Over the past few years, Skype has blossomed to over 200 million global users, both consumers and businesses, anxious to reduce their spending on long distance calling. Now that Microsoft has purchased Skype for 8.5 billion dollars, we’re predicting more sophisticated and cost-effective voice and video conferencing for businesses world wide.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Skype CEO Tony Bates. Photo credit: Harry McCracken, Technologizer via TechRepublic
The first task on Microsoft’s agenda will be to integrate Skype into the operation systems of Nokia handsets (a Nokia and Microsoft partnership was signed earlier this year making Windows Phone the principle software on Nokia handsets), but ultimately the goal is to continue the trend towards low-cost voice and video conferencing in all areas of communication. Microsoft already offers Lync, communications software integrated into the Office suite, but Skype will add another dimension to Microsoft’s offerings.
There’s is speculation that Microsoft will integrate Skype into future desktop operating systems, offering another reason for users to continue using Windows rather than switch allegiances to the Macintosh line, something that must keep Mr. Gates awake at night. But Microsoft is not just obsessed with their operating systems, even though all evidence points to the contrary.
(Coincidently, we’re about to release the latest version of our Call Center Agent software, which includes Lync integration. We released Skype integration earlier this year.)
Aside from savings in commuications costs, the Microsoft purchase of Skype will further broaden Microsoft’s penetration into the business solutions marketplace, as Skype’s infrastructure now allows the software giant to terminate calls to the regular telephone network, not just between users of its software. Centralized reporting on call traffic will come directly from one Microsoft product to another, making the process of converting data much simpler and easier to integrate.
Whether the move makes financial sense for Microsoft is still very much up in the air. If Microsoft can win over new customers in the mobile market, they’ll be able to call this venture a success. But if not, they may find themselves forever in the red on this deal. It’s always exciting to see two industry leaders coming together to improve solutions that are such a big part of our day-to-day. However the deal shapes up financially for Microsoft, our guess is that the it’ll be good news for businesses world wide. Expect a decrease in cost and an increase in access to sophisticated video-conferencing solutions or businesses of all sizes.
Tags: Apple, integration, Microsoft, skype, small business, Steve Ballmer, Tony Bates, video conferencing