Microsoft will acquire Skype for $8.5 billion. Skype will support Microsoft devices, such as Xbox, Kinect, Windows Phone, and a wide array of Windows devices. Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities.
Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms for Skype.
ABI researcher, Aap Markkanen, commented:
"A preinstalled, well integrated Skype client could be a potent differentiator for Windows Phone devices vs. Androids, iPhone and BlackBerry. Thus far, there aren't many, at least in the positive sense of the word..
Telcos won't be happy to see another over-the-top front opening. They're trying hard to make VoIP working for them rather than only against them. But having said that, if they wished that the Nokisoft tie-up would result in a leading yet still operator-friendlier ecosystem they will be disappointed."