An app developer has discovered some API hooks in the Facebook code that would allow for Skype integration. Since this has been spoken about before—i.e., Facebook looking into video teleconference back in 2009—it seems a likely team up. The Next Web is running a story about the discovery and the developer who pointed it out,

In a blog post today, Facebook app developer Tal Ater claims to have stumbled upon a Javascript object on the Facebook website called VideoChat with a number of properties that specifically mention Skype.

Facebook was previously reported to be testing a video chat feature back in May 2009, when similar code (not featuring mentions of Skype) was found. At the time Facebook said it had no plans to release the feature to users.

The new code features mentions of SkypeIDs, a pretty clear signal that Skype integration is at least being considered. The code is apparently only loaded sporadically, leading Ater to speculate that Facebook is “bucket testing” the code across a small section of its userbase.

When it comes to collaboration, learning, and social media vide is the killer app and Skype has one of the best positioned platforms for delivery. Integrating with Facebook would only add to their already giant install base. It’s not unlikely that they’re in talks together, although neither Facebook nor Skype are commenting on the article.

As Skype is right now going public with their video platforms they do have to find some sort of an edge against both Microsoft and Cisco who are trying hard to fill out their niches of the market.

Additionally, Skype should continue to look at their partnership with Apple with FaceTime, which had been released for iPhone 4 and Mac. Although, it didn’t go over so well for them, mostly due to a dearth of people prepared to use their phones for video conferencing. With the number of people who use Facebook with their phones, text conversations might just turn into video collaboration on phone more likely if the enhancement stands right there between them.

Where will Skype go? That’s still up in the air.

A deal with Apple would have huge impact for both Apple and Skype; and a deal with Facebook would have gigantic appeal for Skype over Cicso and Microsoft in the video collaboration markets. Both of these approaches will serve Skype well, especially if they intend to go public within the next year.