Aaron Pok Kwoon Hoe Dip IT 08 Scope

• Introduction • History of • Technology used in Skype (Frontend, Backend) • Business Growth of Skype • Impacts of Skype on ISPs and Telcos Introduction Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chat over the Internet.

• Calls to other users within the Skype service is free

• Calls to other traditional landlines telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-based user account system

• Instant messaging

• File transfer

• Video Conferencing Other Features History of Skype Skype was founded in 2003 by

Niklas Zennstrom from Sweden Janus Friis from Denmark History of Skype Skype software was developed by

Ahti Heinla Priit Kasesalu who were also behind the peer-to-peer file sharing software History of Skype

In April 2003, Skype.com and Skype.net domain names were registered.

•In August 2003, the first public beta version was released.

•Initial name was ‘Sky peer-to-peer’ which was then abbreviated to 'Skyper'.

•Some of the domain names associated with 'Skyper' were already taken. Therefore, the letter “r” was removed and the final name became ‘Skype’ History of Skype Important Milestones in Skype's History

Yr 2005

In October, eBay purchased Skype for $2.6 billion.

Yr 2006

“Skypecasting” was introduced which allow voice recording over VoIP and has the ability to host public conference call. This feature was discontinued from 1st Sep 2008.

In October , Skype 2.0 for Mac was released, the first full release of Skype with video for Macintosh.

In December, Skype 3.0 for Windows was released. History of Skype Yr 2007

New features were introduced through (Skype 3.1, 3.2 and 3.5) including Skype Find, Skype Prime, Send Money (which allowed users to send money via PayPal from one Skype user to another), video in mood, inclusion of video content in chat, call transfer to another person or a group, and auto- redial.

Yr 2008

As part of its efforts to diversify revenues, Skype launched in April Skype for SIP , a service aimed at business users. History of Skype Yr 2009

Skype 4.0 was released, featuring full-screen high-quality video calling. The client was updated, and an iPhone application was launched which topped the charts with over 1M downloads in its first two days.

Yr 2010

Skype announced deep integration of Skype software into the IP-connected TVs from Panasonic, Samsung and Sony.

In May, Skype 5.0 beta was released, with support of group video calls with up to four participants. Also in May, Skype released an updated client for the Apple iPhone which allowed Skype calls to be made over a 3G network. History of Skype

On 14 Oct, Skype 5.0 for Windows was released with a number of improvements and feature additions, including a Facebook tab to allow users to SMS, chat with, or call their Facebook friends via Skype from the News Feed.

Yr 2011

On 14 Jan, Skype acquired Qik, a mobile video sharing platform.

On 10 May, Corporation announced it had agreed to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion. This is Microsoft largest acquisition ever. Skype will be a division within Microsoft. Skype’s former CEO , now its President, is reporting to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Skype is to be incorporated as a division of Microsoft. Microsoft Announces Skype Acquisition For 8.5 Billion

Steve Ballmer Tony Bates Technology used in Skype

Skype operates as a multi-platform VoIP application which allows connectivity between the internet and traditional mobile networks.

It uses SIP (variation of standard TCP/IP protocols) to create and send data packets on the same network you use for email and web surfing.

This allows for the transmission of newer communication forms such as texts, live videos and stereo sound. Frontend Backend Business Growth of Skype

In Yr 2010 About 170 million people log in to Skype's services every month, though not all of them make calls. Impacts on ISPs and Telcos

With the introduction of 3G networks, Skype is increasing being supported by various different , therefore replacing the need for traditional mobile phone lines, as individuals, many communicate directly through Skype instead. Telcos and ISPs now need to adapt their business strategies.

Telcos ● Reduction in revenue gained through providing fixed-line services. – May need to concentrate on mobile services. ● Have to explore new ways to make mobile services more attractive to make up for loss of fixed-line revenue. Impacts on ISPs and Telcos

ISPs ● New opportunities will be opened up. ● Providing support for VoIP via 3G and WiMAX require additional costs but may reap increased benefits by attracting more customers. ● ISPs will need to consider popularity of VoIP before committing. ● Significant increase of VoIP users may cause difference in bandwidth usage as opposed to current trends. References

1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype

2) http://techland.time.com/2011/05/10/a-brief-history-of-skype/

3) http://www.buzzfeed.com/donnad/microsoft-buys-skype-for-85-billion

4) http://www.google.com.sg/search?q=pictures

5) http://www.m-indya.com/shownews.php?newsid=2150

6) http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/technology-explained-how-does-skype-work/