Chapter01. IS In Business^{0}

Skype is software that enables the world’s conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles.

eBay Inc. today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Skype communications unit in a deal valuing the business at $2.75 billion. The buyer, who will control an approximately 65 percent stake, is an investor group led by Silver Lake and includes Index Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Investment Board. eBay is expected to receive approximately $1.9 billion in cash upon the completion of the sale and a note from the buyer in the principal amount of $125 million. The company will retain an approximately 35 percent equity investment in Skype. The transaction, which is not subject to a financing condition, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2009.

I am also skype user. In korea~I can call anywhere for about 4 dollar. between foreign country will pay more than 15 dollar for free calling for a month. So I usually connect with my mom through the skype. As where connect the internet sometimes cannot work very well. But considering for free, It is the best software for who needs international calling.

Skype Goes Mobile- http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2007/tc20071017_423595_page_2.htm