Microsoft buys Skype for $8,5 billion

247 – Microsoft confirmed the purchase of the online communications service Skype on Tuesday morning for US$8,5 billion. With the acquisition, Microsoft intends to integrate the features of the real-time voice and video program into some of its products, such as the Xbox console, its Xbox Live virtual network, the Kinect motion sensor controller, Windows Phone, Outlook, among others. In a statement, the company said it will continue to invest in and develop Skype clients for other platforms. According to Reuters, this was Microsoft's largest acquisition in its 36-year history.

“Skype is an extraordinary service, loved by millions of people around the world. Together, we will create the future of real-time communications,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Once the acquisition is complete, Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft,” said Skype CEO Tony Bates in an official statement. “It’s an incredible day for everyone at Skype as we take a significant step toward realizing our vision of transforming the world into a better, more connected place,” added Bates, who will become president of Microsoft Skype once the purchase is finalized.

Currently, Skype has 170 million users worldwide, who in 2010 spent 207 billion minutes conversing via voice and video. Founded in 2003 by European entrepreneurs Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friisestá, the company was bought by the auction site eBay in 2005 and acquired by the investment group Silver Lake in November 2009.