Skype takes you to Timbuktu, but can it bring you back?
It has been a few months now since Netopia released Timbuktu that solved a long standing problem for Timbuktu, NAT traversal. Timbuktu is a remote desktop software which was initially developed for Apple Macintosh but now run on both platforms, MAC and windows. Earlier versions, required users to have a routable IP address in order to connect. If you were behind a NAT or a Firewall, you were out of luck.
But good folks at Netopia saw the chance in Skype, Skype connects two or more users, without any problems, where ever they are as long as they are connected to the internet. It reverse firewalls and NAT routers without any hindrance. So Netopia decided to take a ride on Skypes back.
It is a good achievement for Timbaktu and now users can talk to each other via Skype while Timbuktu connects desktops.
I have not used Timbuktu in a long while, I think more than 10 years, so I cannot tell you how it operates now. But it does not matter, the point I am bringing out is, if Timbuktu can take a ride on Skype's back, what else will?
According to Netopia,
"Skype Integration - Timbuktu Pro features integration with Skype's popular Internet Telephony software to enhance Timbuktu Pro's connectivity options.
* From the familiar Timbuktu Pro interface, search for and connect to other Timbuktu Pro and Skype users through your Skype contacts list
* Timbuktu Pro leverages SkypeÂ’s API to automatically navigate through routers, firewalls and NAT devices".
Italsos states that, "Timbuktu Pro 8.6 works with Skype software. This product uses the Skype API but is not endorsed or certified by Skype. Skype is a trademark of Skype Technologies S.A. in Luxembourg and other countries."
So anyone could, many have already done similar to Netopia, develop an application thatleveragess Skype's connection profiles.
The Skype API is available for anyone to download and I would suggest, that users take good care as to what runs through your Skype connection. It could be a good application as well as bad applications such as rootkits, malware etc.
This is not only a fault of Skype, any P2P software could bring you the same risk. But the shear number of users of skype, (many malware and viruses were written for windows also the same reason, shear numbers), will attract those bad people. Users must take care of their PC's or MAC's, using appropriate firewall and virus protection software, and good old common sense.
I did a search on google to find if any one has noted this danger, but all I found in first few pages were phrases and encouragement, to both Netopia and Skype. So there goes the common sense, so rely on the other two.
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