14 DAY TRIAL // Today, May 10, 2011, Microsoft has entered an agreement with Skype to acquire the VoIP communications company for $8.5 billion, promising to “continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.”
Founded in 2003, Skype was first acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009.
Redmond-based Microsoft is the third corporation to buy its assets with plans to integrate the service in devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and others.
The Windows maker also has plans to connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities and promises to “continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms,” according to the company’s press release issued today.
Skype is currently available on multiple OSes that can be considered non-Microsoft platforms, including Apple’s Mac OS X and the iOS powering iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices.
Reading past Microsoft’s optimistic statement, the company could now use Skype as a weapon in whatever disputes it and Apple may engage in.
With over 600 million accounts, 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype is, by no means, a negligible asset on any platform.
Commenting on the acquisition, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer revealed his company’s plans to “create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”
Surely, Apple would have wanted to be the first to revolutionize the concept, but it can always do so through FaceTime. If only they decided to open it up to other platforms already.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division. He’ll be reporting directly to Ballmer.