Skype, based in Luxembourg, offers free voice and video communications over the Internet, a popular alternative to standard telephone calls, especially over long distances. "By bringing together the best of Microsoft and the best of Skype, we will empower people around the world with new technologies that should bring them closer together," an effusive Ballmer said. Though analysts questioned the price and Microsoft's spotty record of digesting companies it buys, the Redmond, Wash., firm stands to gain a bigger presence in mobile communications just as people shift away from the desktop computers that made Microsoft the world's most dominant software company. The deal - Microsoft's most expensive acquisition - also snatched Skype out of the hands of other potential suitors, which reportedly included Google and Facebook. Those plans included the potential for video chats between game players on Microsoft's popular Xbox platform, Internet audio calls by business associates through the Outlook e-mail program, or mobile conferencing through Windows Phone. Microsoft on Tuesday placed its biggest bet yet - $8.5 billion for Internet voice and video communications company Skype - on a deal the software giant hopes will help it better compete in a world shifting away from desktop computers.ĭuring a news conference in San Francisco, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer announced the all-cash deal for Skype and outlined grand plans to bring the technology to a wider audience of consumers and business customers. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Skype CEO Tony Bates discuss the $8.5 billion deal at a news conference in San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX *** Microsoft has agreed to buy Skype for $8.5 billion. Facebook Twitter Email SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 10: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (L) shakes hands with Skype CEO Tony Bates during a news conference on in San Francisco, California.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |