I love Skype. I think it's got a great interface and a lot of enthusiastic users (more than 52 million registered users and more than 2 million paying customers). Most of all, I like the fact that it actually works as promised. It handles more than a third of internet-based phone calls in the U.S. today.
What I don't understand is the fit with eBay. I see Microsoft, Yahoo and Google are battling it out in the IM world and will each start to move more aggressively into telecom over the web. I could see one of them acquiring Skype to gain market share. Any of those three could figure out how to better monetize those 50 million-plus users. I could also see Verizon or another telecom or cable company acquiring Skype, rather than sitting on the sidelines watching their core business erode further.
I could also see Skype remaining independent. They could fund their growth either through strategic partnerships or through an IPO.
eBay certainly has a lot of cash. And Skype has a lot of active users. But I don't see any synergy between eBay and Skype. And trying to bring these two companies together will probably just distract each from their core focus. These two companies are great at what they do, and should keep that focus.
And so, I hope Skype remains independent for a little while longer.
Posted by: |