Microsoft Makes It Official, Buys Skype For $8.5 Billion In Cash

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We mentioned the Microsoft and Skype deal just a few hours ago and coming as expected, Microsoft has made the official announcement — they have purchased Skype for $8.5 billion in cash.

According to the details of the announcement, the agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype. And coming as you would expect with a large acquisition, Microsoft is gushing over how good the Skype service is.

“Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”

But perhaps a little more important is what Microsoft is going to be doing with Skype now that they own it (along with the millions of current users). According to Tony Bates, “Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers” and they plan to “introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate.”

Of course, while we received little teases about what they may do, there were few actual details in terms of what we will see. That said, the press release did mention a few Microsoft products by name so it would seem as if we will be seeing some future integration. Those named products include the ones many may have expected such as Xbox and Kinect and Windows Phone. And then there was also the more general “wide array of Windows devices.”

Otherwise, Microsoft is going to be brining Skype into Lync, Outlook and Xbox Live as well as “other communities.” And lastly, for those using Skype on another platform or who may not be a big fan of this deal with Microsoft, try and worry a little less as Microsoft has stated they will “continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.”