eBay buys Skype for $4.1 Billion

Well, it's official, eBay is buying Skype for $4.1 billion. The current plan is to integrate Skype into eBay's auction site, while also preserve it as a stand-alone phone company.

I'm assuming that eBay will presence enable on-line auctions through Skype. If you have a question for a seller you can see if they are on-line, and either IM them or call them. You may also see live auctions via IM or voice. You will also be able to set alerts that go to your Skype client (auction closing, you’ve been out-bid, etc.). This is a great move from eBay’s perspective as it enables them to add a ton of real-time features to their auctions. As Skype moves into the mobile world you’ll be able to easily manage your auctions through your mobile device.

It remains to be seen what this means for the stand-alone phone service, I’ll be surprised if eBay continues to push Skype as an alternative phone company given that is so far outside of their business. While Skype has a ton of users and downloads, I haven’t seen any financial information as of yet.

If I were Microsoft I’d be pretty happy right now, the Teleo acquisition is going to position them to offer a very strong alternative to Skype for the average consumer. This is much better for Microsoft than Skype being acquired by a phone company.