The Future of MicroSkype

So Microsoft has paid the huge sum of $8.5 billion for Skype.  Historically, companies by other firms for one of two main reasons: (1) to acquire a technology or (2) to broaden customer base. In this case Microsoft gets both.

At the same time, the history of software acquisitions is not kind to the acquired company which typically is, at best, left to wither and die after the core is sucked out. 

I tend to rely heavily on Woody’s Office Watch for all things Microsoft. They are about the only people who tell it like it is.  In this case I agree with their post about the acquisition.

It will be good for Microsoft, but people who use Skype on non-Microsoft platforms may be in for disappointment a year or two down the road.