowledge base and FAQ sections

We have a lot to do, but all of this is achievable. Thank you for some great business in 2006, and we are genuinely enthusiastic about doing more for users, Skype and you - our partners in 2007.

Regards, Paul

Meet the SDP team and Do more with us in 2007

Skype relaunches software certification

Skype certification serves two goals: promotion and quality assurance.

When Skype's authorized testers have confirmed that your product meets the quality requirements, you will be allowed to use the Skype Certified label in your promotional materials. This makes the product more attractive to potential customers. Furthermore, certified products are eligible for Premium or Featured placement in the Skype Extras Gallery and Extras Manager.

How long — and how much — it takes to get my product certified?

This depends on three factors: quality of your product, testing path chosen by you, and length of the testing queue at the time of request submittal. (Read more)

Will the requirements ever change?

Certification tests will always be done based on the latest production version of the test specs, against the latest gold release of the Skype client software. As the quality of Skype-related software continues to improve, we expect the test specifications to become more stringent over time. (Read more)

Where do I find more information?

Visit: https://developer.skype.com/SoftwareCertification

Read the Software Certification process

Extra: Gizmoz Talking Headz

Gizmoz was one of the first developers in the Plug-ins program. We had an irrational deadline, a difficult goal of sending our 3D avatars through the call video, and no knowledge of the Skype Plug-in framework.

Gizmoz Talking Headz for Skype main features:

• Create your own avatar
• Crazy fun animated Zapz to insult your IM buddies
• Send your video Gagz to your friend's mobile. You will be charged the normal Skype rate for sending an SMS
• Lovable animated Hugz to share your affection during voice session
• Special expressive features for real time voice session
• Amazing FX

Want to learn more?

Please visit the Gizmoz Website and download

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