[vtp-dev] Skype4Java

[Mike Greenawalt <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

When I did the Tellme launcher for VTP 1.0, I implemented an interface 
to the Skype client so Eclipse could initiate the audio call to the 
Tellme browser. Since then, Skype has supported an effort to create its 
own interface code in Java:  Skype4Java 
(https://developer.skype.com/wiki/Java_API). I am planning to replace 
the interface I did to use the Skype4Java code, a main reason being that 
my interface is Windows only, and Skype4Java is multiplatform.

I have discovered that the ECF (Eclipse Communication  Framework) 
project has already created a plugin 
(http://wiki.eclipse.org/Skype_Provider) that fits into their framework 
and uses the Skype4Java code to interface to Skype. I have tried it, and 
it seems to work well. I intend to use their Call API inside the 
launcher so their Skype provider can do the rest. Another benefit is 
that if ECF creates providers for other VOIP providers, they would just 
slide right in.

I am in discussion with the ECF project lead about this, and he is 
enthusiastic that VTP should use the provider.
Downsides of using the ECF provider:
   - VTP would become dependent on some subset of the ECF plugins
   - Right now the ECF provider and Call API do not provide for sending 
DTMF, but they are enthusiastic about adding the capability
Upsides of using the ECF provider:
   - Several more hands, eyes, brains are involved in the project success
   - The ECF is definitely planning to include the Skype4Java code, and 
they will do a lot of the work to do the IP approval in the Foundation

What does everyone think?

-- Mike