Europe UK : C3, the software company supplying the Seteca interactive system for chat-and-date and social networking services, is adding a SIP interface to its system so that surfers can access sites over VoIP services such as Skype.

Seteca ( inset left ) takes calls from landlines, mobile phones, voice or 3G video, Internet soft phone including SIP video or Internet Skype. It can connect all these call types together and route them to any destination of any type.

Seteca already operates dating services and chatrooms and is now being used for social networking as well, where it allows callers to talk to each other, by whichever route they choose. It provides a commercial structure with a site moderator and a subscription facility.

With social networking already expanding fast, the ability to accept IP calls could encourage even more people to join in either via a PC with Skype or a similar connection or by phone.

C3 is introducing this service as big brands and retailers move to offer social networking services for groups of consumers with a common interest.

Companies using C3's system for social networking can already accept calls and videos directly from 3G mobile phones. The SIP option is particularly important as it will keep costs low for callers using the higher value 3G video services.

This could revolutionise social networking as people will be able to browse and update their profile by 3G phone, from wherever they happen to be; they no longer need to be at their computer to put their content online.

Social networking sites will be able to offer new revenue-generating services based around 3G video, tapping a new revenue stream.

"We are likely to see a growth in social networking sites using value-added services to grow their revenues," says John Wood, Managing Director of C3 Ltd. "This will be in addition to the income they receive from advertising."

About C3

Ltd C3 Ltd is Europe's leading supplier of standards-based communications platforms for call handling and e-business. The company has installed many thousands lines of communications technology for corporates and service providers since 1990. Applications include: prepaid telephony, emergency call out, IVR, speech recognition, contact centre, virtual call centre, voicemail, automated solutions, SMS, IdTV, VoIP and Status Messaging. C3 is based in Cambridge UK and is a member of NOC. C3 Ltd works with technology partners Aculab and Dialogic.