Microsoft Job Postings Reveal “Skype For Browsers” Project

A series of job postings from Microsoft hint at – well, actually they come out and state that – Microsoft intends to bring Skype to the web browser. The posts, which describe positions for software development engineers, mention that the Skype web app would be built (thankfully) using HTML5 and JavaScript, not Microsoft’s own Silverlight or Adobe Flash, for example.

The addition of a web-based version of Skype that works without plug-ins could provide a better user experience than today’s Skype Facebook app currently offers, but it could also extend the browser to anyone with a modern web browser who wanted an alternative to running desktop software.

There are four job listings which have been spotted so far, describing a “Skype for Browsers” project. One describes the project like so:

Team at Skype is looking for passionate, team-oriented and self-motivated developers to help us bring Skype experience on to the Web.

You will have a chance to integrate existing Skype solutions on to the web with the support of the backend services build from the ground up using latest Microsoft technologies.

Result [sic] of your work will be used by hundreds millions of thankful users worldwide. You will work in dynamical environment with the team of true professionals participating in defining, designing, developing, testing and documenting one of the most popular applications of the modern world.

You will closely cooperate with colleagues developing Skype cross platform core library in Tallinn, Estonia, audio/video team in Stockholm, Sweden, User management team in Prague and web plug-in team in Palo Alto, US.

So far, the postings refer to jobs in Prague and London only.

In addition to possibly providing an improved experience for Facebook users, the Skype for Browsers experience would also serve to bring Skype to the Metro version of IE10 on Windows 8, which won’t support plugins.

Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion last spring, finally bringing it to Windows Phone just this February. Skype is also available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, iOS, Android and Symbian, some smart TVs, and more.

h/t: LiveSide