Two different new items point to the increasing penetration of Skype and other Internet P2P telephony services.

SKYPE BLESSED BY WAL-MART
Wal-Mart is creating a special electronics section in 1,800 stores for Skype-compatible handsets, headsets and webcams. Wal-Mart will also sell Skype prepaid calling cards. Skype gear vendors will be available from Motorola, plantronics, Logitech, and Philips.

MICROSOFT LAUNCHES INTERNET PHONES
Microsoft has leaped over to the hardware side of the fence by selling Internet phones and headsets that work with its software as part of its Office Communicator unified communications initiative. Microsoft expects Internet phones to generate billions of dollars in revenues. Participating manufacturers include Samsung, NEC, LG Electronics, Nortel Networks, Asus, Plantronics, Polycom, Tatung and Vitelix.