"By excluding AMD, Skype and Intel have deliberately denied Skype's customers the freedom to choose which product best meets their needs.", according to AMD. Skype's latest version, launched last week, boasts a conference call feature that can be used by up to ten people, but requires Intel's dual-core processor to be functional. (see CDRinfo's previous news on this).

When contacted by the CDRinfo news team to comment on Skype's latest software and the exclusion of AMD's processors, AMD Global Communications consultant Michael Silverman sent us an official statement that reads as follows:

"Hundreds of credible 3rd party reviews worldwide have proven that AMD is the clear performance leader over Intel. We feel confident that our processors - if allowed to compete fairly - would deliver equal and likely better performance for Skype customers who use the 10-way conference calling service."

Last June, AMD filed an antitrust complaint against Intel where it accuses its rival of unlawfully maintaining its monopoly in the x86 microprocessor market by engaging in worldwide coercion of customers from dealing with AMD. (see CDRinfo's previous news on this).

According to AMD, Skype latest release once again shows there is no fair competition in the processor market. "Intel has bullied its customers - particularly PC manufacturers - through financial threats and intimidation into entering exclusive deals, conditioning rebates on avoidance of AMD products and with threats of retaliation.", can be read on AMD's Web site.

An Intel spokesman has not responded yet to AMD's latest comments when contacted by one of the CDRinfo journalists, nor has a Skype representative.

To read AMD's point of view on Intel's inequitable business go to AMD.