Skype Technologies

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Skype phone

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CES 2012 - Skype Lounge (6764011261)

Skype Technologies S.A.R.L is a telecommunications company that specializes in providing video chat and voice call services through the internet. Founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, Skype has become one of the most popular online communication tools worldwide. Its services allow users to communicate with peers by voice using a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instant messaging over the Internet. Phone calls may also be placed to recipients on the traditional telephone networks. Users can also send instant messages, exchange files and images, and create conference calls. Skype is available on various platforms, including desktops, mobile devices, and tablets, making it accessible to a wide audience.

History

Skype was initially created by the entrepreneurs Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, in conjunction with Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn, who developed the backend that was also used in the music-sharing application Kazaa. In August 2003, the first public version of Skype was released. The Skype software began as a simple voice over IP (VoIP) service but quickly expanded to include features such as video conferencing and file transfer.

In 2005, eBay acquired Skype Technologies for $2.6 billion, aiming to integrate it with their online auction and sales services. However, this integration did not materialize as expected, and in 2009, eBay sold a majority stake in Skype to a group of investors.

In 2011, Microsoft Corporation acquired Skype Technologies for $8.5 billion, marking one of the most significant acquisitions in the technology sector at the time. Under Microsoft, Skype expanded its services to integrate with Microsoft's existing products, including the Office suite and Windows operating systems.

Features

Skype offers a range of communication services, including:

• Voice and video calls to other Skype users
• Instant messaging and file sharing
• Voice calls to landlines and mobile phones (SkypeOut)
• Receiving calls from landlines and mobile phones (SkypeIn)
• Conference calls and video conferencing
• Screen sharing

Technology

Skype uses a proprietary Internet telephony (VoIP) network called the Skype protocol. The protocol has not been made publicly available by the company and is proprietary. Skype claims that it uses peer-to-peer technology to connect users on a multitude of platforms including desktop, mobile, and tablet.

Privacy and Security

Skype has faced criticism and concerns regarding its security and privacy policies, especially after its acquisition by Microsoft. Concerns have been raised about the potential for government surveillance and the ease with which Skype calls and messages could be intercepted. In response, Skype has implemented various security measures, including encryption, to protect users' communications.

Impact

Skype has had a significant impact on the way people communicate, reducing the need for traditional telephone networks for international calls and making video communication more accessible to the general public. It has also influenced the development of other VoIP and video conferencing tools.

Controversies

Skype has been involved in several controversies, including issues related to user privacy, security vulnerabilities, and the use of supernodes, which raised concerns about the use of users' computers and bandwidth without explicit consent.

See Also

• Voice over IP
• Video conferencing
• Instant messaging