Alec Saunders SquawkBox

This morning, Skype announced their new Voice Services Program.  Skype has partnered with three VoiceXML platform providers: Tellme, VoxBuilder and Voxeo, giving content providers the ability to host and bill for that content on the Skype Network.  Services can be free, or paid for, at the developers discretion.

This is a fascinating development.

First, Skype has adopted the AOL walled garden content model.  Host your content in our network, and we’ll share the revenue we collect from the user with you.  This strategy worked well for AOL, especially when they had the momentum behind them.  MSN, the johnny-come-lately to the online services party, was overwhelmed by the Internet.  So, projecting forward 5 years, will we see a walled garden Skype surrounded by an open services world built on SIP, or will the promise of open services on SIP fall by the wayside as carriers seek to wall those services in?

Second, Skype has effectively turned their higher level API strategy over to three third parties.  VoiceXML is far richer, and easier to write code for, than the Skype API.  It seems certain that the Skype primitives will quickly become part of the VoiceXML offerings for each of these platform providers.  I can only think of one reason to do this — Skype doesn’t have the manpower to build both a platform and extend their network.  What a tough decision that must have been.

Rick Segal has an investment in a company called GenesisTP.  They make lightweight, steel building kits.

What all that means is we have a facility that can turn out homes, elder care facilities, condo projects, apartment buildings, churches, strip malls, etc, that are rated to withstand 160mph wind, in effect a Cat 4 hurricane. They are cost comparable to wood, will go up fast and will stay up.

In light of all the towns that are not in the press spotlight and seeing relief trucks flying by, we thought it would be a great idea to try and go in to help rebuild some homes. Donate some homes, in kits, that can replace the structures which were destroyed. Maybe homes, maybe a senior care facility, small town heath clinic, etc. The point is that we will donate a bunch of this to try and help.

Doing Good by Doing Good means they will provide the buildings at cost.  He’s asking for help.  If you know your way around FEMA, or know a town that needs rebuilding, you can call him direct at 416.367.2279.