• Launched in August of 2003CrunchBase: Skype
    • Founded: Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis
    • CEO: Josh Silverman
    • Generated $126 million in 2008 Q1
    • In 2007 after a Microsoft Windows update Skype incurred several days of technical issues, the problems were caused by millions of user rebooting their computers to complete the Microsoft update
    • Generated $145 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2009CrunchBase: Skype
    • Sold to eBay in September of 2005 for $2.68 billionCrunchBase: Skype
    • Has more than 450 million usersTimes Online: Apple's iPhone brings Skype to the mobile masses
    • Users can communicate via video if they have webcamsHoovers: Skype Profile
    • Web based software allows users to make free calls via the internetHoovers: Skype Profile
    • Founders are known for their other startups that include Kazaa and Joost

  • Skype is a free internet telephony network, on which users can chat live or make phone calls through their internet connection (much like Vonage's VoIP service). Skype was bought by eBay in 2005.

    On April 14, 2009, eBay announced their intention to release Skype as a separate public entity with a planned release as an initial public offering during the first half of 2010. eBay made the decision following failed attempts at selling the company for a value they deemed acceptable and the because of the current status of the market.The New York Times: EBay Plans Public Offering for Skype

  • Services

    In addition to the free services that only allow Skype users to call each other there are several premium services available as well. These services include the ability to dial a standard land line and make international calls. Premium users can also accept incoming calls from any phone as part of the "Skype-In" package.

  • Skype Lite

    Skype announced at CES 2009 that they were coming out with a Skype Lite version that would run on the Google Android operating system as well as other Java-enabled phones. A version of Skype Lite for Apple iPhone users is also said to be in the works.PC World: Big Skype Update Coming ... (January 8, 2009)

  • Ebay Acquisition

    In September of 2005 it was announced that eBay would be acquiring Skype for $2.6 billion. The deal was for half cash, half stock and represents one of the larger acquisitions in recent dotcom history. By bringing Skype into the eBay family it was thought it could be used as communication tool between auctioneers and consumers. In April of 2008 eBay CEO John Donahoe hinted that eBay may consider selling Skype if it can not find a good synergy between the service and its existing portfolio.

  • Mobile iPhone Application

    On March 31, 2009, Skype launched its mobile application for Apple's iPhone, a move it has been pushing towards for awhile. Initially, the iPhone application will not offer users access to all the benefits of Skype mobile, mainly due to Apple's relationship with AT&T, now a direct competitor with Skype. The most noticeable drawback is that calls cannot be made unless there is wifi access in the area.USA Today: Review: Skype for iPhone (March 30, 2009)

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