Trade commission approves Microsoft-Skype deal

It's official: the US Federal Trade Commission has approved the $8.5-billion acquisition of telephony services firm Skype by software giant Microsoft. An article in PC Magazine Saturday said that the FTC filed a notice of early termination approving the deal, without comment. Microsoft said the deal will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications across its products, while expanding Skype's reach, PC Mag said. Skype may soon be expected on Microsoft products like Xbox, Kinect, and Windows Phone, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live, and more. On the other hand, Microsoft said it will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms. The PC Mag story said that when the deal is complete, Skype will be a new business division within Microsoft. Skype CEO Tony Bates will become president of the Microsoft Skype division, reporting to Micosoft CEO Steve Ballmer. An article on Slashgear noted Skype is the dominant VOIP Internet calling company at the moment with a huge user base and a well-recognized name and service. "Microsoft will need Skype to help it compete against Apple and Google’s video calling offerings. Although Microsoft could technically develop their own service from the ground up, Skype’s large user base and brand recognition will give Microsoft a much needed boost," it said. — TJD, GMA News