Skype will integrate SkypeTM functionality with LotusLive, IBM's new cloud services which are designed to help individuals build communities to work smarter, more effectively and efficiently across and beyond their own companies.

Skype's voice and video calling will add rich, real-time communications capabilities to LotusLive, making it even easier for enterprises to collaborate in the cloud, said an official spokesman.

This planned integration, which was previewed at IBM Lotusphere 2009 in Orlando, Florida, will join LotusLive collaborative services with Skype Internet communications to create a seamless communications experience for our mutual customers.

Employees of companies using LotusLive will be able to use Skype to initiate voice and video calls, simply by clicking on their contacts' Skype names or phone numbers within LotusLive.

Future possibilities include the ability to import Skype contact information into IBM cloud services to enhance online collaboration.

"Our relationship with IBM demonstrates how serious Skype is about bringing the benefits of 'anytime, anywhere, any mode' Internet communications to the enterprise environment," said Skype's chief operating officer Scott Durchslag.

"During tough economic times, every business is seeking to cut costs while enhancing competitiveness and we look forward to broader, long-term cooperation between IBM and Skype to help businesses of all sizes around the globe save money, save time, and stay ahead."

"We recognise that communications is an integral component of collaboration in an Internet-enabled world and that many small businesses have already adopted Skype," said vice-president of online collaboration, IBM Lotus, Sean Poulley.

"This integration will simplify and improve the way businesses interact with their customers and partners." – TradeArabia News Service