Skype opens up instant-messaging services

Skype said Wednesday it will be integrating its calling services with online gaming, instant messaging, chatting and other programs.

The Internet phone service provider said in a news release that it will be opening up its platform "to anyone who wants to integrate Skype's presence and instant messaging services into their website or application," adding that by doing so, it will "instantly be creating the largest open instant messaging platform in the world."

The company currently has 51 million users who use its free services, while it has 2 million fee-paying subscribers. Skype's services are available in 27 languages.

Copyright 2005 by United Press International