Microsoft acquires VoIP provider Skype for USD 8.5 billion after gaining approval from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Founder Bill Gates sealed the deal. Finding no reason to believe that the acquisition of the VoIP provider will harm competitors or negatively affect consumers, FTC granted an early termination to its review of the proposed takeover.
Skype, a dominant VoIP provider in the communications sector has not yet been able to transform its service into a solid revenue stream. Industry watchers are therefore uncertain of how Microsoft will leverage the VoIP provider. Currently, Skype still exists as a separate division within Microsoft, but rumours suggest that the company will integrate the VoIP provider with its digital advertising and business conferencing offerings in a short span.