While Apple's attention to detail is admirable from a user standpoint, their slow meticulous development methodology sometimes comes back to bite them in the ass.
I have x box at home and MS reaslly is trying so f..g hard to do great things for its clients . As much as i hate MS ,I love X-BOX . This Skype deal seems like a waste of money . I've always felt that some 14 yr old pimple faced kid will write some great Soft Ware and blow them all out of the water.
I hope apple can make its own home grown phone revise from scratch . A nano -ized free call phone !!
Facebook was looking for a video component, if MS manages to force them onto Skype then FaceTime is in trouble. If Facebook on the other hand started using FaceTime, Skype would quickly become a seniors-only Windows-only affair. ...
I think you can rely on FaceBook to make the wrong decision. But I don't think FaceTime will be in trouble because of it.
FaceTime is, like all things Apple, high quality and super easy to use. It will stand on its own, especially when Apple opens up the specification.
Facebook was looking for a video component, if MS manages to force them onto Skype then FaceTime is in trouble. If Facebook on the other hand started using FaceTime, Skype would quickly become a seniors-only Windows-only affair.
Also, Apple hasn't released anything for non-Apple platforms, but they indicated they were going to. If there is a FaceTime for Windows then the battle is truly on and I like FaceTime's chances.
Facebook using FaceTime has a nice ring to it. Could be a match made in heaven for both Facebook and Apple! Better yet, I would love to see this be the big acquisition that Steve has referred to when justifying the huge stockpile of cash. I know, a big leap but interesting thought.
The article mentioned that eBay bought Skype for $2.6 billion. What did they sell it for?
According to Wikipedia they sold 65% for $1.9 billion (ie, valued at $2.9 billion for the total). Now the venture capital company that bought the 65% and E-Bay split the difference, $8.5-2.9, ie, $5.5 billion as a profit two to one, ie, E-Bay gets $1.7 billion and the others $3.8 billion.
(Numbers are only approximate, calculated without the use of a calculator.)
The article mentioned that eBay bought Skype for $2.6 billion. What did they sell it for?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sevenfeet
I'm still trying to figure this deal out. eBay unloads Skype for a mere $2.75b after paying $2.5b for it and not two years later, Microsoft pays $8.5b for it? Seriously? I mean, the AI article speaks of their improved business model but is it enough to more than triple their valuation? We all know that Microsoft is good for the cash, but I can't help think that they ended up in a bidding war with Facebook and Google and wound up overpaying.
It's also an interesting play for them in terms of cell-phone carriers. They never liked Skype anyway and now Microsoft, the maker of a major phone platform owns them. Maybe Microsoft considers having Skype will be a good negotiation tactic but regardless, things get bumpy from here.
FYI, from my understanding, eBay actually sold a 65% stake for $1.9b. The result valued Skype at $2.75b but eBay lost cash on the deal. Here's a CNET article that described the deal.
Facebook using FaceTime has a nice ring to it. Could be a match made in heaven for both Facebook and Apple! Better yet, I would love to see this be the big acquisition that Steve has referred to when justifying the huge stockpile of cash. I know, a big leap but interesting thought.
Yes, it sure sounds ... right! It makes you wonder if Apple thought of this all along (naming, that is). But no, FB is not selling to AAPL or anyone else. Zuckerberg will never work for anyone else. He does not have to. He's a true entrepreneur - it's about running your own business and not selling out for a profit.
It is not clear to me exactly why MS bought Skype. They could have Skype on Wndows Phone and XBox without buying the company. I use FaceTime a lot and the video quality is far superior to Skype.
-- While Jobs advertised that FaceTime would be an open standard for others to implement - it appears that this is not the case. My recent inquiries to Apple on the subject were rebuffed with "No news"
--
Be patient, if Steve Jobs said that, it will be so.
I think you can rely on FaceBook to make the wrong decision. But I don't think FaceTime will be in trouble because of it.
FaceTime is, like all things Apple, high quality and super easy to use. It will stand on its own, especially when Apple opens up the specification.
J.
Unless Facetime is ported to Android too, it will never have a chance of becoming a "standard". You really think Apple will do that?
IMO, Microsoft just made Facetime a minor feature on an isolated platform unless Apple has it already developed and ready for a multi-platform, and works over more than wi-fi, within a few short months. With MS at 80%+ of the installed OS base, Apple can't be timid and slow as a sloth to show they intend to commit to Facetime as an open standard.
Developers have a clear and present option to integrate with Skype, particularly with official MS support now. An open-source Facetime is still vaporware.
Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division. In that role, he will report directly to Ballmer, the head of Microsoft.
Will MS axe compatibility between OS versions? Will they try to close out iOS and Mac OS? Put out special features for Windows only?
This is how they gained dominance on the desktop, using IE to marginalize competing OS and browsers.
It is a sad day for longtime Skype users.
Everything I've seen about Ballmer tells me he's a spiteful little troll. Being that his early comment about the iPhone has made him a laughing stock in many circles then I'd say that he definitely will do anything he can to hurt iOS.
I too can't help feeling that this is a sad day for Skype.
Ballmer seems to have a knack for wasting shareholder money. Just return the $8.5 billion to shareholders and have them do something useful with the money. For instance, they could buy Skype for $5 billion and then throw one heck of a party and then buy another company for $3 billion.
Seriously, if you don't have an idea how to grow a business past a certain point, stop. Give the money to the owners.
Microsoft should have used a small sliver of this price to buy a next generation database like Vertica (bought by HP instead).
Facebook was looking for a video component, if MS manages to force them onto Skype then FaceTime is in trouble. If Facebook on the other hand started using FaceTime, Skype would quickly become a seniors-only Windows-only affair.
You're tripping dude
Microsoft owns 5% of Facebook. They have a bunch of exclusive deals and agreements together.
Facebook is integrated into Bing.
Facebook is integrated into WP7.
Facebook is integrated into Windows Live.
Facebook is integrated into Live Mail.
Facebook is integrated into Microsoft Office/Outlook.
Probably the most telling is that Facebook is already integrated into Messenger.... yup, Facebook contacts, updates and chat is already built right into the core of Windows Live Messenger aka soon to be... ahh... "Microsoft Windows Live Skype Facebook Messenger Series 2"
You combine the social graphs of Messanger (300+ million users) Skype (100+ million users) and Facebook (500+ million users) and FaceTime is pretty much dead outside of Apple-to-Apple device communications.
Not that it really benefits Microsoft though, outside of preventing Google getting some kind of control over the VOIP/IM market. Unless they do something special with Skype I doubt they will even make a dime off it.
It doesn't really affect Apple either. iOS/OSX will still get Skype clients, so no problems there. If they wanted they can even still build Skype into iOS for messaging, VOIP and as a FaceTime alternative.
Everything I've seen about Ballmer tells me he's a spiteful little troll. Being that his early comment about the iPhone has made him a laughing stock in many circles then I'd say that he definitely will do anything he can to hurt iOS.
I too can't help feeling that this is a sad day for Skype.
Why? Microsoft will try to make Skype the standard, which they might do. They also can implement it into the 360 with their new Kinect, and introduce 3D skype. They also got bought out for a great price.
This is a very happy day for Skype, and a sad day for face time, which even though might be better, might not see the adoption it would have seen had Microsoft never done this.
Unless Facetime is ported to Android too, it will never have a chance of becoming a "standard". You really think Apple will do that?
IMO, Microsoft just made Facetime a minor feature on an isolated platform unless Apple has it already developed and ready for a multi-platform that works on more than wi-fi within a few short months. With 80%+ of the installed OS base, Apple can't be timid and slow as a sloth to show they intend to commit to Facetime as an open standard.
Developers have a clear and present option to integrate with Skype, particularly with official MS support now. An open-source Facetime is still vaporware.
Apple doesn't need to make an open-source facetime, or even port it to Android. All they have to do is release a free Windows version of it and it will become a very competitive product. Of course, openning up the standard is still a vital step, without it, facetime will never be the first choice in video communication.
Why? Microsoft will try to make Skype the standard, which they might do. They also can implement it into the 360 with their new Kinect, and introduce 3D skype. They also got bought out for a great price.
This is a very happy day for Skype, and a sad day for face time, which even though might be better, might not see the adoption it would have seen had Microsoft never done this.
I think you're giving Ballmer way too much credit.
Comments
You snooze you lose according to my teenage son.
That just seems crazy on all levels.
I have x box at home and MS reaslly is trying so f..g hard to do great things for its clients . As much as i hate MS ,I love X-BOX . This Skype deal seems like a waste of money . I've always felt that some 14 yr old pimple faced kid will write some great Soft Ware and blow them all out of the water.
I hope apple can make its own home grown phone revise from scratch . A nano -ized free call phone !!
9
...
Facebook was looking for a video component, if MS manages to force them onto Skype then FaceTime is in trouble. If Facebook on the other hand started using FaceTime, Skype would quickly become a seniors-only Windows-only affair. ...
I think you can rely on FaceBook to make the wrong decision. But I don't think FaceTime will be in trouble because of it.
FaceTime is, like all things Apple, high quality and super easy to use. It will stand on its own, especially when Apple opens up the specification.
J.
It could also be the reverse.
Facebook was looking for a video component, if MS manages to force them onto Skype then FaceTime is in trouble. If Facebook on the other hand started using FaceTime, Skype would quickly become a seniors-only Windows-only affair.
Also, Apple hasn't released anything for non-Apple platforms, but they indicated they were going to. If there is a FaceTime for Windows then the battle is truly on and I like FaceTime's chances.
Facebook using FaceTime has a nice ring to it. Could be a match made in heaven for both Facebook and Apple! Better yet, I would love to see this be the big acquisition that Steve has referred to when justifying the huge stockpile of cash. I know, a big leap but interesting thought.
The article mentioned that eBay bought Skype for $2.6 billion. What did they sell it for?
According to Wikipedia they sold 65% for $1.9 billion (ie, valued at $2.9 billion for the total). Now the venture capital company that bought the 65% and E-Bay split the difference, $8.5-2.9, ie, $5.5 billion as a profit two to one, ie, E-Bay gets $1.7 billion and the others $3.8 billion.
(Numbers are only approximate, calculated without the use of a calculator.)
The article mentioned that eBay bought Skype for $2.6 billion. What did they sell it for?
I'm still trying to figure this deal out. eBay unloads Skype for a mere $2.75b after paying $2.5b for it and not two years later, Microsoft pays $8.5b for it? Seriously? I mean, the AI article speaks of their improved business model but is it enough to more than triple their valuation? We all know that Microsoft is good for the cash, but I can't help think that they ended up in a bidding war with Facebook and Google and wound up overpaying.
It's also an interesting play for them in terms of cell-phone carriers. They never liked Skype anyway and now Microsoft, the maker of a major phone platform owns them. Maybe Microsoft considers having Skype will be a good negotiation tactic but regardless, things get bumpy from here.
FYI, from my understanding, eBay actually sold a 65% stake for $1.9b. The result valued Skype at $2.75b but eBay lost cash on the deal. Here's a CNET article that described the deal.
Facebook using FaceTime has a nice ring to it. Could be a match made in heaven for both Facebook and Apple! Better yet, I would love to see this be the big acquisition that Steve has referred to when justifying the huge stockpile of cash. I know, a big leap but interesting thought.
Yes, it sure sounds ... right! It makes you wonder if Apple thought of this all along (naming, that is). But no, FB is not selling to AAPL or anyone else. Zuckerberg will never work for anyone else. He does not have to. He's a true entrepreneur - it's about running your own business and not selling out for a profit.
The article mentioned that eBay bought Skype for $2.6 billion. What did they sell it for?
Looks to me like ebay just about recouped their investment in Skype if they paid $2.6 billion for their 30% share.
-- While Jobs advertised that FaceTime would be an open standard for others to implement - it appears that this is not the case. My recent inquiries to Apple on the subject were rebuffed with "No news"
--
Be patient, if Steve Jobs said that, it will be so.
J.
I think you can rely on FaceBook to make the wrong decision. But I don't think FaceTime will be in trouble because of it.
FaceTime is, like all things Apple, high quality and super easy to use. It will stand on its own, especially when Apple opens up the specification.
J.
Unless Facetime is ported to Android too, it will never have a chance of becoming a "standard". You really think Apple will do that?
IMO, Microsoft just made Facetime a minor feature on an isolated platform unless Apple has it already developed and ready for a multi-platform, and works over more than wi-fi, within a few short months. With MS at 80%+ of the installed OS base, Apple can't be timid and slow as a sloth to show they intend to commit to Facetime as an open standard.
Developers have a clear and present option to integrate with Skype, particularly with official MS support now. An open-source Facetime is still vaporware.
Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division. In that role, he will report directly to Ballmer, the head of Microsoft.
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I would hate to be forced to report to this clown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fcRBy6RAEg
There goes Skype
Will MS axe compatibility between OS versions? Will they try to close out iOS and Mac OS? Put out special features for Windows only?
This is how they gained dominance on the desktop, using IE to marginalize competing OS and browsers.
It is a sad day for longtime Skype users.
Everything I've seen about Ballmer tells me he's a spiteful little troll. Being that his early comment about the iPhone has made him a laughing stock in many circles then I'd say that he definitely will do anything he can to hurt iOS.
I too can't help feeling that this is a sad day for Skype.
Seriously, if you don't have an idea how to grow a business past a certain point, stop. Give the money to the owners.
Microsoft should have used a small sliver of this price to buy a next generation database like Vertica (bought by HP instead).
It could also be the reverse.
Facebook was looking for a video component, if MS manages to force them onto Skype then FaceTime is in trouble. If Facebook on the other hand started using FaceTime, Skype would quickly become a seniors-only Windows-only affair.
You're tripping dude
Microsoft owns 5% of Facebook. They have a bunch of exclusive deals and agreements together.
Facebook is integrated into Bing.
Facebook is integrated into WP7.
Facebook is integrated into Windows Live.
Facebook is integrated into Live Mail.
Facebook is integrated into Microsoft Office/Outlook.
Probably the most telling is that Facebook is already integrated into Messenger.... yup, Facebook contacts, updates and chat is already built right into the core of Windows Live Messenger aka soon to be... ahh... "Microsoft Windows Live Skype Facebook Messenger Series 2"
You combine the social graphs of Messanger (300+ million users) Skype (100+ million users) and Facebook (500+ million users) and FaceTime is pretty much dead outside of Apple-to-Apple device communications.
Not that it really benefits Microsoft though, outside of preventing Google getting some kind of control over the VOIP/IM market. Unless they do something special with Skype I doubt they will even make a dime off it.
It doesn't really affect Apple either. iOS/OSX will still get Skype clients, so no problems there. If they wanted they can even still build Skype into iOS for messaging, VOIP and as a FaceTime alternative.
Everything I've seen about Ballmer tells me he's a spiteful little troll. Being that his early comment about the iPhone has made him a laughing stock in many circles then I'd say that he definitely will do anything he can to hurt iOS.
I too can't help feeling that this is a sad day for Skype.
Why? Microsoft will try to make Skype the standard, which they might do. They also can implement it into the 360 with their new Kinect, and introduce 3D skype. They also got bought out for a great price.
This is a very happy day for Skype, and a sad day for face time, which even though might be better, might not see the adoption it would have seen had Microsoft never done this.
Unless Facetime is ported to Android too, it will never have a chance of becoming a "standard". You really think Apple will do that?
IMO, Microsoft just made Facetime a minor feature on an isolated platform unless Apple has it already developed and ready for a multi-platform that works on more than wi-fi within a few short months. With 80%+ of the installed OS base, Apple can't be timid and slow as a sloth to show they intend to commit to Facetime as an open standard.
Developers have a clear and present option to integrate with Skype, particularly with official MS support now. An open-source Facetime is still vaporware.
Apple doesn't need to make an open-source facetime, or even port it to Android. All they have to do is release a free Windows version of it and it will become a very competitive product. Of course, openning up the standard is still a vital step, without it, facetime will never be the first choice in video communication.
Why? Microsoft will try to make Skype the standard, which they might do. They also can implement it into the 360 with their new Kinect, and introduce 3D skype. They also got bought out for a great price.
This is a very happy day for Skype, and a sad day for face time, which even though might be better, might not see the adoption it would have seen had Microsoft never done this.
I think you're giving Ballmer way too much credit.
Will they try to close out iOS and Mac OS?
Maybe, but I don't think so.
Download and check out the Microsoft apps for iOS. Messenger, OneNote, Bing and PhotoSynth for iPhone. Bing for iPad.
They are all first class. In some cases (like PhotoSynth and some of the Bing features) they released an iOS version before their own platform.
We live in a very different world than a decade ago my friend
But it is as much a shame that Facetime is not free!!