There have been rumors in recent weeks that eBay is looking to off-load Skype, the VoIP juggernaut it acquired in 2005 for $2.6 billion, but which recently cost the Web giant an earnings charge of close to $1.4 billion. Possible buyers that have been mentioned include competitors Google and Yahoo, which doesn't seem to make sense unless eBay has suddenly become a complete non-believer in Internet voice applications.
BusinessWeek reports that it's more likely eBay, which has now rid itself of Skype's founders and original management philosophy, will try harder during 2008 to integrate Skype and exploit its capabilities and user base. A new version of Skype software reportedly may include support for digital content commerce, which could make online auctioneer eBay, if it has lost faith in Skype, a believer again.
For more:
- here's the story in BusinessWeek
Related articles:
- eBay announced the big Skype-related charge last month