Good news for service providers in my opinion, Ebay will likely start alienating Skype users like they did with Paypal users. "SkypeSucks.com" domain already taken, shucks.... http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3837895 -- Cory J Andrews Partner / Purchasing +++++++++++++++ VOIPSupply.com - Everything you need for VOIP 454 Sonwil Drive Buffalo, NY 14225 +++++++++++++++ tf voice - 800-398-VOIP X22 l voice - 716.630.1555 X22 f - 716.630.1548 e - Cory@VOIPSupply.com AIM - b2Cory
This is the most insane decision taken by eBay ever. If I was an investor I would be devastated. There is nothing wrong with a company starting up a voice over ip service but this isn't what eBay should be doing. Companies need to understand they are stewards for their investors money not the ultimate owners and that if they cant deliver ROI on this money then it is their duty to return the money via dividends or share buy backs. eBay is insane and this is the beginning of the end for them. Cheers, Dean> -----Original Message----- > From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users- > bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Cory Andrews > Sent: Monday, 12 September 2005 1:08 PM > To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion > Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion > > Good news for service providers in my opinion, Ebay will likely start > alienating Skype users like they did with Paypal users. > "SkypeSucks.com" domain already taken, shucks.... > > http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3837895 > > -- > Cory J Andrews > Partner / Purchasing > +++++++++++++++ > VOIPSupply.com - Everything you need for VOIP > 454 Sonwil Drive > Buffalo, NY 14225 > +++++++++++++++ > tf voice - 800-398-VOIP X22 > l voice - 716.630.1555 X22 > f - 716.630.1548 > e - Cory@VOIPSupply.com > AIM - b2Cory > > _______________________________________________ > --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- > > Asterisk-Users mailing list > Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com > http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users > To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: > http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Kanuri, Seshu (Company IT)
2005-Sep-12 10:55 UTC
[Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion
As an ex 7th employee of PayPal before it was sold to ebay and having gone through Ebay's carenot attitude to it's customers, let alone investors, I concur with Dean's comments on ebay's future. If you still have ebay's shares in your closet, get them out now. Seshu Kanuri Dean Collins Wrote: -----Original Message----- This is the most insane decision taken by eBay ever. If I was an investor I would be devastated. There is nothing wrong with a company starting up a voice over ip service but this isn't what eBay should be doing. Companies need to understand they are stewards for their investors money not the ultimate owners and that if they cant deliver ROI on this money then it is their duty to return the money via dividends or share buy backs. eBay is insane and this is the beginning of the end for them. Cheers, Dean -------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE: If received in error, please destroy and notify sender. Sender does not waive confidentiality or privilege, and use is prohibited.
While ostensibly people see this purchase as Ebay being a "me-too" VoIP player with GoogleTalk and Microsoft buying, what's it called, Teleo? , I think there's a deeper plan. Let's look at the numbers: -Huge installed base, like 30 to 70 million users (those are the numbers I hear kicked around) -Secure, encrypted P2P client that works great through firewalls -Name brand recognition. Even my mother in law has heard of Skype and she is a techno-illiterate. -Installed base loyalty. People who use Skype, love it. -Oh yeah, it does voice, too. (sarcasm on purpose: voice is only partially the point) So what Ebay could do with this is use the Skype client as an Ebay portal that they control. Why, do you ask, would they want to do this? Several reasons: -Break away from browsers with security flaws and inherent social-engineering tactics like phishing. Nobody controls the WWW. Ebay now controls the Skype network, controls the encryption, everything. Less fraud for Ebay to deal with, assuming they repackage the client into "Ebay 2.0 - download now for free!" -Paypal integration - back to voice, wouldn't it be nice to pay for your phone bill (a Skype account -> regular PSTN) through PayPal? -Repositioning of Ebay as an online solution provider once the "Ebay Way" is fleshed out, much as Google has moved beyond search into "holy crap" stuff like video on demand, mapping, etc. In the end, isn't it a good business plan to become an indispensable, comprehensive middleman instead of a one trick pony? Voice is just one aspect of it. -30-70 million users ain't bad. They may be Ebayers - they may not. However, this gives Ebay a huge "installed base" that they can play with before they bring new products and services to the general market. Skype users are crazy about Skype, and they will download any client that Ebay shoves down their throat, as long as it's free. Later, once the service is worked out and debugged, *then* they will do micropayments for the service (via PayPal, of course) still, 2.6 bil is a crazy price and I agree that they paid too much. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall and see the other offers and who was in the running. The Skype guys have made no secret that the whole reason that they created Skype in the first place was to make money and to be bought out. I'm sure there is champagne and hookers galore at the Skype offices today. -----Original Message----- From: Dean Collins [mailto:Dean@collins.net.pr] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 11:27 AM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion This is the most insane decision taken by eBay ever. If I was an investor I would be devastated. There is nothing wrong with a company starting up a voice over ip service but this isn't what eBay should be doing. Companies need to understand they are stewards for their investors money not the ultimate owners and that if they cant deliver ROI on this money then it is their duty to return the money via dividends or share buy backs. eBay is insane and this is the beginning of the end for them. Cheers, Dean> -----Original Message----- > From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users- > bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Cory Andrews > Sent: Monday, 12 September 2005 1:08 PM > To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion > Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion > > Good news for service providers in my opinion, Ebay will likely start > alienating Skype users like they did with Paypal users. > "SkypeSucks.com" domain already taken, shucks.... > > http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3837895 > > -- > Cory J Andrews > Partner / Purchasing > +++++++++++++++ > VOIPSupply.com - Everything you need for VOIP > 454 Sonwil Drive > Buffalo, NY 14225 > +++++++++++++++ > tf voice - 800-398-VOIP X22 > l voice - 716.630.1555 X22 > f - 716.630.1548 > e - Cory@VOIPSupply.com > AIM - b2Cory > > _______________________________________________ > --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- > > Asterisk-Users mailing list > Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com > http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users > To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: > http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users_______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Nathan C. Smith
2005-Sep-12 11:26 UTC
[Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion
What about speeding up the time it takes to have an auction? -----Original Message----- From: Colin Anderson [mailto:ColinA@landmarkmasterbuilder.com] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 1:06 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion While ostensibly people see this purchase as Ebay being a "me-too" VoIP player with GoogleTalk and Microsoft buying, what's it called, Teleo? , I think there's a deeper plan. Let's look at the numbers: -Huge installed base, like 30 to 70 million users (those are the numbers I hear kicked around) -Secure, encrypted P2P client that works great through firewalls -Name brand recognition. Even my mother in law has heard of Skype and she is a techno-illiterate. -Installed base loyalty. People who use Skype, love it. -Oh yeah, it does voice, too. (sarcasm on purpose: voice is only partially the point) So what Ebay could do with this is use the Skype client as an Ebay portal that they control. Why, do you ask, would they want to do this? Several reasons: -Break away from browsers with security flaws and inherent social-engineering tactics like phishing. Nobody controls the WWW. Ebay now controls the Skype network, controls the encryption, everything. Less fraud for Ebay to deal with, assuming they repackage the client into "Ebay 2.0 - download now for free!" -Paypal integration - back to voice, wouldn't it be nice to pay for your phone bill (a Skype account -> regular PSTN) through PayPal? -Repositioning of Ebay as an online solution provider once the "Ebay Way" is fleshed out, much as Google has moved beyond search into "holy crap" stuff like video on demand, mapping, etc. In the end, isn't it a good business plan to become an indispensable, comprehensive middleman instead of a one trick pony? Voice is just one aspect of it. -30-70 million users ain't bad. They may be Ebayers - they may not. However, this gives Ebay a huge "installed base" that they can play with before they bring new products and services to the general market. Skype users are crazy about Skype, and they will download any client that Ebay shoves down their throat, as long as it's free. Later, once the service is worked out and debugged, *then* they will do micropayments for the service (via PayPal, of course) still, 2.6 bil is a crazy price and I agree that they paid too much. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall and see the other offers and who was in the running. The Skype guys have made no secret that the whole reason that they created Skype in the first place was to make money and to be bought out. I'm sure there is champagne and hookers galore at the Skype offices today. -----Original Message----- From: Dean Collins [mailto:Dean@collins.net.pr] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 11:27 AM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion This is the most insane decision taken by eBay ever. If I was an investor I would be devastated. There is nothing wrong with a company starting up a voice over ip service but this isn't what eBay should be doing. Companies need to understand they are stewards for their investors money not the ultimate owners and that if they cant deliver ROI on this money then it is their duty to return the money via dividends or share buy backs. eBay is insane and this is the beginning of the end for them. Cheers, Dean> -----Original Message----- > From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users- > bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Cory Andrews > Sent: Monday, 12 September 2005 1:08 PM > To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion > Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion > > Good news for service providers in my opinion, Ebay will likely start > alienating Skype users like they did with Paypal users. > "SkypeSucks.com" domain already taken, shucks.... > > http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3837895 > > -- > Cory J Andrews > Partner / Purchasing > +++++++++++++++ > VOIPSupply.com - Everything you need for VOIP > 454 Sonwil Drive > Buffalo, NY 14225 > +++++++++++++++ > tf voice - 800-398-VOIP X22 > l voice - 716.630.1555 X22 > f - 716.630.1548 > e - Cory@VOIPSupply.com > AIM - b2Cory > > _______________________________________________ > --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- > > Asterisk-Users mailing list > Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com > http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users > To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: > http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users_______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users _______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Kanuri, Seshu (Company IT)
2005-Sep-12 12:00 UTC
[Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion
That theory sounds great on paper, but consider some of the factors below. 1) On the web there are no loyalties. Today it is Skype but tomorrow certainly belongs to GoogleTalk, if they can put Encryption. How difficult is that to do? Whose quality is better? Skype or Googletalk? I read that already 10% of the Skype users have migrated to Googletalk and the numbers are soaring. Googletalk is still in Beta. 2)Paying users of payPal are hardly 5% of the 75 Million that they are boasting of. And the numbers are coming down as PayPal has come to be known as a 'PreyPal' of late. Many have stopped using this when the charges have started ripping them off at 6% of the transfer amount for International payments (even between canada and USA) and about 3.5% within USA. 3)What is the percentage of paying users of Skype? 1% - 2%, may be. These customers may already be Ebay's customers. Ebay seems to be going like Time Warner buying AOL because it's user base. There are several similarities in this deal. Skype is cool, it has good stuff in it. How much effort does it take for Google to add these features and make the googlers start using Google Talk - a month or may be two. My 0.02 cents Seshu Kanuri -----Original Message----- From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Colin Anderson Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 2:06 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion While ostensibly people see this purchase as Ebay being a "me-too" VoIP player with GoogleTalk and Microsoft buying, what's it called, Teleo? , I think there's a deeper plan. Let's look at the numbers: -Huge installed base, like 30 to 70 million users (those are the numbers I hear kicked around) -Secure, encrypted P2P client that works great through firewalls -Name brand recognition. Even my mother in law has heard of Skype and she is a techno-illiterate. -Installed base loyalty. People who use Skype, love it. -Oh yeah, it does voice, too. (sarcasm on purpose: voice is only partially the point) So what Ebay could do with this is use the Skype client as an Ebay portal that they control. Why, do you ask, would they want to do this? Several reasons: -Break away from browsers with security flaws and inherent social-engineering tactics like phishing. Nobody controls the WWW. Ebay now controls the Skype network, controls the encryption, everything. Less fraud for Ebay to deal with, assuming they repackage the client into "Ebay 2.0 - download now for free!" -Paypal integration - back to voice, wouldn't it be nice to pay for your phone bill (a Skype account -> regular PSTN) through PayPal? -Repositioning of Ebay as an online solution provider once the "Ebay Way" is fleshed out, much as Google has moved beyond search into "holy crap" stuff like video on demand, mapping, etc. In the end, isn't it a good business plan to become an indispensable, comprehensive middleman instead of a one trick pony? Voice is just one aspect of it. -30-70 million users ain't bad. They may be Ebayers - they may not. However, this gives Ebay a huge "installed base" that they can play with before they bring new products and services to the general market. Skype users are crazy about Skype, and they will download any client that Ebay shoves down their throat, as long as it's free. Later, once the service is worked out and debugged, *then* they will do micropayments for the service (via PayPal, of course) still, 2.6 bil is a crazy price and I agree that they paid too much. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall and see the other offers and who was in the running. The Skype guys have made no secret that the whole reason that they created Skype in the first place was to make money and to be bought out. I'm sure there is champagne and hookers galore at the Skype offices today. -----Original Message----- From: Dean Collins [mailto:Dean@collins.net.pr] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 11:27 AM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion This is the most insane decision taken by eBay ever. If I was an investor I would be devastated. There is nothing wrong with a company starting up a voice over ip service but this isn't what eBay should be doing. Companies need to understand they are stewards for their investors money not the ultimate owners and that if they cant deliver ROI on this money then it is their duty to return the money via dividends or share buy backs. eBay is insane and this is the beginning of the end for them. Cheers, Dean> -----Original Message----- > From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users- > bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Cory Andrews > Sent: Monday, 12 September 2005 1:08 PM > To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion > Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion > > Good news for service providers in my opinion, Ebay will likely start > alienating Skype users like they did with Paypal users. > "SkypeSucks.com" domain already taken, shucks.... > > http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3837895 > > -- > Cory J Andrews > Partner / Purchasing > +++++++++++++++ > VOIPSupply.com - Everything you need for VOIP > 454 Sonwil Drive > Buffalo, NY 14225 > +++++++++++++++ > tf voice - 800-398-VOIP X22 > l voice - 716.630.1555 X22 > f - 716.630.1548 > e - Cory@VOIPSupply.com > AIM - b2Cory-------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE: If received in error, please destroy and notify sender. Sender does not waive confidentiality or privilege, and use is prohibited.
Sounds to me like this a wonderful in to voice auctions... Rick -----Original Message----- From: Colin Anderson [mailto:ColinA@landmarkmasterbuilder.com] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 3:49 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion Seems to me that the intellectual property (the network + encryption + client) is really the crown jewel here and an Ebay/Skype client is a no brainer. In fact, I can see a scenario where they drop or severly de-ephasize the voice part for their ends - maybe reduced to a "Powered by Skype" blurb on the client skin (just like you see "Powered by AOL search" or other claptrap on CNN) The reality will be how well Ebay handles this. They will probably bumble it. Funny thing is, for the $2.6 bil they spent for IP+client list, they chould have designed and implemented their *own* stuff coupled with the mother of all marketing campaigns (think global: tons of Skype users are Asians - any Asian users on the list care to comment about how this is being percieved in Asia?) May You Live In Interesting Times. -----Original Message----- From: Kanuri, Seshu (Company IT) [mailto:Seshu.Kanuri@morganstanley.com] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 1:01 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion That theory sounds great on paper, but consider some of the factors below. 1) On the web there are no loyalties. Today it is Skype but tomorrow certainly belongs to GoogleTalk, if they can put Encryption. How difficult is that to do? Whose quality is better? Skype or Googletalk? I read that already 10% of the Skype users have migrated to Googletalk and the numbers are soaring. Googletalk is still in Beta. 2)Paying users of payPal are hardly 5% of the 75 Million that they are boasting of. And the numbers are coming down as PayPal has come to be known as a 'PreyPal' of late. Many have stopped using this when the charges have started ripping them off at 6% of the transfer amount for International payments (even between canada and USA) and about 3.5% within USA. 3)What is the percentage of paying users of Skype? 1% - 2%, may be. These customers may already be Ebay's customers. Ebay seems to be going like Time Warner buying AOL because it's user base. There are several similarities in this deal. Skype is cool, it has good stuff in it. How much effort does it take for Google to add these features and make the googlers start using Google Talk - a month or may be two. My 0.02 cents Seshu Kanuri -----Original Message----- From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Colin Anderson Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 2:06 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion While ostensibly people see this purchase as Ebay being a "me-too" VoIP player with GoogleTalk and Microsoft buying, what's it called, Teleo? , I think there's a deeper plan. Let's look at the numbers: -Huge installed base, like 30 to 70 million users (those are the numbers I hear kicked around) -Secure, encrypted P2P client that works great through firewalls -Name brand recognition. Even my mother in law has heard of Skype and she is a techno-illiterate. -Installed base loyalty. People who use Skype, love it. -Oh yeah, it does voice, too. (sarcasm on purpose: voice is only partially the point) So what Ebay could do with this is use the Skype client as an Ebay portal that they control. Why, do you ask, would they want to do this? Several reasons: -Break away from browsers with security flaws and inherent social-engineering tactics like phishing. Nobody controls the WWW. Ebay now controls the Skype network, controls the encryption, everything. Less fraud for Ebay to deal with, assuming they repackage the client into "Ebay 2.0 - download now for free!" -Paypal integration - back to voice, wouldn't it be nice to pay for your phone bill (a Skype account -> regular PSTN) through PayPal? -Repositioning of Ebay as an online solution provider once the "Ebay Way" is fleshed out, much as Google has moved beyond search into "holy crap" stuff like video on demand, mapping, etc. In the end, isn't it a good business plan to become an indispensable, comprehensive middleman instead of a one trick pony? Voice is just one aspect of it. -30-70 million users ain't bad. They may be Ebayers - they may not. However, this gives Ebay a huge "installed base" that they can play with before they bring new products and services to the general market. Skype users are crazy about Skype, and they will download any client that Ebay shoves down their throat, as long as it's free. Later, once the service is worked out and debugged, *then* they will do micropayments for the service (via PayPal, of course) still, 2.6 bil is a crazy price and I agree that they paid too much. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall and see the other offers and who was in the running. The Skype guys have made no secret that the whole reason that they created Skype in the first place was to make money and to be bought out. I'm sure there is champagne and hookers galore at the Skype offices today. -----Original Message----- From: Dean Collins [mailto:Dean@collins.net.pr] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 11:27 AM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion This is the most insane decision taken by eBay ever. If I was an investor I would be devastated. There is nothing wrong with a company starting up a voice over ip service but this isn't what eBay should be doing. Companies need to understand they are stewards for their investors money not the ultimate owners and that if they cant deliver ROI on this money then it is their duty to return the money via dividends or share buy backs. eBay is insane and this is the beginning of the end for them. Cheers, Dean> -----Original Message----- > From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users- > bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Cory Andrews > Sent: Monday, 12 September 2005 1:08 PM > To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion > Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion > > Good news for service providers in my opinion, Ebay will likely start > alienating Skype users like they did with Paypal users. > "SkypeSucks.com" domain already taken, shucks.... > > http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3837895 > > -- > Cory J Andrews > Partner / Purchasing > +++++++++++++++ > VOIPSupply.com - Everything you need for VOIP > 454 Sonwil Drive > Buffalo, NY 14225 > +++++++++++++++ > tf voice - 800-398-VOIP X22 > l voice - 716.630.1555 X22 > f - 716.630.1548 > e - Cory@VOIPSupply.com > AIM - b2Cory-------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE: If received in error, please destroy and notify sender. Sender does not waive confidentiality or privilege, and use is prohibited. _______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users _______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The information in this communication is intended to be confidential to the Individual(s) and/or Entity to whom it is addressed. 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Seems to me that the intellectual property (the network + encryption + client) is really the crown jewel here and an Ebay/Skype client is a no brainer. In fact, I can see a scenario where they drop or severly de-ephasize the voice part for their ends - maybe reduced to a "Powered by Skype" blurb on the client skin (just like you see "Powered by AOL search" or other claptrap on CNN) The reality will be how well Ebay handles this. They will probably bumble it. Funny thing is, for the $2.6 bil they spent for IP+client list, they chould have designed and implemented their *own* stuff coupled with the mother of all marketing campaigns (think global: tons of Skype users are Asians - any Asian users on the list care to comment about how this is being percieved in Asia?) May You Live In Interesting Times. -----Original Message----- From: Kanuri, Seshu (Company IT) [mailto:Seshu.Kanuri@morganstanley.com] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 1:01 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion That theory sounds great on paper, but consider some of the factors below. 1) On the web there are no loyalties. Today it is Skype but tomorrow certainly belongs to GoogleTalk, if they can put Encryption. How difficult is that to do? Whose quality is better? Skype or Googletalk? I read that already 10% of the Skype users have migrated to Googletalk and the numbers are soaring. Googletalk is still in Beta. 2)Paying users of payPal are hardly 5% of the 75 Million that they are boasting of. And the numbers are coming down as PayPal has come to be known as a 'PreyPal' of late. Many have stopped using this when the charges have started ripping them off at 6% of the transfer amount for International payments (even between canada and USA) and about 3.5% within USA. 3)What is the percentage of paying users of Skype? 1% - 2%, may be. These customers may already be Ebay's customers. Ebay seems to be going like Time Warner buying AOL because it's user base. There are several similarities in this deal. Skype is cool, it has good stuff in it. How much effort does it take for Google to add these features and make the googlers start using Google Talk - a month or may be two. My 0.02 cents Seshu Kanuri -----Original Message----- From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Colin Anderson Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 2:06 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion While ostensibly people see this purchase as Ebay being a "me-too" VoIP player with GoogleTalk and Microsoft buying, what's it called, Teleo? , I think there's a deeper plan. Let's look at the numbers: -Huge installed base, like 30 to 70 million users (those are the numbers I hear kicked around) -Secure, encrypted P2P client that works great through firewalls -Name brand recognition. Even my mother in law has heard of Skype and she is a techno-illiterate. -Installed base loyalty. People who use Skype, love it. -Oh yeah, it does voice, too. (sarcasm on purpose: voice is only partially the point) So what Ebay could do with this is use the Skype client as an Ebay portal that they control. Why, do you ask, would they want to do this? Several reasons: -Break away from browsers with security flaws and inherent social-engineering tactics like phishing. Nobody controls the WWW. Ebay now controls the Skype network, controls the encryption, everything. Less fraud for Ebay to deal with, assuming they repackage the client into "Ebay 2.0 - download now for free!" -Paypal integration - back to voice, wouldn't it be nice to pay for your phone bill (a Skype account -> regular PSTN) through PayPal? -Repositioning of Ebay as an online solution provider once the "Ebay Way" is fleshed out, much as Google has moved beyond search into "holy crap" stuff like video on demand, mapping, etc. In the end, isn't it a good business plan to become an indispensable, comprehensive middleman instead of a one trick pony? Voice is just one aspect of it. -30-70 million users ain't bad. They may be Ebayers - they may not. However, this gives Ebay a huge "installed base" that they can play with before they bring new products and services to the general market. Skype users are crazy about Skype, and they will download any client that Ebay shoves down their throat, as long as it's free. Later, once the service is worked out and debugged, *then* they will do micropayments for the service (via PayPal, of course) still, 2.6 bil is a crazy price and I agree that they paid too much. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall and see the other offers and who was in the running. The Skype guys have made no secret that the whole reason that they created Skype in the first place was to make money and to be bought out. I'm sure there is champagne and hookers galore at the Skype offices today. -----Original Message----- From: Dean Collins [mailto:Dean@collins.net.pr] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 11:27 AM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion This is the most insane decision taken by eBay ever. If I was an investor I would be devastated. There is nothing wrong with a company starting up a voice over ip service but this isn't what eBay should be doing. Companies need to understand they are stewards for their investors money not the ultimate owners and that if they cant deliver ROI on this money then it is their duty to return the money via dividends or share buy backs. eBay is insane and this is the beginning of the end for them. Cheers, Dean> -----Original Message----- > From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users- > bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Cory Andrews > Sent: Monday, 12 September 2005 1:08 PM > To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion > Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion > > Good news for service providers in my opinion, Ebay will likely start > alienating Skype users like they did with Paypal users. > "SkypeSucks.com" domain already taken, shucks.... > > http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3837895 > > -- > Cory J Andrews > Partner / Purchasing > +++++++++++++++ > VOIPSupply.com - Everything you need for VOIP > 454 Sonwil Drive > Buffalo, NY 14225 > +++++++++++++++ > tf voice - 800-398-VOIP X22 > l voice - 716.630.1555 X22 > f - 716.630.1548 > e - Cory@VOIPSupply.com > AIM - b2Cory-------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE: If received in error, please destroy and notify sender. Sender does not waive confidentiality or privilege, and use is prohibited. _______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Kanuri, Seshu (Company IT)
2005-Sep-12 13:01 UTC
[Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion
Ebay is seething with rage as yahoo took 40% stake in Alibaba in China. They want to counter that by acquring a large user base in Asia, so that their experience in Japan (Where ebay was kicked out completely by local players) is not repeated in China and India. This is an example of how you could make mistakes, if you don't keep your cool and learn to count from 1 to 10 before you prss the trigger on the gun. Seshu Kanuri -----Original Message----- From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Colin Anderson Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 3:49 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion Seems to me that the intellectual property (the network + encryption + client) is really the crown jewel here and an Ebay/Skype client is a no brainer. In fact, I can see a scenario where they drop or severly de-ephasize the voice part for their ends - maybe reduced to a "Powered by Skype" blurb on the client skin (just like you see "Powered by AOL search" or other claptrap on CNN) The reality will be how well Ebay handles this. They will probably bumble it. Funny thing is, for the $2.6 bil they spent for IP+client list, they chould have designed and implemented their *own* stuff coupled with the mother of all marketing campaigns (think global: tons of Skype users are Asians - any Asian users on the list care to comment about how this is being percieved in Asia?) May You Live In Interesting Times. -------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE: If received in error, please destroy and notify sender. Sender does not waive confidentiality or privilege, and use is prohibited.
Kanuri, Seshu (Company IT)
2005-Sep-12 13:26 UTC
[Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion
> Skype will utilise PayPal for all payment systems.What prevents Skype users using PayPal even without Ebay?> Ebay doesn't have lots of users in territories that Skype does (Nordicand South America for one). Ebay is not interested in those territories anyway as they don't operate Paypal in South America and even if someone wants to buy stuff there, there is no way they can pay nor ship goods from US to Argentina.>There'll be increased integration with Ebay and Skype for certain Ebaysites. There are opensource clients available to integarate, if that was the reason. Azureus - BitTorrent Client, the most sought after Filesharing software on Sourceforge that works on Linux could be a good candidate to add Voice to it and make this a part of greater Ebay Solution. But I agree that it is good for the Skype founders. Seshu Kanuri -----Original Message----- From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Steve Kennedy Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 4:04 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: Re: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion On Mon, Sep 12, 2005 at 07:30:56PM +0100, Iqbal wrote:> 70 million users, now how many of these are ALREADY ebay customers. > Google never made a succes out of any other thing other than search > and that will remain the case, companies never do, they are usually > good at what they started at, especially if they grow very big, then > they decided they may as well do everything, which is where their own > success starts to eat away at them.Ebay doesn't have lots of users in territories that Skype does (Nordic and South America for one). Skype will utilise PayPal for all payment systems. There'll be increased integration with Ebay and Skype for certain Ebay sites. Whether it's worth the money they paid, who knows? I'm sure the Skype founders are happy, as are the investors who put in $35m. Steve -------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE: If received in error, please destroy and notify sender. Sender does not waive confidentiality or privilege, and use is prohibited.
Jonathan k. Creasy
2005-Sep-12 13:27 UTC
[Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion
ok...so they increase their presence in india with skype.... -----Original Message----- From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Iqbal Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 4:11 PM To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: Re: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion but ebay already entered India with purchase of Baazee Iqbal Kanuri, Seshu (Company IT) wrote:>Ebay is seething with rage as yahoo took 40% stake in Alibaba in China. >They want to counter that by acquring a large user base in Asia, sothat>their experience in Japan (Where ebay was kicked out completely bylocal>players) is not repeated in China and India. > >This is an example of how you could make mistakes, if you don't keep >your cool and learn to count from 1 to 10 before you prss the triggeron>the gun. > >Seshu Kanuri > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com >[mailto:asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Colin >Anderson >Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 3:49 PM >To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion >Subject: RE: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion > >Seems to me that the intellectual property (the network + encryption + >client) is really the crown jewel here and an Ebay/Skype client is a no >brainer. In fact, I can see a scenario where they drop or severly >de-ephasize the voice part for their ends - maybe reduced to a "Powered >by Skype" blurb on the client skin (just like you see "Powered by AOL >search" >or other claptrap on CNN) > >The reality will be how well Ebay handles this. They will probably >bumble it. > >Funny thing is, for the $2.6 bil they spent for IP+client list, they >chould have designed and implemented their *own* stuff coupled with the >mother of all marketing campaigns (think global: tons of Skype usersare>Asians - any Asian users on the list care to comment about how this is >being percieved in >Asia?) > >May You Live In Interesting Times. >-------------------------------------------------------- > >NOTICE: If received in error, please destroy and notify sender. Senderdoes not waive confidentiality or privilege, and use is prohibited.>_______________________________________________ >--Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- > >Asterisk-Users mailing list >Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com >http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users >To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: > http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users > >. > > >_______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Kanuri, Seshu (Company IT)
2005-Sep-12 13:51 UTC
[Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion
The article below, posted a while ago by a Wharton dude is very predictive and interesting on Skype's power. http://www2.cio.com/higher/report3799.html Some snippets from the article are pasted here: ---------------------------------------------- Skype's potential has a few big investors placing bets. Speaking at the AlwaysOn Innovation Summit at Stanford University on July 20, Tim Draper, founder and managing director of venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson, said he invested about $10 million in Skype after meeting with Zennstr?m. Draper also funded Hotmail, a web-based email service that was acquired by Microsoft on New Year's Eve in 1997. Steve McGeown, director of product management at Sandvine, a Waterloo, Ontario-based company that makes equipment for broadband networks, says Draper's bet could pay off. McGeown's colleagues use Skype regularly when traveling and have been putting Skype numbers on their business cards-a sign of mass market appeal. "Skype doesn't have a mass market yet, but I did get my first business card with a Skype number on it," says McGeown. Takeover Target? ----------------- What the future holds for Skype is unclear. Its options include: Skype could emerge as a new communications platform that ties voice and video, not to mention millions of people together via handheld devices. Regardless, Dreze expects Skype to face increasing competition from the likes of Microsoft, Yahoo and Google. It could be acquired by an established communications or media company. Werbach says rumors about companies allegedly looking to buy Skype are a dime a dozen. Indeed, a report in CNET.com this week says that Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. allegedly discussed buying Skype for around $3 billion, but that talks broke down. The big question is valuing Skype. When Zennstr?m was asked how much Skype is worth, the CEO replied, "We don't know. We're happy to keep this a private company." The company could be pulled into a regulatory fray over issues such as 911 calls as it grows into a de facto telecommunications company. Or it could remain an underground movement that continues to garner millions of users across the globe and is able to skirt regulatory concerns altogether. Another potential threat for Skype lies in cable and telecommunications companies that could block its use. However, Zennstr?m says such a move would be counterproductive for the telecoms. "People use the Internet to get access to services," he notes. "If a telecommunications company is blocking access to those services it's telling people to go away." Given that fact, maybe it would make sense for a telecommunications carrier to simply buy Skype. "A takeover has potential, but the culture and the history of the company would be a challenge for most major telecom and media companies," says Werbach. "I would be surprised, but not shocked, if it was acquired." Seshu Kanuri -------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE: If received in error, please destroy and notify sender. Sender does not waive confidentiality or privilege, and use is prohibited.
Oho, now we get to the meat of it: Mark Hachman, ZDNet: "In the last few weeks, however, Skype has created a joint venture with China's top wireless Internet company, Tom Online, and formed a voice services program that will allow third-parties to provide services over the Skype network, while asking consumers to pay a small fee from a Skype credit service to access them. " "Executives drew parallels between Skype and Paypal, the online payments service that eBay purchased in 2002 for $1.5 billion in stock. Paypal was treated as a three-year investment that required the time to mature. However, Whitman also highlighted a chart tracking eBay's U.K.-specific site, whose integration of PayPal "altered the [growth] trajectory of that business," Whitman said. " "eBay executives also downplayed a recent report by the U.K.'s Financial Times that China had begun blocking Skype calls. The story was "based largely on rumors," Whitman said, who didn't deny the report. According to the FT, the nation had begun blocking Skype calls to ordinary phones that weren't officially sanctioned as part of a trial involving China Telcom and China Netcom." Operative phrases: "Tom Online" (remember the hype about tom.com?) "China" "Third Parties" "Small Fee"<--paypal-->"Credit Service" "China Telecom" "Blocked Calls" "Officially Sanctioned" Legitimizing Skype with credible brand names to the Chinese like Ebay and Tom Online to a market with the largest potential telecom installed base in history?? And then typing a telecom service to a payment service that can accomodate micropayments, macropayments and everything in between? Mollifying China Netcom / Telecom (government arm) with assurances that they will get their cut, and backing it with legitimate name brands like Tom / Ebay? The more you look at it, this seems like a sensible play IIRC, China has the largest GSM network in the world and gets a couple million new subscribers each month. Also I believe China's broadband adoption rate is leading the world; I've heard that broadband penetration is actually shrinking in North America. Sleeping dragon, indeed.
Anders Svensson
2005-Sep-13 03:38 UTC
[Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion
Skype prices is not that low. F.ex buying price today for Argentina Buenos Aires is between 0,0050 and 0,0056 Euro and Skype charge 0,0170 euro. -----Original Message----- From: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Steve Kennedy Sent: den 13 september 2005 11:48 To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion Subject: Re: [Asterisk-Users] Skype purchased by Ebay 2.6 Billion On Mon, Sep 12, 2005 at 06:00:25PM -0700, Matt wrote:> anyone knows how skype provide world wide call service to regular phonesby> voip at such low rate? > is this by partnerships with various * isps?Skype do deals with local telcos, they use G.729/SIP for SkypeIn/Out between them and the local player. Steve -- NetTek Ltd Fax +44-(0)20 7483 2455 Skype / In stevekennedyuk / UK +442088167166 / US +13106518226 Vonage UK +442079932612 / US +13108577715 / UK mob 07775 755503 Personal Blog http://stevekennedy.blogspot.com Euro Tech News Blog http://eurotechnews.blogspot.com _______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation sponsored by Easynews.com -- Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users