To me the Skype acquisition is great for the industry but bad for Microsoft. I think they're probably going to just waste it; maybe put Skype buttons in Outlook or rename it Windows Live Chat or something.
It's good for the industry because maybe, finally, it'll be the factor that causes a cross-platform video solution to be adopted by the major players.
Best case scenario for Microsoft is they hold fort and just don't make any money off it. I'd love to hear why you think this is good for them.
Large user base; proven and useful technology. Most Skype users find a value in it (I do think there's more money to make than what has been made so far). In the end it's a technology that could help brighten Microsoft's image.
If they manage to integrate it gracefuly in their office & collaboration stack, without ruining it as a standalone product, it may very well be a winner for them.
Indeed the challenges are huge but I believe this is the right time for challenges at Microsoft.
It's good for the industry because maybe, finally, it'll be the factor that causes a cross-platform video solution to be adopted by the major players.
Best case scenario for Microsoft is they hold fort and just don't make any money off it. I'd love to hear why you think this is good for them.