By Sharla Sikes

Social networking site Myspace has formed a partnership with Skype to add VoIP calling to its many other services.

MySpaceIM will integrate with Skype calling. MySpace members will also be able to integrate their profiles, photos and avatars with Skype accounts.

“Our network has no geographical boundaries, and internet calling is the natural next step for our members to communicate with each other,” said Chris DeWolfe, co-founder and chief executive of MySpace.

Users will not be required to download Skype software, though they will need to update to the latest version of MySpace’s IM program. The service, which will be free but requires subscription to Skype’s premium services—which are not free—should be available by mid-November in 20 countries.

Analysts say that adding Skype will help give MySpace an edge over competitor Facebook www.facebook.com.

“We think that incorporating Skype into its profile pages could prove an effective way of doing that,” said John Delaney, principal analyst at Ovum. “Communication is an essential element of social networks, and the ability to add voice communication is likely to appeal to many.”

But what does Skype get from the deal? Terms weren’t disclosed, but Delaney guesses it may pertain to licensing.

“We are reliably informed that Skype will not be getting a share of MySpace advertising revenues, nor do we believe that this is likely to drive very much revenue from usage of the Skype Out service. … Skype may be receiving licensing revenues from MySpace for the use of its service, but that is not clear from today’s announcement.”

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