Microsoft buys Skype for 8.5 Billion Dollars *pinky to corner of mouth*

[Redfish]

Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion. Why, Exactly?

Just days after reports that Google and Facebook were interested in partnering with, and possibly buying VoIP company Skype, Microsoft announced that it was buying the company for $8.56 billion in cash.

Last year, Skype had revenue of $860 million on which it posted an operating profit of $264 million. However, overall it made a small loss of $7 million, and had long-term debt of $686 million. This is the second time Skype has been bought out; after being started in 2003, it was purchased by eBay in 2005 for $3.1 billion. EBay then sold the majority of its stake in 2009 to a private investment group for $1.2 billion less than it paid.

See entire article here http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/05/microsoft-buys-skype-2/


I love me some skype when I'm ready but I'm not sure what plan Microsoft has for it. I just hope they don't make it sucky like video chat on msn that is the lamest thing out.

If it is just to prevent google and fb from grabbing it, that a pretty expensive cock-block for Microsoft to do 

[W1nTry]

REALLY LATE on this on man XD but as for what they intend to do, thus far all that we know on the cards is integration with WP7 and XBL. Which are welcomed features to be sure, however not enough to warrant such a massive price tag. Thus its safe to PREsume that MS knows something we don't. MY take, just as Google has gmail phone chat, it's own mobile OS and even phone, MS needs a GOOD app that will do the same. Integrate into online voice chats with WP7, XBL but maybe even become its own telecom.. google is invested in PHYSICAL infrastructure, so why not?

[TriniXaeno]

Marry this with the news that Microsoft has partnered with Nokia and you can see huge potential for a revamp in their telecoms strategy.

There are a lot of interesting places that this can go (and a lot of frightening places too)

[Crixx_Creww]

The sleeping Giant has awoken

[Spazosaurus]

Hmmm given their recent track record of less than successful translation of BIG acquired companies to solid products and services, I just have to say, if you like Skype, prepare to look for an alternative.

[Redfish]

REALLY LATE on this on man XD but as for what they intend to do, thus far all that we know on the cards is integration with WP7 and XBL. Which are welcomed features to be sure, however not enough to warrant such a massive price tag. Thus its safe to PREsume that MS knows something we don't. MY take, just as Google has gmail phone chat, it's own mobile OS and even phone, MS needs a GOOD app that will do the same. Integrate into online voice chats with WP7, XBL but maybe even become its own telecom.. google is invested in PHYSICAL infrastructure, so why not?

@W1ntry

Well excuuuuuse me Mr. Eye or Sauron, yes I can read the date you know jeez

Wyatt I know it has potential eh but as Awesome rightly stated they barge in thrown up some "dollars" get these companies and then flush them down the toiled because they have no clue how to incorporate it into the Cube Borg style lol.

I am just praying they don't screw over Skype because MSN Messenger really is retarded for video calls much less anything else. No innovation whatsoever...