It's Official: Microsoft Acquires Skype

It looks like all the rumours were true and that Microsoft has indeed bought Skype. Microsoft paid $8.5 billion for Skype, with the agreement being approved by the board of directors of both companies.

Microsoft Wins!

In a statement, Microsoft said, “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 CEO Tony Bates added, “Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers, together, we will be able to accelerate Skype's plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate”.

Skype will now also support devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone as well as a wide array of other Windows devices. Skype users will also be able to connect to Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live as well as other Microsoft communities. It is also stated that Microsoft will continue to invest and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms. A new Microsoft Skype division will be created within Microsoft with current Skype CEO, Tony Bates, becoming president of that division and reporting directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.