Microsoft Skype

[koffiejunkie]

I'm not usually concerned with what the folks from Redmond are up to, but this will affect Linux users, I'm sure.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/may/10/microsoft-confirms-skype-deal

The Skype for Linux client may be three versions behind, but it least we still have it. I wonder how long this will last?

 

[warwickw]

They state they will still support other client versions, however I somehow think that the Linux version will get lost first, followed shortly afterwards by the Android version and then goodbye to Apple version.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

They state they will still support other client versions, however I somehow think that the Linux version will get lost first, followed shortly afterwards by the Android version and then goodbye to Apple version.

Yeah.

M$ is not Linux-friendly.

Sad thing is, Skype is sometimes so much better than Gtalk/etc...

We will have to wait and see...

 

[ZeroAlpha]

First Microsoft's OS replaces Symbian as the de facto Nokia mobile OS, automatically giving them huge marketshare in the Mobile OS arena.
Then a few short months later they buy Skype.
Two massive acquisitions in just the first half of the year

 

[cpu.]

I hate Microsoft. I can just imagine what my old i900 would've been like with Android or even Symbian (but rather Android).

 

[robertybob]

Expect the call costs to go up too... I use Skype quite a bit too.

 

[Hamster]

They state they will still support other client versions, however I somehow think that the Linux version will get lost first, followed shortly afterwards by the Android version and then goodbye to Apple version.

Why would MS buy a company and then drop support so they can lose clients? They'll keep the original staff and development will most probably continue as is. The most likely change is probably that Skype will integrate with their Live service etc.

If anything gets dropped, I hope its MS messenger :/

 

[koffiejunkie]

Why would MS buy a company and then drop support so they can lose clients?

That's what they did with every other multi-platform product they've bought. Except office, since Mac people tend to be more willing to spend. MS SQL Server is based on code from Sybase, which was for UNIX. Do we see MS SQL server for any flavour of *nix?

The spending thing is really what it's all about. Linux users tend to expect everthing to be free. I don't know a single Skype on Linux user who actually uses Skype-out because they don't want to pay. Now, I'm sure there will be a few of you who buck that trend, but accept that you're the exception rather than the rule.

If anything gets dropped, I hope its MS messenger :/

We can only hope

 

[oldhat]

Always knew this would happen one day - that is why Skype never used open SIP. At least we have a few alternatives...

 

[3p1c]

MS owns skype, ooh la laa

 

[DAV Recruitment]

I think that MS will kill off Skype in the long run to give their Unified Communications solutions a better chance!

 

[OomD]

Hmmm this must be like MS admitting defeat a bit when it comes to MS Messenger. Or will they integrate the two technologies? Or simply kill off skype in order to grow MSM? Urgh, gawd forbid. But no, I don't think so. They must have some kind of integration plan up their sleeve, maybe working it into Windows mobile as a proper alternate to GSM voice calls? Hmmm....

 

[sjm]

Probably a means to add value to Windows Mobile so that they can claw back some Android / iOS market share.

 

[louisvd]

This was the worst news I have heard in a long time. I hate Micro$oft because I have seen how they do business. They bulldoze their way around - like a primary school bully. Want to buy a PC to run Linux on? Sorry, you get this Micro$oft Windows with it whether you want to use it or not! Either way, you HAVE to buy it. THAT turned me against them in a HUGE way years ago!