This article contains some insights from the venture capitalist that acquired Skype from eBay. Basically, Microsoft just became relevant again.
VC Ben Horowitz on Selling Skype to Microsoft for $8.5 Billion | Ben Horowitz | Voices | AllThingsD
Today, I tip my hat to an old rival, Microsoft. By acquiring Skype, Microsoft becomes a much stronger player in mobile and the clear market leader in Internet voice and video communications. More importantly, Microsoft gets a team, led by the exceptional Tony Bates, that can compete with anyone.
