As we reported yesterday there were rumors about Microsoft setting their sights on Skype, these rumours hold fruit as of now with reports suggesting that the deal has almost come through. It seems that Microsoft may have outbid Google or Facebook in acquiring Skype.
According to a report from Wall Street Journal, Microsoft has almost finalized the deal to buy the internet phone company – Skype for around $7 to $8 billion. The deal may be announced most probably by Tuesday. The report also stated that the deal could still fall apart and that negotiations were still on.The report goes on to say that Skype which is a VoIP service that has more than 124 million connected users per month could play a role in turning around Microsoft’s fortunes in the mobile phone market area.
Microsoft released Windows Phone 7 last year and is lagging behind Apple and Google in the smartphone area. The report further mentions that Microsoft would have to tread carefully regarding integrating Skype in their mobile software because of a potential pushback from wireless carriers, who Microsoft badly require. Skype would offer consumers a bypass in making cheap phone calls over the net as opposed to paying higher rates to wireless careers.
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