Skype CIO Lars Rabbe has published a blog post detailing the problems that affected the company’s VoIP service for around 24 hours from 4pm on Wednesday 22nd December. He explains that a group of support servers became overloaded and one particular version of the Skype for Windows client couldn’t process the responses. This affected around 20% of Skype clients worldwide to fail, overloading other parts of the network.
As a result of the problems, Skype is reviewing its processes for providing updates to users, for detecting problems and for testing new software.
Skype has also announced the new version of its iPhone application, which adds the option of video calling over 3G and WiFi networks. The Skype app is already one of 2010’s top five free iPhone apps.
Neil Stevens, general manager of Skype’s consumer business, said “With video calling representing approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones. By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are.”
The new Skype for iPhone app is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 4th generation with iOS 4.0 or above. Video receiving is available on the iPod touch 3rd generation and iPad. Skype video calls can already be made between devices using Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux and the ASUS Videophone.