Paul comes to Skype from Symbian. For a look into the future of Skype support for 3rd parties I recommend rummaging around this site. As the saying goes, "we are what we eat" so I see that Paul has lots of experience supporting the developer community.

Paul's first public contributions can be seen in his first newsletter to Skype developers here. Paul's newsletter headline, "Show me the money" is beginning to take shape, In Paul's words,

"For you, for Skype, for end users. For many of you fame will be the fortune you seek, particularly freeware developers. For others, it will be revenues. We aim to deliver both."

Skype's new Extra's Gallery will be a treat. I wish I could tell you about the details. When I met Niklas Z. in London the first words out my mouth, "The Extras Gallery is a mess." Niklas gave me one of his innocent, sly Scandinavian smiles, and added, "I agree." A few days later I understood his smile. Looks to me like Skype has now mastered marketing 101.

So am I just hyping Skype? Two years ago I tested the then planned for Skype developer processes. I wasn't impressed. I am now. But you don't need to take my word for the new Skype that I saw in London. Pablo Bertorello from Verosee has experienced the worst of Skype Developer support and is now one of the guinea pigs test driving Skype's new support processes. Okay Pablo, tell us your impressions so far:

"the biggest improvement is that Skype is open to increasing their user and revenue base via 3rd party applications like our new product, "SkySpace™". Skype have provided clear processes and guidance to make that possible, particularly the throttling of VIP promotion for developers on the basis of market achievements. I love the potential of the new Skype software developer program."

Will Paul trip up along the way? Probably, but big deal, at least Paul has the Skype Developer Program headed in the right direction - monetization. That's an amazing feat. Good for us developers and good for Skype. Watch this space for more details about the new Skype Developer Program.

Skype cares.