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The History Of Skype

A Brief History Of Skype

Skype is a program that has become part of our lives and most people do not think about the history of it. Skype has been around since 2003 when the first public beta version was released. Since then, it has only grown in popularity and features.

Who Invented Skype?

Skype was founded by Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom in 2003. The software powering Skype was created by Priit Kasesalu, Ahti Heinla and Jaan Tallinn. The name for the program came from Sky Peer to Peer.

Skype is a program that was born from the peer to peer networking idea that powered Kazaa which was a popular file sharing system. The idea for Skype was that the more people who were using the system, the more reliable the connection was going to be. This peer to peer networking basis also influenced the free nature of the software.

The Original Skype

The first public version of Skype was the 0.90 Beta which was followed by a number of further versions. This initial version of Skype only allowed users to call landlines from their computer based on a fee schedule. The logo for the company was purple at this time.

The original version of Skype was followed by further versions with version 2.0 Beta being released in 2005. This was an important version as it revolutionized the internet calling industry. It was also the version which ensured the expansion of this communication application. The 2.0 Beta had a new design which was simplified and the interface had been simplified to make it easier to use.

The Very Important Year

The release of version 2.0 Beta launched Skype to new levels of popularity. This popularity brought other attention including that of eBay who went on to purchase Skype for $2.5 billion. The founders of Skype began to focus on a streaming service known as Joost which would not become very popular.

While owned by eBay, Skype continued to advance. However, eBay became frustrated with their purchase as they felt they had overvalued the product. This caused a change in the direction of Skype with a greater emphasis placed on sociability. This led to the instruction of Skypecasts in 2006.

Skype 3.1 was released and moved users from a family and friends network to businesses and organization. Skypecasts would continue to run until 2008. This was when eBay decided to pull the plug on Skype because they were losing money with the application.

Internal Tensions

During 2008, there was a lot of tension between eBay and the management teams of Skype. This tension finally led to the departure of the founders of Skype and Josh Silverman becoming the CEO. From the moment he took over, Silverman focused on video calls. This shift is what led to the elimination of Skypecast and Skype Find.

Skype version 4.0 was released with improved video calling. Screen sharing was introduced the next year with Skype 4.1. This version also used Boingo to provide wireless internet access as a pay per use service.

Going Mobile

When 2010 came around, Skype was already ingrained in computer operating systems. This is when their sights turn to the mobile marketplace with a focus on Android and iOS. The early versions of Skype mobile apps would only allow for voice calls.

Video calls reached iPhone users at the end of 2010. Android users were able to enjoy video calls by June 2011. This was not the end of their platform expansion as they launched into new markets such as smart TVs, Linux and consoles. Now, it’s possible to add credit to call landlines around the world for voice and even video chat, get a vanity mobile number or even a USA number, or use the platform for your virtual online business.

Who Owns Skype? Microsoft Purchase

In May 2011, Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5 billion. At this point, version 5.3 was being used and this included Facebook integration. Group calls were also on offer with this version.

By 2012, Microsoft stated that Skype would become their primary messaging service leading to the elimination of Messenger. This created a new surge in Skype usage and allowed users to log in with their Microsoft account. Skype would start to adopt the overall style of Microsoft such as the flat interface surface.

While starting out as part of the peer to peer networking movement, Skype has become one of the go-to applications for video calling. It has been integrated into Microsoft and benefited from the billions that the company has put to good use.

August 2012

Skype’s 9th Birthday. Logitech TV Cam HD for Skype calls in the living room launches.
August 2012

June 2012

Skype surpasses 250 million connected users per month. Skype for Android surpasses 70 million downloads.
June 2012

May 2012

1st Year Anniversary of acquisition by Microsoft. Comcast rolls out Skype on Xfinity.
May 2012

April 2012

40 Million connected users. Skype for String launches.
April 2012

March 2012

Another step forward for Skype on your TV with Vizio.
March 2012

February 2012

Skype for Windows Phone begins rolling out.
February 2012

January 2012

TeleGeography reports Skype provides 25% of the world’s international calling.
January 2012

October 2011

It’s a done deal! Skype is now part of Microsoft!
October 2011

August 2011

Skype acquires GroupMe.
August 2011

July 2011

Facebook video calling powered by Skype is introduced.
July 2011

May 2011

Microsoft announces it will acquire Skype.
May 2011

January 2011

Skype acquires Qik.
January 2011

December 2010

Skype for iPhone now with video arrives
December 2010

October 2010

Skype launches on Android devices. Tony Bates appointed as new CEO for Skype.
October 2010

September 2010

Group video calling for up to 10 people arrives.
September 2010

April 2010

Skype launches on the Apple iPad.
April 2010

March 2010

Skype Mobile on Verizon Wireless devices now available.
March 2010

Febuary 2010

Skype 4.0 launches with full screen video calling.
Febuary 2010

January 2010

Skype on your TV arrives in deals struck with Samsung and Panasonic.
January 2010

October 2009

AT&T opens up its 3G calling network to allow internet calling apps like Skype.
October 2009

September 2009

Skype acquired by Silver Lake investor group.
September 2009

July 2009

Skype launches its WiFi and screen sharing features.
July 2009

May 2009

Skype makes a grand appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show “Where the Skype Are You?”.
May 2009

March 2009

Skype launches for iPhone.
March 2009

September 2008

Skype celebrates 1 billion downloads.
September 2008

February 2008

Skype hits 100 billion minutes of Skype to Skype calls. Josh Silverman is appointed CEO.
February 2008

October 2007

3 Skypephone introduced with 3, a mobile UK carrier. High-quality video introduced with Logitech.
October 2007

June 2007

Skype To Go debuts.
June 2007

March 2007

Skype reaches half a billion downloads.
March 2007

December 2006

Skype introduces first calling subscriptions.
December 2006

May 2006

SMS sending feature available on Windows.
May 2006

February 2006

Skype announces 10-way conference calling on PCs.
February 2006

January 2006

Skype video calling launches on Windows.
January 2006

September 2005

eBay acquires Skype.
September 2005

June 2005

Skype reaches 10 million Skype-to-Skype calls.
June 2005

February 2005

Skype launches for Linux.
February 2005

October 2004

1 million concurrent users, and 2 billion free Skype-to-Skype minutes.
October 2004

August 2004

First public release of Skype for Mac.
August 2004

February 2004

Skype introduces audio conference calling.
February 2004

October 2003

1.5 million downloads and 100,000 concurrent users on Skype.
October 2003

August 2003

Skype founded by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis and developed in Estonia.
August 2003

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