Windows 7 - Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5B in Cash

Dave76 · 05-10-2011

Quote:

Updated 5/11/2011 @ 8:34am
Well, the news is now official. Microsoft just announced that it is acquiring Skype for $8.5 billion in cash. Microsoft says that Skype will bolster its "existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services."
As expected, Skype will be tightly integrated into the Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7 platform. Microsoft is also creating a new business division called the Microsoft Skype Division, which will be headed by Skype CEO Tony Bates (he will report directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer).
“Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world,” said Ballmer. “Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”
“Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers,” said Bates. “Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype's plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate.”
You can read the full press release here.

More....

pparks1 · 05-10-2011

Bummer....call me crazy, but I like there being stand alone companies who have their own goals and agendas.

mickey megabyte · 05-10-2011

8.5 billion in cash?

how many suit/briefcases is that?

Britton30 · 05-10-2011

Just saw this news on Fox. Makes me wonder how long it will be until MS buys Google, Yahoo, and Apple.

Win7User512 · 05-10-2011

Quote: Originally Posted by mickey megabyte

8.5 billion in cash?

how many suit/briefcases is that?

+1

If I had $8.5 Billion in cash I certainly wouldn't waste it on Skype.... I'd keep it.

Quote: Originally Posted by Britton30

Just saw this news on Fox. Makes me wonder how long it will be until MS buys Google, Yahoo, and Apple.

Someone please buy Facebook!

FredeGail · 05-10-2011

I guess Google is having more money than Microsoft. Really.

BugMeister · 05-10-2011

excellent news..!!

looking forward to future developments..

Dave76 · 05-10-2011

It's bound to be tied in with all the other MS apps.

Quote:

Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.

And what will happen with the 'non-MS platforms'?

mr pc · 05-10-2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Dave76

It's bound to be tied in with all the other MS apps.

Quote:

Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.

And what will happen with the 'non-MS platforms'?

Hopefully a new voIP service will come along

brady · 05-10-2011

Quote: Originally Posted by BugMeister

excellent news..!!

looking forward to future developments..

I'm just hoping they won't break it!