At Skype, we have a lot of great relationships with partners whose hardware or software helps enhance the Skype experience.

To date, we've certified about 200 devices and accessories, like the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000, for example. Plus about 20 great pieces of software that extend the use of Skype.

Overall, we certify hardware and software in eight categories.

Why do we do this? After all, there are thousands of products out there that work with Skype. Or kind-of-sort-of work with Skype. That's why. It's this last situation that the Skype Certification program is meant to help avoid.

The Skype Certified logo is our way of giving a product an enthusiastic two thumbs up. (Once our engineers have given the product a thorough check-up, that is). As a result, the Skype Certified label is a nifty shortcut for consumers who have better things to do than to set up, say, a world-class audio testing facility to see whether her new internet phone is worth buying.

Right now, we're updating our certification policies and guidelines. As part of this effort, the Skype Developer Program (SDP) no longer accepts submissions to certify applications in the mobile and remote-access category.

With the growing number of certified products out there, we don't always have a satisfactory level of visibility and control to ensure that all partners stick to our certification guidelines.

We think we owe this move to Skype users who've come to trust the Skype Certified label and would be less than pleased with a substandard product carrying it.