This article from Reuters really makes me laugh. In particular:
Adding voice-calling and text messaging to the traditional e-mail-based
interactions between auction participants was a prime motivation
offered by eBay officials when it acquired Skype last October in a deal
worth up to $4.2 billion.
“Prime motivation” ?? Hey, let’s come back to reality. If that had been the prime motivation, that means that eBay managers have all gone crazy. I can understand and justify the other two reasons they mentioned last September after the acquisition, that are pushing ebay in countries where Skype is much strong and getting a benefit in terms of business from the overall Skype community. But not the first one.
Anyway, I don’t want to bother you again with this kind of discussion, you can find million of debates on this item all over the internet. What is true is that they could have used thousand of platform/services like Skype to perform that capability, as VOW as well (and for free), without the need of being a Skype user. And, with something like the relevant engine provided by Iotum, sellers might manage their availability and receive calls to the more convenient device for them. What about this last option as a new auction option that ebay can sell to their users ?
Conclusions: I go on thinking that the eBay-Skype deal has been the craziest deal after the late 90s new economy’s bubble. And I’m happy to see that I’m not the only skeptical here.
Technorati Tags: luca filigheddu, skype, ebay, iotum, vow, abbeyphone
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