Shock threat to shut Skype

By dvb2000
in Back Page News

 Share

Recommended Posts

Mentor

dvb2000

Posted
Posted

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/biz-tech/...90731-e3qe.html

eBay says it may have to shut down Skype due to a licensing dispute with the founders of the internet telephony service.

The surprise admission puts a cloud over the 40 million active daily users around the world who use Skype for business or to keep in touch with friends and far-flung relatives.

A recent study by market researcher TeleGeography found Skype carried about 8 per cent of all international voice traffic, making it the world?s largest provider of cross-border voice communications.

The online auction powerhouse bought Skype from entrepreneurs Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis for $US2.6 billion in 2005, but this did not include a core piece of peer-to-peer communications technology that powers the software.

eBay has since been licensing the technology from the founders? new company, Joltid, but the pair recently decided to revoke the licensing agreement.

The matter is now the subject of a legal battle in the English High Court of Justice, with eBay trying to force Joltid to let it continue using the technology.

In a quarterly report filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, eBay said in no uncertain terms that if it lost the right to use the software it would most likely have to shut Skype down.

eBay said it was working on developing ??alternative software?? to that licensed through Joltid, but this ??may not be successful, may result in loss of functionality or customers even if successful, and will in any event be expensive??.

??If Skype was to lose the right to use the Joltid software as the result of the litigation, and if alternative software was not available, Skype would be severely and adversely affected and the continued operation of Skype?s business as currently conducted would likely not be possible,?? eBay wrote.

In the filing eBay also said that, even if it was successful in developing alternative software, the technical challenge of assuring backward compatibility with older versions of Skype?s technology ??may be difficult to overcome??.

This was echoed by analysts, with the Info-Tech Research Group?s Jayanth Angl telling Bloomberg that ??it would be quite difficult to replace what they already have as the underlying component to their service??.

??There are a number of barriers to that, not the least of which are legal barriers,? he said.

The case is set to go to trial in June next year, which could seriously hinder eBay?s plans to spin Skype off as a separate company in a public stock offering next year.

Already, eBay has had to write down Skype on its books to $US1.7 billion, an admission that the business is not worth nearly as much as it originally paid for it. However, its revenues for the second quarter grew 25 per cent to $US170 million.

But, even though Skype has not been a major financial success, it has succeeded in becoming the dominant internet telephony service globally.

Skype has more than 480 million user accounts - almost twice as many as Facebook - and the application comes bundled with more than 50 mobile phones and even the Sony PSP.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/804722-shock-threat-to-shut-skype/
Share on other sites
Grand Master

+Ryster Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted
This is great news! eBay really deserve whatever they get for constantly raising their fees. It's not like they're short of money. :crazy:

It's not like they're a business out to make money or anything like that. /sarcasm

The only way to tell a company that their prices are too high is to stop buying their products. As long as you continue to pay those high fees, they'll continue charging them.

Grand Master

Comic Book Guy

Posted
Posted
Crickey! Skype shutdown would be a major problem for me and my contacts...

See the post above yours, there are two alternatives, Gizmo5 is more Skype-like, but VoxOx is the new app on the block and gets my vote.

Mentor

Inklin

Posted
Posted

They can't just shut down skype, there would be massive outcry on all corners of the globe and I suppose there will be a lot of unhappy companies... I was thinking of changing my phone to 3 UK for the free skype abilities but this has put me off until I know skype is safe!

Grand Master

Chicane-UK Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted
See the post above yours, there are two alternatives, Gizmo5 is more Skype-like, but VoxOx is the new app on the block and gets my vote.

New offerings are all well and good but there are a LOT of services now dependent on Skype. There are are countless devices made and sold specifically to work with Skype - even the mobile network "3" here in the UK market a phone which is exclusively a Skype mobile phone.

Add into that the companies who depend on Skype for business, and have Skype-in numbers, etc - it does add up to make a headache that a lot of companies who sell products based on Skype and companies / people who use Skype could really do without! :(

It's an unacceptable situation frankly.

Enthusiast

Futurix

Posted
Posted
See the post above yours, there are two alternatives, Gizmo5 is more Skype-like, but VoxOx is the new app on the block and gets my vote.

It will take a lot of time for all my contacts (including my non-techy parents) to switch to something else...

And VoxOx is too US-oriented. Not sure about Gizmo5, cannot find anything about UK in numbers on their website.

Grand Master

Comic Book Guy

Posted
Posted
It will take a lot of time for all my contacts (including my non-techy parents) to switch to something else...

And VoxOx is too US-oriented. Not sure about Gizmo5, cannot find anything about UK in numbers on their website.

VoxOx is not US oriented, I am in Canada, signed up no problem, why because it does international.

Grand Master

BajiRav

Posted
Posted
Well quite, if Skype wasn't closed source, you don't get issues regarding licensing happening. Hopefully if eBay decide to re-release Skype without the licensed part, they decide to open-source Skype to protect it in the future.

Open source doesn't magically avoid licensing issues.

Grand Master

Vykranth

Posted
Posted

The whole story is probably the tip of the iceberg shadowing some backstage negociations for a renewal of license between Skype and Joltid. EBay is trying to make Joltid the bad guys which cling to their patents and licenses.

A beautiful example of modern greed and gullibility.

Grand Master

+M2Ys4U Subscriber¹

Posted
  • Subscriber¹
Posted
New offerings are all well and good but there are a LOT of services now dependent on Skype. There are are countless devices made and sold specifically to work with Skype - even the mobile network "3" here in the UK market a phone which is exclusively a Skype mobile phone.

Add into that the companies who depend on Skype for business, and have Skype-in numbers, etc - it does add up to make a headache that a lot of companies who sell products based on Skype and companies / people who use Skype could really do without! :(

It's an unacceptable situation frankly.

Quite frankly, it's their own fault for depending on a service not under their control. I think a similar thing could happen with Twitter, were it ever to shut down suddenly.

I put the blame for the entire problem, however, squarely on eBay on this one.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC 2026.001.21677

      By Copernic · Posted

      Adobe Acrobat Reader DC 2026.001.21677 by Razvan Serea Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software is the free, trusted standard for viewing, printing, signing, and annotating PDFs. Its the only PDF viewer that can open and interact with all types of PDF content – including forms and multimedia. It’s connected to Adobe Document Cloud – so you can work with PDFs on computers and mobile devices. Adobe Document Cloud is a revolutionary, modern and efficient way to get work done with documents in the office, at home or on-the-go. At the heart of Document Cloud is the all-new Adobe Acrobat DC, which will take e-signatures mainstream by delivering free e-signing with every individual subscription. Document Cloud includes a set of integrated services that use a consistent online profile and personal document hub. With Adobe Document Cloud, people will be able to create, review, approve, sign and track documents whether on a desktop or mobile device. Businesses will be able to take advantage of Document Cloud for enterprise which provides enterprise-class document services that integrate into systems of record such as CRM, HCM, CLM, and CMS, adding speed, efficiency and transparency to getting business done with documents. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC new feature highlights: Work with PDFs from anywhere with the new, free Acrobat DC mobile app for Android or iOS. Select functionality is also available on Windows Phone. Use the new Fill & Sign tool in your desktop software to complete PDF forms fast with smart autofill. Download the free Adobe Fill & Sign mobile app to add the same option to your iPad or Android tablet device. Save money on ink and toner when printing from your Windows PC. Store and access files in Adobe Document Cloud with 5GB of free storage. Get instant access to recent files across desktop, web, and mobile devices with Mobile Link. Sync your Fill & Sign autofill collection across desktop, web, and iPad devices. Adobe PDF Pack premium features includes: Convert documents and images to PDF files. Use your mobile device camera to take a picture of a paper document or form and convert it to PDF. Turn PDFs into editable Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or RTF files. Combine multiple files into a single PDF (web only). Get signatures from others with a complete e-signature service. Send, track, and confirm delivery of documents electronically instead of using fax or overnight services (tracking not available on mobile). Store and access files online with 20GB of storage. Download: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC 64-bit | 719.0 MB (Freeware) Link: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Home Page | Release Notes | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • This is how much iPhone 18 Pro could cost after Apple's price hike confirmed

      By Dutchie64 · Posted

      Everybody will complain, but probably will sell like hotcakes......
    • HONOR launches the HONOR Watch 6 along with early bird discounts and gifts

      By Steven P. · Posted

      HONOR launches the HONOR Watch 6 along with early bird discounts and gifts by Steven Parker Global leading AI device ecosystem company HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR Watch 6. Engineered to unlock your healthiest potential, HONOR Watch 6 is a cutting-edge smartwatch that flawlessly integrates a light and elegant design with professional sports modes and continuous health tracking powered by the latest HONOR AI capability, catering to those who pursue optimal fitness, sports performance, and holistic health. The HONOR Watch 6 is designed to provide professional-grade workout supports and beyond. Featuring a striking Racing Dashboard Design, The HONOR Watch 6 seamlessly draws inspiration from high-performance air intakes to create a visually dynamic and hardcore technological look. Constructed from recyclable aluminum alloy, this device weighs as little as 41 grams​, achieving exceptional lightness and outstanding durability, making it a reliable companion for active everyday wear. The exterior of the smartwatch is accentuated by precision-crafted beveled edges, enhancing its overall three-dimensional visual effect and perfectly blending ultimate hardcore performance with cutting-edge trend expression. Furthermore, the watch's meticulously polished body undergoes an exquisite and delicate sandblasting process, delivering a luxurious texture comparable to titanium alloy and exuding a highly premium tactile experience. Embracing this bold technological aesthetic, the smartwatch caters to modern sensibilities, offering a flawless blend of high-performance design and premium craftsmanship for discerning users. Equipped with an impressive 120+ sports modes, the new smartwatch offers exceptionally comprehensive tracking that truly stands out by bringing professional-grade analysis right to the wrist. Highlighting this elite capability are specialised sports mode for activities like Trail Running, Badminton, and Football. The Trail Running experience places a special focus on outdoor performance, empowering runners with an AI running coach, detailed climbing and distance metrics, and intelligent route deviation alerts, all tracked precisely by the AccuTrack system dual-band six-star GPS. To ensure flawless operation in any environment, the display features advanced water-touch control, guaranteeing the screen reacts perfectly even with wet hands or during rainy scenarios. For court and field sports, the smartwatch delivers professional-level data—such as badminton smash speeds, consecutive rally tracking, and comprehensive football heat and trajectory maps—providing users with advanced insights to elevate their competitive training. Additionally, the HONOR Watch 6 features IP691 water and dust resistance and is powered by a robust 980mAh battery​, the smartwatch claims to deliver extra durability and a remarkable ultra-long battery life of up to 35 days. This exceptional endurance makes it the perfect companion for rigorous outdoor workouts and extended adventures, ensuring users stay active, fully tracked, and continuously supported without the hassle of frequent charging. The HONOR Watch 6 is designed to make advanced health tracking accessible and effortless for everyday life, seamlessly monitoring vital metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen, stress levels, and sleep cycles.​ Featuring a Quick Health Scan, users can instantly obtain a comprehensive health analysis of key indicators, offering valuable insights into their physical well-being at any time. An automatic daily report delivers a convenient summary every morning to help start the day with a clear understanding, while the all-day health tracking features continuously monitor essential indicators such as body energy, blood oxygen, and sleep cycles, promoting both physical and mental wellness. Supported by the HONOR IntelliSense system—which utilises richer, more uniform signal acquisition than traditional PPG modules—the watch ensures highly precise heart rate and blood flow tracking. Elevating everyday convenience, the new smartwatch features an ultra-bright display reaching 3,000 nits of peak brightness for crystal-clear visibility in direct sunlight. Adding a dynamic level of customisation, the innovative Video Watch Face allows users to set live photos or short videos under 10 seconds as highly personalised, moving backgrounds. Built for maximum efficiency, the device supports dual-phone pairing to centralise notifications from two smartphones, alongside a built-in AI Recorder that automatically generates smart voice notes and summaries for life on the go. Hands-free control is made effortless through intuitive wrist-twist gestures, letting users silence alarms, manage calls, and skip songs without touching the screen. Rounding out the smart experience, advanced NFC integration supports Mastercard and Visa​5, enabling seamless daily payments without the hassle of pre-loading funds. Pricing and Availability The HONOR Watch 6 will be available in Twilight Brown and Shadow Black to suit diverse tastes. Starting from June 18th 2026 customers can purchase the HONOR Watch from £169.99. For more information on availability and purchasing options, please visit the HONOR online store at www.honor.com/uk/. For the first month on-sale, HONOR is offering an early bird discount of £80 in addition to a gift with purchase of HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip, priced in the UK at £59.99. Look out for our review of it, coming in early July.
    • Microsoft will finally let you sign in to Edge with a Google account

      By leonsk29 · Posted

      Yes, you can, if you know how.
    • My favorite file manager for Windows 11 finally gets a long-requested feature

      By WndSks · Posted

      Your favorite clickbait gets a clickbait feature? Shame on you!

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Classifyskilleducation earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      eurospharma62 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      With What earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      Harris Gilbert earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Vincian earned a badge
      One Month Later

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      546
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      172
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      80
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      64
    5. 5
      neufuse
      64
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!