Skype blocks Fring access, threatens legal action
After a victory for iPhone users was won by Fring last week, the social communications company is now facing the backout of their most valued collaborator, according to TechCrunch. Fring, a communications platform that enables VoIP (Voice over IP) phone calling to both Fring and Skype contacts, enabled video chat on its iPhone app last Thursday. Until that point, iPhone 4 users wanting to take advantage of the video chat functionality made possible by the device’s front-facing camera had to use Facetime, which was only available on WiFi networks. Fring enabled video chat over 3G networks, and iPhone users were ecstatic.
However, after an understandably, yet unexpectedly, large spike in video traffic immediately after the update’s release, Fring was forced to temporarily reduce support of Skype compatibility until the congestion problem could be solved. Apparently, Skype wasn’t happy with the move. They have blocked all Fring access to their communications platform and have threatened legal action.
Fring, in a press release, says that they are being forced to stop offering Skype compatibility, a service they have dutifully offered for four years. They didn’t have nice words for Skype in their blog.
“They are afraid of open mobile communication. Cowards.
Needless to say, we are very disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness is now trying to muzzle competition, even at the expense of its own users.
We’re sorry for the inconvenience Skype has caused you.”
Skype has yet to issue an official response.
Update: Skype just put up a blog post from its legal chief Robert Miller:
An hour or so ago, Fring reported on its blog that we had blocked their access to Skype. I want to make one thing absolutely clear: this is untrue.
Fring was using Skype software in a way it wasn’t designed to be used – and in a way which is in breach of Skype’s API Terms of Use and End User License Agreement. We’ve been talking with Fring for some time to try to resolve this amicably.
However, over time, Fring’s mis-use of our software was increasingly damaging our brand and reputation with our customers. On Friday, for example, Fring withdrew support for video calls over Skype on iOS 4 without warning, again damaging our brand and disappointing our customers, who have high expectations of the Skype experience.
We actively encourage developers to build products that work with Skype, acting, of course in accordance with our various API licences. At the same time, Skype will rigorously protect our brand and reputation, and those developers that do not comply with our terms will be subject to legal enforcement.
In this case, however, there is no truth to Fring’s claims that Skype has blocked it. Fring made the decision to remove Skype functionality on its own.
Source: Neowin
This is the sad news for VoIP industry. It took VoIP very long to become mainstream (if you believe that is) and now we have started fighting among ourselves. What bothers us the most is that these conflicts will draw users away, for instance those who used skype over fring will be highly disappointed and might move to traditional telecom lines. The industry loses here at the end.
Regards,
Free Calls Hub