Microsoft To Buy Skype

Microsoft has announced the buyout of Skype, the famous internet call and voice chat software package. The deal is reportedly worth 8.5 billion US$.

The purchase of Skype enters around 170 million users around the world to microsoft’s circle who already dominate the operating system industry. Microsoft announced integration of Skype with Xbox, Outlook Express & Windows Smartphone who will use the newly bought package as the internet calling package. Skype will be supported on other platforms as well.

The Skype takeover tops Microsoft’s biggest previous acquisition of online ad service aQuantive in 2007 – a $6 billion purchase.

Microsoft said Skype will become a new business division headed by Skype CEO Tony Bates, who will report directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.