Trolltech announced today that Skype has chosen Trolltech’s Qtopia as the preferred platform for connecting the Skype user interface to the operating system in Skype Certified WiFi handsets and a variety of other devices that deliver a Skype experience.

Skype works with handset manufacturers who wish to add Skype capabilities to their devices. As this business expands, it becomes increasingly important that handsets share the same application platform. The Qtopia platform reduces the time-to-market for Skype devices while ensuring that handsets can be updated easily.

“Trolltech’s Qtopia will enable us to bring new devices, features and services to market quickly,” said Gareth O’Loughlin, Head of Mobile and Hardware Devices at Skype. “We like Qtopia because it offers us a complete solution, the flexibility we need and a track record of performance since many of our ODMs already use Qtopia.”

“The expanded use of Trolltech technology in Skype’s offerings is an important development for us,” said Eirik Chambe-Eng, Trolltech co-CEO and co-founder. “As a company, we take great pride in enabling our customers to offer innovative end-user and enterprise products and services,” he noted. “Qtopia has played an important role in the internet-calling market and being chosen by Skype as one of its development platforms validates our efforts in this important emerging space.”

Skype and Trolltech have been partners ever since Skype used Trolltech’s flagship product, Qt®, to create its Skype for Linux desktop offering. The software allowed people to make free calls and exchange instant messages with other Skype users worldwide.