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Netopia's Timbuktu Pro Integrates Macs and PCs with Skype
TMCnet VoIP Minute Watch Columnist
Good news for both Macintosh and Windows users. New from Netopia Inc., a broadband gateways and service-delivery software provider, comes the latest version of its Timbuktu Pro software for both Macintosh and Windows operating systems. The new version now enables users to remotely view and interact with individual desktops through any Internet connection. Timbuktu Pro 8.6 also integrates with Skype, the popular Internet telephony application. Additionally, the new Macintosh version of Timbuktu Pro can now be run on the new Intel-based Macintosh computers.
Timbuktu Pro 8.6 for Windows and Macintosh integrates with Internet telephony provider Skype, allowing users to connect and remotely control machines while conversing and collaborating with other Timbuktu Pro users, all through a Skype "tunnel." Timbuktu Pro now integrates Skype's API to automatically navigate through routers, firewalls, and NAT devices. Users can now search for, speak to, and collaborate with other Timbuktu Pro users through their Skype contacts. They can even launch a Skype call from within Timbuktu Pro.
Timbuktu Pro 8.6 for Macintosh is one of the first universal applications to run on both Intel-based and PowerPC Macintosh computers. "By incorporating Apple's universal binary strategy, Netopia can ensure Timbuktu Pro performs at its peak on either Mac architecture," noted the company's news release. Now all Mac users, including those with the new Intel-based Macs, can use Timbuktu Pro's remote collaboration features in a single software platform.
"Timbuktu Pro has been on the forefront of enabling remote collaboration since it was first introduced more than 15 years ago. By continually incorporating the ever-changing technological landscape into our product offerings, we expand Timbuktu Pro's capabilities while also making it more user friendly," said Ray Smets, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Netopia. "Our cooperation with pioneering technologies like the leading VoIP application from Skype makes remote collaboration an easy option for users. Whether on the road, in the office, or with friends and family, users can place Skype calls and now show and share their desktops over Skype connections."
Timbuktu Pro 8.6 for Windows and Macintosh is now available from Netopia's online software store or through local resellers.
Today's announcement is very significant for Mac users, as for they usually have to wait several months for a Mac-compatible version to be released whenever a Skype software version, or a Skype-compatible software program is released. For example, Skype launched version 1.1 for Windows and the Chat feature, allowing Skype users to hold multi-person or forum-style conversations with groups of people in January 2005. Chat expanded the existing one-to-one chatting and other instant message (IM) features in previous versions of Skype, and allowed groups of up to 50 to communicate. V1.1 was first released in beta on December 15, 2004.
Mac and Linux users had to wait until February 2005 for the company to launch Skype for Mac OS X Version 1.0 and Skype for Linux Version 1.0 software applications, enabling voice calling via the Internet for multiple computer platforms. This new version of the Skype software now works with products for Linux and Mac OS X.
Netopia, Inc.
Skype Limited
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Johanne Torres is contributing editor for TMCnet and Internet Telephony magazine. To see more articles by Johanne Torres, please visit Johanne Torres' columnist page.
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