If you use Skype, then your family probably uses Skype as well, and like me you are probably responsible for topping up their account when it gets low.

If so, then take a look at Skype Groups.

Skype Groups enables you to allocate Skype credits to your family, employees, or anyone for that matter. You simply buy Skype credits using a bank transfer, PayPal, MoneyBookers or credit card (the option displayed to you depends on your country and payment history with Skype) and then allocate the Skype credits to each member of you group how ever you want.

Another really cool feature of Skype Groups is you can set up an auto top-up for each user, simply set the minimum balance for a member of your group and once a day Skype Groups will automatically check the balance and order more credits for that person if required.

If you’re in business and you buy the Skype credits for your employees then you’ll love Skype Groups as it enables you allocate the Skype credits to your employees and lets you print reports and invoices about the purchases.

From a developers point of view it now makes much more sense to "Skype-enable" your application targeting SMB's.

Two friends of ours that have done a great job integrating Skype into their CRM software are Columbus/SuperOffice CRM and Hansaworld CRM. Now the companies using their CRM system has easy way to call directly through the computer and also an easy way to managing and allocating Skype Credits to the employees.

For more info on Skype Groups, and to sign up (it’s free), take a look at http://www.skype.com/products/skypegroups/

Here are a few interesting facts and figures that came from some research we did with the 2000+ companies that signed up during the Skype Groups beta period

Interesting if you want to know a little more about the companies using Skype Groups.

50% of all companies using Skype Groups have less than 10 employees, and 75% of the Skype Groups companies have less then 50 employees. Still over 63% of them are conducting business abroad.

Almost 70% of the Skype Groups users had bought a headset to use with Skype.

56% of the companies using Skype Groups don’t have PBX.

Skype is just not for calling, 62% of the companies also use the instant messenger and multi-chat functionality in Skype. 37% also use Skype file transfer.

30% have their SkypeIn number or their Skype name on their business card.

45% use the conference calling functionality.