Skype Journal Labs' new SuperDuperNodePlex for Skype was not selected for Om Malik's Launch Pad at the O'Reilly ETel Conference (co-sponsored by Skype Journal). I imagine he'd say "We only feature real products, Phil. Not imaginary ones."

The SuperDuperNodePlex for Skype is an appliance to be installed just outside corporate firewalls in network demilitarized zones (DMZs).

Problem:

Worldwide supernode shortage. Firewalls mess with Skype's directory (white pages), presence (is Harry online?), and connection (connect my computer to your computer through the skype network) services. More and more SOHO users have firewalls and all mid- and large companies use them, keeping nodes from becoming supernodes. All this firewalling creates a shortage of supernodes in the network.

Opportunity:

Skype is selling into the workplace in 2007 and 2008. As IT managers deploy Skype, they'll want to support those users. Ideally, they'll want lots of nodes available to become supernodes. They'll want those supernodes to be logically and physically close to their users.

Solution:

The SuperDuperNodePlex for Skype!

• A box with many running instances of Skype.
• Provisions those nodes with unique but dummy accounts.
• Sets their presence to "online"
• Sets prefs so they won't receive phone calls or messages from strangers
• Drop that box in the corporate DMZ, outside the firewall
• Admin pages show status and history of the instances
• Subscription service keeps the Skype and admin software current

Not available anywhere at any price.

Have fun. Hope to see you at ETel.