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    Microsoft completes Skype acquisition

    Microsoft completes Skype acquisition

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    Microsoft and Skype seal the deal.

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    Microsoft offices stock image
    Microsoft offices stock image

    Skype and Microsoft have taken care of the formalities and as of today the independent VoIP company known as Skype Limited has become the Skype Division up in Redmond. Former Skype CEO Tony Bates is continuing his leadership role, though he'll now be known as president of the newly formed division and will report directly to Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer. The cost of this acquisition is unchanged, at $8.5 billion, from the definitive agreement signed by the two companies back in May. As promised back then, Skype will continue offering its internet telephony and video chat service to the broadest possible audience and there are no plans to curtail service to platforms that compete directly against Microsoft's desktop and mobile offerings. The goal will be to integrate Skype into the Microsoft ecosystem, with Xbox and Kinect support already in cards, and particularly into Windows Phones, which still lack an official Skype application.