If you’re happy that Skype was purchased by Microsoft last week, Bill Gates is waiting to take all your thanks whenever you’re ready. Calling the multibillion dollar purchase “a great, great deal for Skype [and] a great deal for Microsoft,” Gates told the BBC that he was one of the movers and shakers who ensured that the deal was made:
I was a strong proponent at the board level for the deal being done… The idea of video conferencing is going to get so much better than it is today. Skype actually does get a fair bit of revenue. It’ll be fascinating to see how the brilliant ideas out of Microsoft research, coming together with Skype, what they can make of that.
Skype has historically struggled to make a profit; something about the idea of Microsoft adding their own “brilliant ideas” to that just makes me feel as if that struggle will continue for a while longer.
More on Techland:
Two Minute Video: Can Microsoft Put Its Skype Purchase to Work?
Microsoft Makes Skype Purchase Official: What You Should Know