Microsoft to buy Skype for $7 billion

If this goes through, I wonder what would happen to Skype's Linux and Mac support. I'd hope MS would still support it, but I don't think they have any Linux software currently (I'm not positive about that, so please correct me if I'm wrong) and the Mac version of Office is always delayed compared to the Windows version. I hope Skype doesn't similarly languish.

Re: Microsoft to buy Skype for $7 billion

#5

Post by cfinke » Tue, May 10, 2011, 2:15 AM UTC

Maybe I've missed something, but what has changed in the two years since eBay spun off Skype at a valuation of < $3B to make it worth more than $7 billion today?

Re: Microsoft to buy Skype for $7 billion

#6

Post by shrikant » Tue, May 10, 2011, 2:15 AM UTC

TFA talks about how this "could play a role in Microsoft's effort to turnaround its fortunes in the mobile phone market".

Personally I feel this could be more about Microsoft strengthening its enterprise communications portfolio. Communicator/Lync is a giant turd, and this could be their play at Cisco's market, rather than Apple/Google's.

(Incidentally, the Skype chief exec Tony Bates is ex-Cisco)

Re: Microsoft to buy Skype for $7 billion

#7

Post by eropple » Tue, May 10, 2011, 2:16 AM UTC

bobx11 wrote: post #3

I think a lot of people would try to use other services if this goes through.

Hilariously unlikely, unless your definition of "a lot" is small enough to cover the more neckbeardy sorts in the Linux community and maybe a few ABMers.

Most people just don't care so long as the software works well. (Whether Skype does work well is debatable, but given its popularity, it seems to work better than the rest of the options available. EKIGA SOFTPHONE, EVERYONE!)

Re: Microsoft to buy Skype for $7 billion

#8

Post by dman » Tue, May 10, 2011, 2:16 AM UTC

I hope all the IP is included in this deal.

Re: Microsoft to buy Skype for $7 billion

#9

Post by latch » Tue, May 10, 2011, 2:16 AM UTC

Weren't we talking about Google or Facebook buying Skype a few days ago at $1-3 billion? What the heck happened? Insecurities?

Re: Microsoft to buy Skype for $7 billion

#10

Post by 1880 » Tue, May 10, 2011, 2:17 AM UTC

I guess the Linux client will stay beta forever... sigh