Last year Skype witnessed 170 million members and more than 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations. Just a week back, Skype was rumored to be acquired by Facebook until Microsoft entered the scenario putting an end to all the speculations.
The news has it that Microsoft as entered a definitive agreement with Skype in which the former will acquire the latter for $8.5 billion.
This acquisition is said to boost opportunities for consumers and enterprise users alongside augment the accessibility of real-time video and voice communication. It is also expected to offer new business and revenue opportunities. Microsoft’s renowned gaming consoles such as Xbox and Kinect will now support Skype along with a host of Windows Phone devices.
“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 was earlier acquired by eBay in Sep 2005 and then by Silver Lake in Nov 2009. Its acquisition by Microsoft is yet subject to approvals and customary closing conditions.