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EBay Sells Skype To Marc Andreessen

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the must-be-nice-to-have-that-bankroll dept.

Julefrokost writes "Computerworld has a story about eBay selling Skype. Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape, along with a group of investors, are reported to have paid $2 billion for Skype. According to the New York Times, Google was also a potential buyer. Also, the original founders of Skype are said to have placed a bid, but Marc Andreessen & Co was the highest bidder."

5 of 125 comments (clear)

  1. I hope they improve it... as it was. by xtracto · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I hope the new owners make it better and re-incorporate the functionality it had before.

    I really miss Skypecasts, it was a really useful tool for practicing languages and having informal meetings (moderation, talk turns, etc)...

    Just today I spent about an hour looking for a skypecast alternative where I could practice my German with others (maybe first only hearing and talking a bit later).

    --
    Ubuntu is an African word meaning 'I can't configure Debian'
  2. Skype worth half the value of Marvel? by Demoriel · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Is Skype really worth half the value of Marvel? Disney got an amazing deal...

  3. Re:Buy now!!! by AmigaMMC · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I think Google (and myself) are better off with Google Voice. I never liked skype and if you look at prices for making calls to landlines and cellphones in Europe they're more expensive than the alternative. With Google voice I can call Europe for 2 cents a minute from any U.S. phone, without having to log onto my computer.

  4. Re:Buy now!!! by bberens · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I realize they provide only related (but similar) service, but Vonage is now like $30/mo (after taxes) and you can call anywhere in the world for free. I have friends in India who are dropping their local land lines in exchange for an American Vonage account so they can make cheap calls within their own neighborhood. That's pretty wild :) The telecomm revolution is underway kids. Next up, cable.

    --
    Check out my lame java blog at www.javachopshop.com
  5. Re:Buy now!!! by CopaceticOpus · · Score: 3, Interesting

    They aren't the same thing at all. With Google Voice, you still need some kind of phone service to make calls. In fact, one cost effective way to use Google Voice is to combine it with Skype.

    It would be nice if Google provided an internet phone service as part of Google Voice. I'm currently looking into using Google Voice in combination with Gizmo5, which looks very promising. Whether Skype or Gizmo5 is a less expensive pairing for Google Voice depends on your usage patterns - Gizmo5 is cheaper up front, but Skype offers unlimited domestic calling for a set price.

    If anyone has experience with this, please share your advice. I have been annoyed by Skype's billing policies and customer service lately, which is what is making me want to switch.