Date:23/08/11
Skype has announced plans to acquire GroupMe, a company that provides a group messaging application that works across any mobile operating system. GroupMe co-founder Steve Martocci said in a statement that Skype plans to integrate GroupMe's messaging functionality into its current crop of mobile VoIP offerings.
The application functions like a private chat room, enabling users to send messages, set up conference calls, and share their location among a selected group of contacts.
"The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family," said Skype chief executive Tony Bates in a statement on Sunday.
All Things Digital reported over the weekend that sources close to the transaction expect Skype to pay around $85 million for GroupMe. GroupMe's application represents yet another OTT (over-the-top) service that has the potential to erode operators' revenues if they fail to make their own offerings more compelling.
Research firm Analysys Mason recently warned that migration from operator-provided services to third party applications could cause a typical mobile operator's revenue to decline by up to 17% over a five year period.
Software giant Microsoft is currently in the process of buying Skype for $8.5 billion, and is expected to finalise the purchase by October.
Skype buys messaging firm GroupMe for $85 million
Skype has announced plans to acquire GroupMe, a company that provides a group messaging application that works across any mobile operating system. GroupMe co-founder Steve Martocci said in a statement that Skype plans to integrate GroupMe's messaging functionality into its current crop of mobile VoIP offerings.The application functions like a private chat room, enabling users to send messages, set up conference calls, and share their location among a selected group of contacts.
"The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family," said Skype chief executive Tony Bates in a statement on Sunday.
All Things Digital reported over the weekend that sources close to the transaction expect Skype to pay around $85 million for GroupMe. GroupMe's application represents yet another OTT (over-the-top) service that has the potential to erode operators' revenues if they fail to make their own offerings more compelling.
Research firm Analysys Mason recently warned that migration from operator-provided services to third party applications could cause a typical mobile operator's revenue to decline by up to 17% over a five year period.
Software giant Microsoft is currently in the process of buying Skype for $8.5 billion, and is expected to finalise the purchase by October.
Views: 834
©ictnews.az. All rights reserved.
Similar news
- 24% of U.S. Adults have made phone calls on the Internet
- UNESCO puts sustainable learning online
- Australia gives incentives for the use of telehealth
- US launches computer programme for poor kids
- UN declares web access as human right
- Facebook growth slows in stalkerbase heartlands
- One Third of Millionaires Use Social Media
- Facebook Seeks Bigger Role in Software for Mobile Apps
- Icann increases web domain suffixes
- IBM launches new social networking platform for enterprises
- Google Notches One Billion Unique Visitors Per Month
- Internet providers cut international channel renting costs by 60%
- Azerbaijan launches standard time on internet
- Icann launches facility to ease DNSSec adoption
- Social network data mining yields worrying results for traditional media
