Skype is about to get some serious funding. Microsoft Corp. has announced plans to buy the web communications company, for the sum of $8.5 billion. Does that seem like a bargain?
Well, just a few days ago, there were rumblings that both Google and Facebook were interested in partnering with Skype. Microsoft then swooped in, with plans to boost the company's presence -- as well as its revenue, of course.
Besides being able to Skype through computers and mobile phones, Skype has popped up in both Samsung and Panasonic products. Currently, Skype is a standard feature on select Samsung HDTVs and select Panasonic HDTVs, Blu-ray players (including the DMP-BDT110), and home theater setups. For a nominal investment in a Blu-ray player and cam, you can turn virtually any TV into a huge video phone and call other Skype users on PCs or similar devices (just be sure to put on pants... or not).
Founded in 2003, Skype was bought up by eBay in September 2005. The investment group Silver Lake then took over in November 2009. Under Silver Lake, the service has expanded its reach, as well as its partnerships and product offerings. They were also pretty good to subscribers, boosting monthly calling minutes by 150 percent.
Skype says that they currently have 170 million connected users, which had over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010.
Microsoft is no stranger to the talk world, either. They currently offer real-time communications via Lync, Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE. The company plans to put Skype support into the Xbox and its Kinect accessory, as well as the Windows Phone, and Windows devices. They will also link up Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities, as well as support current Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.
"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," said Microsoft CEO Steve 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."
Skype will operate as a new business division within Microsoft. Current Skype CEO Tony Bates will take on the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division.
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