Andre Yoskowitz
10 May 2011 11:57
Following two nights of speculation, Microsoft has confirmed it will be purchasing Skype for $8.5 billion in cash.
The deal has already been approved by both boards of directors.
Skype has 170 million "connected users" and those users ran over 207 billion minutes of voice and video in 2010.
Microsoft says:
The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype’s world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft’s existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.
Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world. 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.