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EBay Mulling Skype Sale

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the do-you-hear-that-flushing-sound dept.

MaineCoasts writes "The Financial Times reports that eBay's new CEO is evaluating a sale of Skype if new ways cannot be found for the fast-growing service to support its core e-commerce business. EBay reported earlier this week that Skype had a 61 percent increase in first-quarter revenue over the same quarter last year and now has 309 million users worldwide."

5 of 82 comments (clear)

  1. You don't need Skype for voice communications by Starturtle · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Ebay originally believed that Skype would oil the wheels of its online markets by making communications easier between buyers and sellers If there was a viable business model here, I would imagine that phone numbers, along with the shipping name and address, would have already been part of the personal information that would have been available after an auction was won. Skype would have only added some mild anonymity. Honestly, I think that most people prefer the impersonal interaction of e-Bay.
  2. eBay should list it on eBay. by theurge14 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hear it's not a bad place to dump off unnecessary thing.

  3. Re:The window is closing fast. by smclean · · Score: 5, Informative

    Let's hope they don't and Skype dies a quiet death!

    We can all use SIP and not pay tribute for a proprietary protocol.. and we can use whatever client we want rather than an annoying proprietary one.

    Skype's business model is lock-in.. Die Die Die!

    Someone had to say it, this *is* slashdot..

    --

    "'Yrch!' said Legolas, falling into his own tongue."

  4. Re:No Bid by Al_Lapalme · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I used to read PayPalSucks.com alot until I came to realize that a large number of complaints are from people who try to screw the system anyway (ie; people signing up with fake info complaining that their funds are frozen and they can't prove who they are, or opening multiple accounts, or closing an account after receiving a dispute (leaving a negative balance) - and opening a new account, then complaining that they got linked (DUMBASS)). there are probably legitimate complaints on the site and there are many things that Ebay and PayPal do that I don't agree with- but I wouldn't rely on the feedback on that site. I've been using paypal for 5 years and never had a problem.

    --
    Al
  5. The Financial Times Says that the CEO says... by ageedoy · · Score: 5, Informative

    Well the CEO says:

    Q. I read in the Financial Times that we may sell Skype. That if the synergies are strong, we'll keep it in our portfolio. If not, we'll reassess it. Is this true?

    We have no plans to sell Skype... and why would we? As I said in the story, it's a great business with a great purpose -- enabling the world's conversations. With a new president, our plan for Skype is to focus on providing the best possible user experience and continuing the incredible growth momentum we've enjoyed with Skype for the past four years.

    To be clear, I've fully supported big investments in Skype, including removing the earn-out, and bringing over some top talent like Josh. I think this business has tremendous potential that we've only started to tap. Josh and I are both excited about the prospects ... our job now is to make sure we continue to build on Skype's successes and grow its passionate community of users.

    http://ebayinkblog.com/2008/04/18/john-donahoe-talks-to-ebay-ink/