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Bummer....call me crazy, but I like there being stand alone companies who have their own goals and agendas.
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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.
Bummer....call me crazy, but I like there being stand alone companies who have their own goals and agendas.
8.5 billion in cash?
how many suit/briefcases is that?
Just saw this news on Fox. Makes me wonder how long it will be until MS buys Google, Yahoo, and Apple.
I guess Google is having more money than Microsoft. Really.
excellent news..!!
looking forward to future developments..
It's bound to be tied in with all the other MS apps.
And what will happen with the 'non-MS platforms'?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.