Hi,

I am responsible for the management of the PBX and IT infrastructure in our local hospital.
I've been asked to provide SkypeIn facilities for doctors and staff that work at home.
What they need is a possibility to connect via Skype directly to an internal phone line. I suppose I need some sort of device that connects to internet on one side (and accepts skype calls), and a phone connection on the other side...
Does this exist? And of course: as cheap as possible :-{

For Skype Virtual PBX capabilities, perhaps OnState can help - OnState Virtual PBX for Skype

Tim,

I have done quite a bit of in-depth research on more or less the same topic: I have quit in frustration a couple of times, but not yet given up on the ideas you express. I not yet found with any potential solution that I could count on for a critical application. I'll share what I have learned so far.

You must have an always-on computer connection to directly connect to Skype. I continue to look at relatively inexpensive ways of keeping a dedicated machine. You can see some of my concerns and pleas to vendors here the Skype forums.To connect a standard phone to Skype or any other VoIP service you will need what is called an "Analog Telephone Adaptor" (ATA). This are fraught with "issues" Another track, a dual-phone, one that can respond to Skype and POTS (plain ol' telephone service). In looking at every one I could find in both classes of devices, I failed to find a single one that one purchaser or another did not have equipment and/ or vendor problems to the point they wrote rants to vent their frustrations and / or disappointments. There are couple of venues for these, and if you wish to open a line of communication I will pass back further thoughts. Last, I'm also relatively new to Skype also and continue to build sea legs through personal connections. There are a variety of significant issues within and outside of Skype for maintaining call stability, especially for critical professional communications (my primary need also). Again, if you want to take this further, I'd be happy to do so, but I think it would be easier and informative to do it via a skype call. I'm in the central region of the USA (UTC –7). Please connect via the Skype email to this account and we can figure out a way to connect real-time.

Least I forget it you may wish to take a look at all the posts complaining about the lack service and communications from Skype. A bit removed, I have also looked at a variety of virtual PBX systems using Skype and others. There are mostly major downsides in all of them; I have yet to find one I would put my critical client information it their loops. Again, this world too fills with sales-hype or lack of technical knowledge or reliable customer service: Each encounter lefte me concerned in one way or another and have not made a commitment in this vein yet. I continue to explore this world of VoIP and will welcome any conversations on the topic.

Hello Tim,
You can tryPrettyMay Skype PBX software for Windows which can be set up a Skype based phone system for your business.
You just need to install it on a main windows PC, and your staff can use their own Skype account to receive/make calls anywhere.
To learn how it works, see a video demo at http://www.prettymay.net/demo/demo.htm

With OnState's Skype PBX and Skype Call Center, we can handle your SkypeIn numbers (or any other numbers, for that matter) and route it to the device of individual preference - desk phone, mobile phone, Skype, etc., and integrate it with your CRM. In short, having it connect via Skype directly to an internal phone line is no problem, and won't cause the headaches some others on this thread encountered. You can find out more at OnState's Skype for Business site, by calling us at +1.617.934.0381, or Skype us at onstate.sales.

Hi Tim-AZO,

Unite PBX is a Skype based PBX and can fulfill all your requirements.
Download the latest version of Unite PBX and Unite Call Center to try it out.

Regards,
Unite PBX Team

Dear Tim-AZO and RMTS2008,

If you are looking for a reliable solution for using Skype with your existing PBX (both for incoming and outgoing calls), you can check out VoiceGear SkyBridge and VoiceGear Connect gateways for Skype from IndustryDynamics.

VoiceGear gateways are integrated Skype gateway appliances, offering Plug n Play integration of Skype calling with your existing PBX system and office phones without making any changes. VoiceGear gateways can support up to 60 concurrent calls per gateway and can work with your existing VoIP, Digital or Analog PBX system by supporting a wide range of PBX connectivity options including SIP, ISDN PRI and Analog FXS/FXO.

Once connected to your PBX system, VoiceGear allows your employees to make and receive Skype calls directly from their existing office desk phones. We can further help your business connect with visitors to your Web site, connect with remote employees, as well as improve communication with your mobile workforce, all completely for free by using Skype.

IndustryDynamics team will work with you to assess your business needs and design a solution specific to your requirements.

Thank you for looking,
Your IndustryDynamics team.