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Microsoft to Launch "Skype Killer"

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the next-generation-battleground dept.

TheChillPill writes "Microsoft is due to announce the launch of a service to rival Skype following the acquision of VoIP provider Teleo. While a crude version of VoIP is already included in most Instant Messaging programs, Skype is currently the only provider to allow calls to landlines and cellphones. Microsoft intends to launch the service by the end of the year. "

2 of 294 comments (clear)

  1. Google versus Grandpa Gates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I remember the old days when Microsoft used to be able to pull this off nicely. In fact, even a year ago it would probably have seemed like Microsoft would easily win this sort of market. Not anymore.

    Things have really changed in the past year. Google has grown up to be a big boy who is best buds with open source and their customers. Microsoft's problem is none of their customers actually like them because they never gave their customers choice in the same way that Google are. ("come use our service, and here's the protocol if you'd like to write your own client!")

    I'd still believe that Microsoft could've beaten Skype. Skype is just another closed protocol, similar to what Microsoft will come out with. Google Talk won't be beaten, though.

    Google and Microsoft aren't really completely different companies, it's just that Google is more open-minded and can see how a relationship with open-source and being good to their customers can benefit them, themselves.

  2. Define "launch", "killer". by spiderworm · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Launch Op: "Target set, prelaunch check complete. Waiting for your command."

    Bill: (nervous) "A-and you're sure this can't get traced back to me?"

    Launch Op: "Sir a nuclear blast tends to take out all evidence in the area."

    Steve: "Just do it, Bill. We've been through this a thousand times already."

    Bill: "Ok, ok. It just feels like there's something we're missing..."

    Steve: "Operator, commence countdown."

    Launch Op: "Countdown commencing. Ten... Nine... Eight..."

    Bill: "We've checked weather conditions, have the Skype HQ coordinates programmed in..."

    Launch Op: "Seven... Six... Five..."

    Bill: "...materials purchased from untracable sources, planted evidence on Zimbabwe..."

    Launch Op: "Four... Three... Two...

    Bill: "What am I missing?! What is it!"

    Launch Op: "One... Zero... Launchi... what the? What is this blue screen?"

    Bill: "OH SH**! OH SH**! STEVE WHAT OS DID YOU PUT ON THOSE???"

    Steve: "Windows 2003 Server. What, did you want me to use Lin.."

    Little Suzy watched the beautiful orange glow from her apartment window in Tacoma. She didn't know where it had come from, but she felt that somehow, everything was right with the world.